BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-05-2020, 02:16 PM   #1
Thunderguts
Captain
Thunderguts's Avatar
772
Rep
992
Posts

Drives: 2009 128i Sport MT
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: DFW

iTrader: (0)

How difficult is rear subframe removal?

I'm looking for a no BS assessment, I hope by someone who has removed one. I want to replace my rear bushings with M3 bushings, not inserts, so the entire rear subframe needs to come out. On the plus side, my car has only been in OK and TX so rust is not an issue.

I basically know what needs to happen, but there are always snags with a job like this. We just replaced my son-in-law's clutch in a Honda Civic on jack stands and that required removing a front subframe and dropping the entire transmission. That was a PITA, but it didn't kill us. a BMW rear subframe can't be nearly that bad, or can it?
Appreciate 0
      02-05-2020, 03:13 PM   #2
BronkaidBrah
Private
BronkaidBrah's Avatar
130
Rep
82
Posts

Drives: 2010 LMB 135i
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Elizabeth NJ

iTrader: (0)

Check out Jake Spence on YouTube . His last video was a complete suspension overhaul including the rear subframe drop. If anything it gave me a bit more confidence for when I finally get around to installing my solid aluminum bushings I’ve had sitting around for a few months.
Appreciate 0
      02-06-2020, 11:28 AM   #3
Dmak
Second Lieutenant
Canada
67
Rep
252
Posts

Drives: 09 135
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Edmonton alberta

iTrader: (1)

I just did my rsfb this winter. Look at a few posts down here.
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1670897

All depend if you have all the tools you need. I would say its nothing difficult for me other than the seized brake pipe flare nuts(which you wont have problem with), and getting the right tool to fit and remove the old bushings.
I did not need to push bushings back in since i installed whiteline 2 piece bushings. I also did not completely remove the subframe at any point, that is because i dont want to deal with removing/installing/compressing the rear springs, so i always have 2 subframe bolts threaded a few turns in.
Did the rear sets first(which was super easy) then the front sets. Brake lines between body and subframe MUST be disconnect, its not possible to get enough space to do front bushings without(i tried)
I also did not disconnect the drive shaft to rear diff, it was tight, but if you remove rear springs and have the rear part of subframe tilt down, you will get more space.
I m not sure how difficult to do it on jack stands. Second sets of hands help a lot. I did mine all by myself tho.

Hopes that help
Appreciate 0
      02-06-2020, 03:21 PM   #4
dtla1
Colonel
dtla1's Avatar
826
Rep
2,232
Posts

Drives: 2011 135i, Space Grey
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Silicon Valley

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dmak View Post
I just did my rsfb this winter. Look at a few posts down here.
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1670897

All depend if you have all the tools you need. I would say its nothing difficult for me other than the seized brake pipe flare nuts(which you wont have problem with), and getting the right tool to fit and remove the old bushings.
I did not need to push bushings back in since i installed whiteline 2 piece bushings. I also did not completely remove the subframe at any point, that is because i dont want to deal with removing/installing/compressing the rear springs, so i always have 2 subframe bolts threaded a few turns in.
Did the rear sets first(which was super easy) then the front sets. Brake lines between body and subframe MUST be disconnect, its not possible to get enough space to do front bushings without(i tried)
I also did not disconnect the drive shaft to rear diff, it was tight, but if you remove rear springs and have the rear part of subframe tilt down, you will get more space.
I m not sure how difficult to do it on jack stands. Second sets of hands help a lot. I did mine all by myself tho.

Hopes that help
I did my whiteline two piece install by myself on jack stands, without removing the brake lines. I think I might have removed the shock and maybe a control arm to allow everything to loosen up a bit more, but I don't remember now for sure. Wasn't too bad honestly.

Can't provide first hand experience on full removal for the M3 RSFB install though.
Appreciate 0
      02-08-2020, 12:16 AM   #5
fast1eddy
First Lieutenant
fast1eddy's Avatar
Canada
270
Rep
364
Posts

Drives: 2008 135i Lemans Blue
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Edmonton

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2008 135i  [0.00]
  [0.00]
I also did the 2 piece Whiteline bushing without without disconnecting the brake lines. I did the heat, socket and 2 jack method. I used a heat gun and it took some doing. If I had to do it again I'd use a propane torch. Heat is your friend getting the old bushings out.
Appreciate 1
bchalks31.50
      02-08-2020, 12:59 AM   #6
TboneS54
YNWA
TboneS54's Avatar
United_States
990
Rep
792
Posts

Drives: 2004 M3 6spd & 2011 M3 DCT
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (2)

How much are you lowering the subf still with the brake lines attached to get a good sized socket in there?

Besides exhaust, what are you disconnecting before lowering, just those little front braces to the sides?

Thanks
__________________
/// 2004 Silvergrey M3 · Coupe · 6MT · Slicktop · zero options
/// 2011 Jerez/Bamboo E90 M3 · DCT · Slicktop · IG: @na.s54
Appreciate 0
      02-08-2020, 03:42 PM   #7
Dmak
Second Lieutenant
Canada
67
Rep
252
Posts

Drives: 09 135
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Edmonton alberta

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dtla1 View Post
I did my whiteline two piece install by myself on jack stands, without removing the brake lines. I think I might have removed the shock and maybe a control arm to allow everything to loosen up a bit more, but I don't remember now for sure. Wasn't too bad honestly.

Can't provide first hand experience on full removal for the M3 RSFB install though.
I pretty much left everything attached to subframe. Maybe thats the different. The brake hoses got really tight and i didnt want to risk damaging them.
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2020, 11:00 PM   #8
chris_flies
Sideways and Smiling
chris_flies's Avatar
3027
Rep
2,860
Posts

Drives: In Exuberance
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Rosamond, CA USA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I didn't need to drop the subframe completely using the bushing tool from HPA. Drop out the bolt for the corner you're replacing, lower the rest of the bolts until there's enough room to get it out, and repeat...
__________________
2012 BMW 328i 6-Speed Wagon | Deep Sea Blue with Grey Dakota Leather | Manual Swap, 330i Intake + Tune, 3.15 Helical LSD, Öhlins R&T
(SOLD) 2009 BMW 128i 6-Speed Coupé | Monaco Blue with Black Sensatec | chris_flies' 128i thread
Appreciate 1
      02-18-2020, 10:28 AM   #9
dtla1
Colonel
dtla1's Avatar
826
Rep
2,232
Posts

Drives: 2011 135i, Space Grey
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Silicon Valley

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chris_flies View Post
I didn't need to drop the subframe completely using the bushing tool from HPA. Drop out the bolt for the corner you're replacing, lower the rest of the bolts until there's enough room to get it out, and repeat...
Was this your experience removing and installing new M3 RSFB? Hard to tell if you're talking about both, or just removal of the stock ones.
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2020, 10:57 AM   #10
chris_flies
Sideways and Smiling
chris_flies's Avatar
3027
Rep
2,860
Posts

Drives: In Exuberance
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Rosamond, CA USA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by dtla1 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by chris_flies View Post
I didn't need to drop the subframe completely using the bushing tool from HPA. Drop out the bolt for the corner you're replacing, lower the rest of the bolts until there's enough room to get it out, and repeat...
Was this your experience removing and installing new M3 RSFB? Hard to tell if you're talking about both, or just removal of the stock ones.
I didn't need to drop it to get the stock ones out, no. I did what I described with the help of HPA's tool that you can rent. I upgraded to Condor Speed Shop UHMW subframe mounts, and those were two-piece bushings which are really easy to install.
__________________
2012 BMW 328i 6-Speed Wagon | Deep Sea Blue with Grey Dakota Leather | Manual Swap, 330i Intake + Tune, 3.15 Helical LSD, Öhlins R&T
(SOLD) 2009 BMW 128i 6-Speed Coupé | Monaco Blue with Black Sensatec | chris_flies' 128i thread
Appreciate 1
dtla1826.00
      02-18-2020, 11:16 AM   #11
dtla1
Colonel
dtla1's Avatar
826
Rep
2,232
Posts

Drives: 2011 135i, Space Grey
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Silicon Valley

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chris_flies View Post
I didn't need to drop it to get the stock ones out, no. I did what I described with the help of HPA's tool that you can rent. I upgraded to Condor Speed Shop UHMW subframe mounts, and those were two-piece bushings which are really easy to install.
Got it, pretty similar to how I did mine, except I didn't use HPA's tool. Just wanted to clarify what you're able to do without dropping the subframe for OP's sake. Not sure if OP is still set on the M3 RSFB replacements or if they've been swayed to a two piece variant or maybe even the solid aluminum route from Turner, I hear solid subframe bushings don't do too much in terms of NVH, so there's that route too.
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2020, 11:23 AM   #12
chris_flies
Sideways and Smiling
chris_flies's Avatar
3027
Rep
2,860
Posts

Drives: In Exuberance
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Rosamond, CA USA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by dtla1 View Post
Got it, pretty similar to how I did mine, except I didn't use HPA's tool. Just wanted to clarify what you're able to do without dropping the subframe for OP's sake. Not sure if OP is still set on the M3 RSFB replacements or if they've been swayed to a two piece variant or maybe even the solid aluminum route from Turner, I hear solid subframe bushings don't do too much in terms of NVH, so there's that route too.
The CSS ones I have are basically solid (they're Delrin/Teflon). You can definitely feel more from the rear end, but that's a completely positive thing coming from the jello stock bushings.

Solid aluminum does need to actually be pressed in, which requires removing the subframe, which doesn't look like fun, and isn't really realistic unless you have a lift and a large transmission jack to hold the subframe securely.
__________________
2012 BMW 328i 6-Speed Wagon | Deep Sea Blue with Grey Dakota Leather | Manual Swap, 330i Intake + Tune, 3.15 Helical LSD, Öhlins R&T
(SOLD) 2009 BMW 128i 6-Speed Coupé | Monaco Blue with Black Sensatec | chris_flies' 128i thread
Appreciate 0
      03-09-2020, 05:54 AM   #13
Skers 05
Lieutenant
Skers 05's Avatar
United_States
78
Rep
584
Posts

Drives: '08 1M Clone, '11 328i, '13 X5
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ann Arbor, MI

iTrader: (10)

#1 - I removed the subframe myself with the use of a hoist. The job was pretty simple, but was time consuming. it took the better part of a whole day to complete the job. I would think the job could be completed on jack stands as well.

#2 - If you're looking for M3 subframe bushings in a 135i subframe, you might take a look at my FS posting. It may be of interest to you and ease your install time/frustration.
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1427920
Appreciate 1
lab_rat394.50
      04-09-2020, 12:35 PM   #14
Jeb_
Private First Class
59
Rep
107
Posts

Drives: 2011 128i
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: NC

iTrader: (0)

I just wrapped up installing Condor Speed Shop UHMW subframe bushings. I started by lowering all four corners so that each bolt was holding with 6-8 threads. With whichever end I was working on supported, I then removed the two bolts the rest of the way and then lowered the jack until I had enough room to work. I was able to do the front bushings and then the rear bushings without any drama this way. I'm not sure if doing it this way threw my alignment off at all. I wasn't too concerned about it because I'm also installing 135i knuckles so I'm going to need an alignment anyways.

I found a tool on ebay for like $70 specifically for removing and installing e9x/e8x subframe bushings that worked like a charm.
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2020, 01:18 PM   #15
TboneS54
YNWA
TboneS54's Avatar
United_States
990
Rep
792
Posts

Drives: 2004 M3 6spd & 2011 M3 DCT
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (2)

Great, I also just bought that tool, so glad to have a couple people report no issues thanks
__________________
/// 2004 Silvergrey M3 · Coupe · 6MT · Slicktop · zero options
/// 2011 Jerez/Bamboo E90 M3 · DCT · Slicktop · IG: @na.s54
Appreciate 1
Jeb_59.00
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:03 AM.




1addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST