rear subframe bushing removal tool or repair shop

[One28i]

Hello,

new to the 1 series community, a former E39 owner. So have had the car for 6 months, and did quite of research on the issues with the chassis car. I have 2012 128i with only the M sport option, no nav, no power seats, and no sunroof. I picked up dinan camber plates and whiteline poly rear subframe bushings, not the inserts.

So I want to try to do this myself, as I typically do most repairs except tires to rim or alignment, but was wondering if someone has the bushing removal tool, or would allow me to rent it?

or if some knows have a shop that has done this before, is reasonable in the GTA, would appreciate any insight. I was quoted $600 from an indy shop, and dealer was 10 hrs @ $160 shop rate.

With these bushing, one does not need to remove the entire subframe, but just lower it, as they are cut in half.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. thank you in advance for reading and your potential input.

Que

[beerguy]

This was my strategy:

Heat guns come on sale at canadian tire for like $25 all the time.

[mrexcuse]

It is very do able on your own - took me and a few buddies 8 hours or so taking our time and using hand tools.

I made my own puller tool - which i think is either in KW or with a buddy of mine - but the threads on it are a little worn out.

I put in the m3 bushings and just dropped the rear subframe. I did not need to remove it. Two jacks helps a lot. One on the bottom to hold the subframe and a smaller one to tilt the subframe to access it.

Based on the time it takes 600 at an indy shop is quite reasonable. Can you share the name of the shop?

Send me a PM if you have any other questions. If i can find the photos I can upload them here.

[mrexcuse]

Some photos from the procedure are attached.

[One28i]

Thanks Guys,
Finally got to the RSFB this weekend. took your advice, made a tool, and 10 hrs later, the bushing are in. I can feel a lot more thru the body with the polys, but in a good way, the elastic feel is gone. just drove a little today, but will learn more with time.

[mrexcuse]

Great and congratulations!

I really noticed the difference on high speed ramps and corners with uneven surfaces. IE. 427 Southbound onto the Gardiner is a really good ramp to try out.

[GoodMoodley]

Quick question. I have a new set of M3 bushings. I have set of bearing/hub pullers with many sizes so hopefully that takes care of the tool part. However it appears that there are recesses in the bushings in a square shape. Do the bushings need to be oriented properly or does it not matter?

[mrexcuse]

Not sure if the bearing or hub pullers will work. See the tool pictures above for what is required. If they look similar should be ok.

Old bushing come out from the bottom. M3 bushings need to be installed from the top so make sure you leave enough space. I don’t believe the square shape made a difference. When you pull the old ones out you will see that it did not really matter.