[eurojulien]

I love my 2011 M-sport 335d however the back end has always felt unplanted and loose (especially going over bumps while turning at speed). I've read several threads that indicate the e90s use very weak subframe bushings which allow some dynamic alignment changes during aggressive driving.

Our diesels (and tourings) already have firmer bushings (only the rear two), probably due to the increased weight of the urea tank so this mod isn't as drastic on our cars as for our gasser brethren.

I ended up going with whiteline bushings due to cost and good reviews (they are available in black now)
*** Be careful they make an "insert kit" that won't fit our cars, be sure to get a diesel/touring insert kit if you want to go that route***
More on inserts here

This is the DIY I used
* quick note, exhaust doesn't have to be removed on the diesel, just unscrew the two rear brackets)
* Also, be careful with the brake lines on the driver's side front of the subframe, keep a bolt or jack in that area so the lines are NOT holding the weight of the subframe

I ended up making my own, cheaper tool (that Water pump socket he uses is $40!) from lowes.

-1/2" threaded rod
-2 nuts (part 310724 at lowes)
-3 washers (part 368753 at lowes)
-3" PVC pipe cap


To make my tool work you have to (once subframe is lowered):
1. Pry back the edge of the bushing with a flathead and a hammer
2. Install tool (find appropriate sized washer for the top, I happened to have bought this kit on amazon, which worked OK - beefcake washers would have worked better)
3. Crank down until it gets pretty tough
4. Apply heat (careful not to melt the PVC)
5. repeat steps 3 & 4
6. Once bushing bottoms out in the tool, remove tool, add a spacer between body of the car and the old bushing (to effectively press it out) and jack the subframe back up with jack
7. Apply a little heat and voila, she's out.

Do note there is a tool available to rent but it requires to disconnect the brake lines as the subframe has to go lower and you pay shipping both ways from cali.

I'd wear eye protection too.

Anyways, for ~$200 this was a great mod, makes my front end feel loose now (thrust rod bushings JUST replaced by dealer 2 weeks ago).
Fronts getting replaced soon with poly.




NVH is definitely increased, but so far nothing bad, feels like I just installed stiffer suspension in the back. Keep in mind some M3s and new F30s have the subframe bolted directly to the body

I'll report after I do my morning commute a few times (involves a few great turns (i277) and some crappy roads (wilkinson blvd))


Hope this helps, feel free to ask me any questions.

[DieselRacer]

I heard the M3 subframe bushings are the best but I think they are pricey, and it takes a while to put them on...

[GreekboyD]

Originally Posted by DieselRacer

I heard the M3 subframe bushings are the best but I think they are pricey, and it takes a while to put them on...

I have them on, 4 bushings in total. 2 front and 2 rear sitting bushings.

Subframe has to come down so there is some time in that.

Some guys run the Powerflex ones too:


Link

http://www.ecstuning.com/News/BMW_E9...013/ES2650271/

[DieselRacer]

Originally Posted by GreekboyD

I have them on, 4 bushings in total. Subframe has to come down so there is some time in that.

How is the before and after, is it a must mod, I can do it, do I want to, if it really really makes a difference, if its as good as a JDB mod its well worth it...should I??? is it a night a day difference, could you tell driving one car with it and one without if you didn't know their was a difference in bushings...if mine are cracked or bad I would replace with M3..

[GreekboyD]

Originally Posted by DieselRacer

How is the before and after, is it a must mod, I can do it, do I want to, if it really really makes a difference, if its as good as a JDB mod its well worth it...should I??? is it a night a day difference, could you tell driving one car with it and one without if you didn't know their was a difference in bushings...if mine are cracked or bad I would replace with M3..

I swapped out everything at one time so I can't speak about these by themselves. Search out topics where guys changed these alone and they swear it makes a difference.

[DieselRacer]

Seems pricey...

[GreekboyD]

Originally Posted by DieselRacer

Seems pricey...

You know the old adage..."gotta pay to play."

A local guy has them new for sale:

Link

[DieselRacer]

Originally Posted by GreekboyD

You know the old adage..."gotta pay to play."

A local guy has them new for sale:

Link

Good find, I did my front sway if and when I do the rear I might try the Bushings...

[eurojulien]

Originally Posted by DieselRacer

How is the before and after, is it a must mod, I can do it, do I want to, if it really really makes a difference, if its as good as a JDB mod its well worth it...should I??? is it a night a day difference, could you tell driving one car with it and one without if you didn't know their was a difference in bushings...if mine are cracked or bad I would replace with M3..

I'd say do it if you are handy with tools. It's a bit of a PITA but nothing bad. Powerflex does make diesel specific inserts that would make this mod a 1 hour job:
http://powerflexusa.com/bmwe90e91e92...-pfr5-423.aspx
and
http://powerflexusa.com/bmwe90e91e92...-pfr5-419.aspx

but the total price is = to a whole kit from whiteline (an australian company). Since labor was free I decided to do the whole kit.

I'm sure m3 units are great, but I don't think you can install them in the car (as they have to be pressed in).. but maybe?

[DieselRacer]

Originally Posted by eurojulien

I'd say do it if you are handy with tools. It's a bit of a PITA but nothing bad. Powerflex does make diesel specific inserts that would make this mod a 1 hour job:
http://powerflexusa.com/bmwe90e91e92...-pfr5-423.aspx
and
http://powerflexusa.com/bmwe90e91e92...-pfr5-419.aspx

but the total price is = to a whole kit from whiteline (an australian company). Since labor was free I decided to do the whole kit.

I'm sure m3 units are great, but I don't think you can install them in the car (as they have to be pressed in).. but maybe?

They have a tool for that, I can make the tool...

[austinla335d]

Originally Posted by DieselRacer

I heard the M3 subframe bushings are the best but I think they are pricey, and it takes a while to put them on...

I have the m3 rear subframe bushings and the m3 control arms etc up front combined with BMW performance suspension for the D.

Combined with 19x9/19x10 m359 wheels and Michelin's PSS tires, my car doesn't feel far off from the e90 M3 in "feel", but it doesn't handle as well of course.

The mods above are my favorite. Fast or slow you enjoy the tight and direct feel.

[eurojulien]

Originally Posted by austinla335d

I have the m3 rear subframe bushings and the m3 control arms etc up front combined with BMW performance suspension for the D.

Combined with 19x9/19x10 m359 wheels and Michelin's PSS tires, my car doesn't feel far off from the e90 M3 in "feel", but it doesn't handle as well of course.

The mods above are my favorite. Fast or slow you enjoy the tight and direct feel.

Agreed. I'm moving to Conti DW or Michelin PSS when these runflats wear out. can you believe the rear michelin runflats are close to 30 pounds a piece! Similar Conti's are 24#. Pair that with some OZ ultraleggeras and you are down 12 lbs in the rear and 6 lbs up front (per side).

Also, I'm eyeballing the Bilstein PSS kit or KONI SA once my dampers go south (probably around 90k miles)

[DieselRacer]

Originally Posted by eurojulien

Agreed. I'm moving to Conti DW or Michelin PSS when these runflats wear out. can you believe the rear michelin runflats are close to 30 pounds a piece! Similar Conti's are 24#. Pair that with some OZ ultraleggeras and you are down 12 lbs in the rear and 6 lbs up front (per side).

Also, I'm eyeballing the Bilstein PSS kit or KONI SA once my dampers go south (probably around 90k miles)

Apex wheels are 18 pds each, I saved 28pds when I switched rims alone, then I added aluminum H&R coilovers, which saved another 10 pds, 40 pds is pretty good on suspension parts alone...

[eurojulien]

apex arc-8s and H&R coilovers sound familiar

[DieselRacer]

Yes sir...

[austinla335d]

Originally Posted by DieselRacer

How is the before and after, is it a must mod, I can do it, do I want to, if it really really makes a difference, if its as good as a JDB mod its well worth it...should I??? is it a night a day difference, could you tell driving one car with it and one without if you didn't know their was a difference in bushings...if mine are cracked or bad I would replace with M3..

I did the front M3 components and rear subframe bushings all at the same time. But with that in mind, it wasn't terribly noticeable, but became more or less apparent as I drove over familiar roads. When you hit bumps, especially in a turn, it doesn't have that second subtle bounce to settle itself. It's just instantly settled. That feeling under acceleration or in a turn is multiplied.

If you have other mods done, and have money to spare... Go for it. My setup was $1280 installed, which is basically $450 for labor, but labor took 9 hours, and included a "free" alignment with 6 month guarantee plus a rental car for two days... Offset Motorwerks in LA is a great place!

Anyhow, if you haven't done it and you ride in or drive an M3 (or equipped 3'er) you'll want it. But it won't blow your mind. Not at all.

[DieselRacer]

Originally Posted by austinla335d

I did the front M3 components and rear subframe bushings all at the same time. But with that in mind, it wasn't terribly noticeable, but became more or less apparent as I drove over familiar roads. When you hit bumps, especially in a turn, it doesn't have that second subtle bounce to settle itself. It's just instantly settled. That feeling under acceleration or in a turn is multiplied.

If you have other mods done, and have money to spare... Go for it. My setup was $1280 installed, which is basically $450 for labor, but labor took 9 hours, and included a "free" alignment with 6 month guarantee plus a rental car for two days... Offset Motorwerks in LA is a great place!

Anyhow, if you haven't done it and you ride in or drive an M3 (or equipped 3'er) you'll want it. But it won't blow your mind. Not at all.

Great review, thanks...

[eurojulien]

about a week in.... and I still love them

[austinla335d]

Originally Posted by eurojulien

about a week in.... and I still love them

If you find the time, and money I guess, get the M3 front suspension items installed.

I'm not sure what your setup is but the steering feel is as good if not better than the rear subframe bushings.

[eurojulien]

Originally Posted by austinla335d

If you find the time, and money I guess, get the M3 front suspension items installed.

I'm not sure what your setup is but the steering feel is as good if not better than the rear subframe bushings.

I was trying to get them installed before leaving for the summer so I had them ship 2 day air.. but they shipped them ground. womp womp I guess i'll install them in OCT. The rubbery steering feel is annoying me.

[rogerdiaz]

Congrats! Do you need an alignment after getting this done? I'll pay you do to do mine.

[eurojulien]

Originally Posted by rogerdiaz

Congrats! Do you need an alignment after getting this done? I'll pay you do to do mine.

You do not for the rears, you might for the front.