[chris82]

Originally Posted by Phil325i

A question for those of you who've changed your E9X subframe bushes to M3. I get the improvement to the handling, but what I want to know is an honest opinion on the effects on NVH and ride quality. Preferably from someone who's only changed the subs, and not most of the entire suspension! Thanks guys.

I added my coilovers first, and had it like that for 6 months. THEN I added the M3 subframe bushings. The difference is substantial. Not only do you feel it in the suspension, but in the shifting and acceleration as well which is much smoother. I can't tell of any increase in NVH, however, you do get some much needed feedback from the rear of the car. You feel the bumps you're going over more, which is a plus, and it's how the car should have come from the factory. It's not any more uncomfortable, just some more feedback

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by ksalih

Why not try solid delrin as opposed to solid aluminum?

From what I understand derlin act the same as aluminum but some of the guys have had failures. You would choose derlin for autocross events that aluminum is illegal but if your not restricted by that aluminum would be a better choice.

[justpete]

Originally Posted by ksalih

Why not try solid delrin as opposed to solid aluminum?

Turner Delrin bushings are solid aluminum where the bolt goes through so it's a solid connection. But the core of aluminum is surrounded with a ring of Delrin that the subframe is held in place with. There's no more deflection than with solid aluminum, at least negligibly more anyway.

[justpete]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

From what I understand derlin act the same as aluminum but some of the guys have had failures. You would choose derlin for autocross events that aluminum is illegal but if your not restricted by that aluminum would be a better choice.

Yeah, same goes for SCCA rules.

[ksalih]

Originally Posted by mmmnot

Bingo on the install. It's a PITA, but I'm a noob and mechanical idiot.

If you're going to do the sub, I'd suggest do the diff as well and get it all on lock down.

I state again, you will hear a 'whine' but it's actually pretty cool. I enjoy it and in conjunction with any catless exhaust - it just sounds cool. I don't know how to explain it. It's almost like I feel more connected to the car in a way and often will drive with the radio off.

I'm with you, M3's ive ridden in seem very soft and more towards enjoyable comfy driving rather than more aggressive responsive.

I literally feel any pebble on the road, hell, when I drive over painted arrows now I can feel it in the rear end. It might drive some crazy, but I just like the driver feedback and responsiveness. If you do this, PLEASE follow up, would love to hear your thoughts and impression.

Not to thread jack, sorry OP, but I just purchased the solid aluminum rear subframe bushings. I will most likely install at the same time I have my Swift Spec R springs/Koni yellows installed. Unfortunately I will not be able to differentiate which modification contributed to what but I will be sure to report back my likings!

[ksalih]

Reviving this thread to give my impressions of the solid aluminum rear subframe bushings, as promised. First off, the install was one of the largest PITA installs for my mechanic. He has worked on some crazy $#&% in his lifetime, none of which were on the difficulty level of installing solid aluminum bushings into my subframe. In short, the bushings made quite a noticeable difference when jolting the car from side to side, or when making a long sweeping turn at over 85mph on an uneven road. The rear end is much much much more planted in everyway. The rest of my suspension is oem. The difference in just everyday driving is noticeable but not to the degree as seen when the car is pushed. I also want to add that the nvh added to the car is non-existent. I would recommend these bushings over the m3 bushings any day of the week if you are willing to put up with the install costs.

[SeanS54]

No increase in NVH even with coilovers. Out of all the mods I've done, the two I highly recommend are upgraded subframe bushings and an LSD.

The one and only con is the installation cost/difficulty.

[Fundguy1]

Hearing all this, wanting my rear as planted as possible, knowing the new M4 has solid aluminum, and people saying there's no NVH, I'm leaning solid aluminum vs Black bushings now.

[soldado331]

Originally Posted by ksalih

Reviving this thread to give my impressions of the solid aluminum rear subframe bushings, as promised. First off, the install was one of the largest PITA installs for my mechanic. He has worked on some crazy $#&% in his lifetime, none of which were on the difficulty level of installing solid aluminum bushings into my subframe. In short, the bushings made quite a noticeable difference when jolting the car from side to side, or when making a long sweeping turn at over 85mph on an uneven road. The rear end is much much much more planted in everyway. The rest of my suspension is oem. The difference in just everyday driving is noticeable but not to the degree as seen when the car is pushed. I also want to add that the nvh added to the car is non-existent. I would recommend these bushings over the m3 bushings any day of the week if you are willing to put up with the install costs.

Thanks for the review. My mechanic is telling me it will be a difficult job too and I'm going to see him later today to talk about labor estimate. Would you share how much you paid for labor?

[Fundguy1]

Yeah. My guys say they've never done solid aluminum bushings and we're guessing 8-10 hours. That's like $1,500 with cost of the bushings. Grrrrrr

[ksalih]

Originally Posted by soldado331

Thanks for the review. My mechanic is telling me it will be a difficult job too and I'm going to see him later today to talk about labor estimate. Would you share how much you paid for labor?

He charged me $450 (~$85/hr @ ~5 hrs), which is a discounted rate than what most places will charge. It's the dropping of the subframe that is more of the issue, the bushings install should be straight forward with a shop press.

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by ksalih

He charged me $450 (~$85/hr @ ~5 hrs), which is a discounted rate than what most places will charge. It's the dropping of the subframe that is more of the issue, the bushings install should be straight forward with a shop press.

Where's your guy lol. My guys said the didn't know. They hadn't done them on a e9x so it was a high side guesstimate. If 5 is right, with parts that's about $1,000. Much more doable.

[ksalih]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

Where's your guy lol. My guys said the didn't know. They hadn't done them on a e9x so it was a high side guesstimate. If 5 is right, with parts that's about $1,000. Much more doable.

He's in Arizona ha. Try to find an independent shop that has works on setups for the track; solid bushings are typically a track type upgrade. They should know the process of getting solid bushings into what-not with the use of a shop press. Again, it shouldn't matter that the bushings are solid (most shops have a press), it's the fact that the subframe needs to be dropped that contributes to the PITA portion of the install.