[ksalih]

I've noticed that not many have installed the solid aluminum rear subframe bushings from Turner on their e9x's. Majority of the e9x population goes with the m3 subframe bushings, if at all. First and foremost, I will argue that the 335i suspension (rear portions) are down right terrible. I never realized this until I autocrossed my 335i and tracked it, several times. The rear end is so unplanted over 75mph and in my opinion is unsafe at those speeds to say the least. Done with my 335i-oem-rear-suspension-is-%$*& rant.

After much research of the limited reviews of these bushings, I decided to pull the trigger especially considering the price point ($299) and that most say the added nvh is minimal at most. I won't go into detail, but the install was one of the biggest PITA installs for my mechanic. It's doable, but I do not believe he was expecting such an interference fit between the bushings and the subframe itself.

Now onto my impressions - the difference when jolting the car left and right is considerably noticeable to say the least. The rear no longer comes back in line half a second later; the rear of the car is now very very very planted and compliant. I want to add that the remainder of my suspension is oem 335i sport suspension. The rear end no longer trails off on it's own path when taking a long turn at high speeds. The rear end of the car no longer moves side to side after hitting a speed bump at low speeds. My traction control light is only triggered when it SHOULD be triggered now. There is no traction control assist because the rear end is swaying back and forth uncontrollably, instead it is triggered because I have punched it in 1st or 2nd (as it should!!).

In conclusion - I highly recommend these bushings, or any rear subframe bushings for the e9x platform for that matter. If you have access to the tools necessary to install solid bushings, at their pricepoint, I HIGHLY recommend these over the m3 ones. If anything is to be taken out of this thread, it is this: the added NVH is absolutely nonexistent.

I hope this simple review helps others pull the trigger with this very necessary mod!

[chris82]

Originally Posted by ksalih

I've noticed that not many have installed the solid aluminum rear subframe bushings from Turner on their e9x's. Majority of the e9x population goes with the m3 subframe bushings, if at all. First and foremost, I will argue that the 335i suspension (rear portions) are down right terrible. I never realized this until I autocrossed my 335i and tracked it, several times. The rear end is so unplanted over 75mph and in my opinion is unsafe at those speeds to say the least. Done with my 335i-oem-rear-suspension-is-%$*& rant.

After much research of the limited reviews of these bushings, I decided to pull the trigger especially considering the price point ($299) and that most say the added nvh is minimal at most. I won't go into detail, but the install was one of the biggest PITA installs for my mechanic. It's doable, but I do not believe he was expecting such an interference fit between the bushings and the subframe itself.

Now onto my impressions - the difference when jolting the car left and right is considerably noticeable to say the least. The rear no longer comes back in line half a second later; the rear of the car is now very very very planted and compliant. I want to add that the remainder of my suspension is oem 335i sport suspension. The rear end no longer trails off on it's own path when taking a long turn at high speeds. The rear end of the car no longer moves side to side after hitting a speed bump at low speeds. My traction control light is only triggered when it SHOULD be triggered now. There is no traction control assist because the rear end is swaying back and forth uncontrollably, instead it is triggered because I have punched it in 1st or 2nd (as it should!!).

In conclusion - I highly recommend these bushings, or any rear subframe bushings for the e9x platform for that matter. If you have access to the tools necessary to install solid bushings, at their pricepoint, I HIGHLY recommend these over the m3 ones. If anything is to be taken out of this thread, it is this: the added NVH is absolutely nonexistent.

I hope this simple review helps others pull the trigger with this very necessary mod!

Awesome, I had the M3 ones put in a month ago. I can't believe the difference they made. Nearly every aspect of the car improved. I thought about the aluminum, but decided against it. I think the rubber M3 parts are plenty for my light weight and torque lacking 128i

[Griff500]

Thanks for the review, I'm really pleased with your experience.

I have a 1M complete rear assembly ready to go in to my 135i. I've installed the Turner solid aluminium bushes ready (yes it was a bloody pig!).

Can't wait to get these mods on the car next month!

[andrey_gta]

Thank you for the update. Clearly this isnt a DIY friendly bushing

[Sidewinderpb]

Thanks for the writeup! I was just looking into these.

[mmmnot]

Yep - one of the best mods I've done thus far. Good review, glad you had the balls to go in with the fully solids.

[CALWATERBOY]

Originally Posted by ksalih

If you have access to the tools necessary to install solid bushings, at their pricepoint, I HIGHLY recommend these over the m3 ones. If anything is to be taken out of this thread, it is this: the added NVH is absolutely nonexistent.

Interesting result! Why exactly do you recommend solids over M3 parts?

[SeanS54]

Good review. I think most will probably add coilovers before bushings and that will be the true test on whether or not these solid bushings add to the NVH.

[2010 M Sport]

Originally Posted by CalBear_335i

Good review. I think most will probably add coilovers before bushings and that will be the true test on whether or not these solid bushings add to the NVH.

NVH??

[feuer]

Originally Posted by 2010 M Sport

NVH??

Noise, vibration, harshness.

[ksalih]

Originally Posted by CALWATERBOY

Interesting result! Why exactly do you recommend solids over M3 parts?

I recommend these over the M3 subframe bushings because of the slight cost savings of the part itself and because the "non-give, completely compliant and tight" nature of these bushings didn't come with a trade-off since they did not add NVH. I suppose the cost saving becomes moot because you will pay greatly for the install considering this isn't a DIY friendly mod (for most). I believe the M3 bushings can be swapped in without dropping the subframe.

[ksalih]

Originally Posted by CalBear_335i

Good review. I think most will probably add coilovers before bushings and that will be the true test on whether or not these solid bushings add to the NVH.

Good deal, I plan to add coilovers next. As I continue to drive more with these bushings installed, it amazes me how much less often my traction control light is illuminated around the same corners I rip on my way home from work.

[SeanS54]

Originally Posted by ksalih

I believe the M3 bushings can be swapped in without dropping the subframe.

This is true. When I did the install I did not drop the subframe, just lowered it corner by corner with jacks on opposite corners to tip it the way I needed it.

Originally Posted by ksalih

Good deal, I plan to add coilovers next. As I continue to drive more with these bushings installed, it amazes me how much less often my traction control light is illuminated around the same corners I rip on my way home from work.

I added coilovers, sticky tires, and an LSD but the rear still wasn't right. Then I added the Subframe bushings (M3) and that made a huge difference. I added M3 guide rods too for better traction.

[ksalih]

Originally Posted by CalBear_335i

This is true. When I did the install I did not drop the subframe, just lowered it corner by corner with jacks on opposite corners to tip it the way I needed it.




I added coilovers, sticky tires, and an LSD but the rear still wasn't right. Then I added the Subframe bushings (M3) and that made a huge difference. I added M3 guide rods too for better traction.

Thanks for the feedback. Did you add the guide rods at the same time you added the other mods you listed above? I'd be curious as to how much of the better traction was contributed to by the M3 guide rods. Also, which coilovers did you go with? :P

[SeanS54]

Originally Posted by ksalih

Thanks for the feedback. Did you add the guide rods at the same time you added the other mods you listed above? I'd be curious as to how much of the better traction was contributed to by the M3 guide rods. Also, which coilovers did you go with? :P

I added the M3 guide rods "last." Simple install and no alignment needed.

LSD, subframe bushings, sticky/wide tires, and guide rods has helped tremendously with rear grip. I will probably added toe arms later but don't want to pay for another alignment just yet.

I've had several coilovers (review here), but I'm on TC Kline right now.

In sum:

ST Coilovers - for street and comfort, no track, cheap
Ohlins w/ Swift springs - for track & street & comfort, expensive
TC Kline Single Adjustable - track & street, best bang for buck

[ksalih]

Originally Posted by SeanS54

I added the M3 guide rods "last." Simple install and no alignment needed.

LSD, subframe bushings, sticky/wide tires, and guide rods has helped tremendously with rear grip. I will probably added toe arms later but don't want to pay for another alignment just yet.

I've had several coilovers (review here), but I'm on TC Kline right now.

In sum:

ST Coilovers - for street and comfort, no track, cheap
Ohlins w/ Swift springs - for track & street & comfort, expensive
TC Kline Single Adjustable - track & street, best bang for buck

Awesome review man! I was so close to pulling the trigger on the TC Kline SA kit, until I realized they no longer come with the swift springs. How do you like the TCKline springs in comparison? Seems like you have good things to say in your review; I just might pull the trigger on this kit.

[SeanS54]

Originally Posted by ksalih

Awesome review man! I was so close to pulling the trigger on the TC Kline SA kit, until I realized they no longer come with the swift springs. How do you like the TCKline springs in comparison? Seems like you have good things to say in your review; I just might pull the trigger on this kit.

If you plan to track and on a budget than I highly recommend TC Kline SA coilovers with 350 front and 700 rear springs.

I ordered my kit with 350 front and 600 rear springs. They performed great at the track but since I had 672lb rear Swift springs laying around I slapped them on.

If you don't plan to track but want a nice comfy drop for spirited driving then I recommend ST Coilovers and save a few hundred.

[mob17]

Thanks a lot for this! I have had my eyes on the aluminium for a while but didn't want to as no one else had fitted them!

Now you have it is looking like an option again.

[neoduffer]

Originally Posted by SeanS54

This is true. When I did the install I did not drop the subframe, just lowered it corner by corner with jacks on opposite corners to tip it the way I needed it.

Very clever. Did you rent the tool or make a tool to press in and press out the bushings?

BTW, nice contributions with your DIY videos.

[feuer]

Originally Posted by neoduffer

Very clever. Did you rent the tool or make a tool to press in and press out the bushings?

BTW, nice contributions with your DIY videos.

must be very careful not to snap the brake lines and not bent the bolts and strip the threads on the side that the subframe is hanging on to.

[Jaronbwall]

Where do you get tool(s) necessary to preform this DIY? I'm fairly mechanical. In your opinion what is the most difficult step? Thanks

[Fundguy1]

Looking at this seriously. On the e46 generation these had a lot of NVH. On the new M4 they're standard. I need to use this as a daily driver for now. A tiny bit of NVH is acceptable. A lot none. I see you don't have any. Has anyone whose done this had any issues with NVH? Thx