95 525 - new thrust arms, shocks, tires - SWWWWWEEEET

[Scott C]

Well,

I finally have all parts working together in great harmony after completing thrust arm replacement (with 750 bushings) as well as new sway bar links (and shocks, tie rods, and tires 5 months ago). It is so amazing to drive this 10 year old car with such elegance and smoothness. Even though I am not a big automatic fan (stick for close to 30 years) I am awed by how smooth a ride this car gives to all occupants and how well it drives.

What I find ever more odd is that even MY WIFE noticed the improvement after driving it for 20 miles (Yes, I gave her permission). If only I can convince her that I need a 6 speed 535/540 as well.

PS - I had one thrust arm that had a failed dust boot which had about 1/32" of slop. The sway bar link dust boots were torn but the joints actually felt okay. The tie rod ends were actually okay but newer is better....

Scott

[emw525E34]

I know the feeling. Had that done 2 years ago in my 89 sedan. Tomorrow my 95 Touring is having new Upper Control arms and 750 bushing!. Can't wait for that.

The touring's ball-joint is busted on both side and a clunk loader on driver side than passenger side. Thanks goodness, the aluminum lower control arm balljoints are in great shape

[Scott C]

I know the feeling. Had that done 2 years ago in my 89 sedan. Tomorrow my 95 Touring is having new Upper Control arms and 750 bushing!. Can't wait for that.

The touring's ball-joint is busted on both side and a clunk loader on driver side than passenger side. Thanks goodness, the aluminum lower control arm balljoints are in great shape

Good luck and hope you get rid of the clunk - what a difference it makes.
Scott

[emw525E34]

Got it done. Man, the front-end is so solid. It feels Great!. Actually, I got new front rotors and pads while I am at it!. Stopping power now is awesome.

In the evening, I spent 3 hours modding a E46 4 spoke steering wheel to my stock tires wheel. Re-used my airbag, small diameter E46 wheel is nicer and almost brand new. My old airbag looks really tired in the vinyl covering (spray painting it next time!), great feel.

When for Fun Run yesterday to test the new things in the car. Such a sweet feeling. No noise except tire noise when my audio was off. Loviely. Just enjoyed driving the touring in quite a different way as my sedan. My sedan is loud and abnoxious (RD headers, custom intake, stainless custom muffler,...), touring is silent and stealthy (its a manual) except a growl near redline. ALmost like an X3 without the height but had more rear space.

[Scott C]

Got it done. Man, the front-end is so solid. It feels Great!. Actually, I got new front rotors and pads while I am at it!. Stopping power now is awesome.

In the evening, I spent 3 hours modding a E46 4 spoke steering wheel to my stock tires wheel. Re-used my airbag, small diameter E46 wheel is nicer and almost brand new. My old airbag looks really tired in the vinyl covering (spray painting it next time!), great feel.

When for Fun Run yesterday to test the new things in the car. Such a sweet feeling. No noise except tire noise when my audio was off. Loviely. Just enjoyed driving the touring in quite a different way as my sedan. My sedan is loud and abnoxious (RD headers, custom intake, stainless custom muffler,...), touring is silent and stealthy (its a manual) except a growl near redline. ALmost like an X3 without the height but had more rear space.

Glad you got that "good feeling"! Need to see those pictures of that steering wheel on your car. By chance, does it have volume controls for the radio?
That would be nice to have.

Scott

[uscharalph]

I have a similar project in the planning stage on my 89 525. I'm happy to see you are so pleased with yours.

[emw525E34]

Not multi-function. Just plain leather wrapped 4 spoke wheel that is smaller diamter compared to stock E34 wheel.

Pic here : http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/824698/3

(Note: The beauty of this is that I got the stock airbag installed and functional).

[emw525E34]

Oh, taking about the 89 525. I got one as well. I had E30 steering wheels on it. Even an 850 euro wheel (huge and heavy thing but fits, no airbag). Had the momo Race wheel for a long time. Latest is the E28 M steering. 3Spoke classic with slim M color stripes. Thats the best compromise. I did miss the Momo Race after I removed it to put in my wife's Toyota!. It feels better in the Toyota, its hers now.

E34 95 fitment is different I think. I am very happy with the feel. Great upgrade for $90 from a friend and 2 hours of my work effort.

[PhilipJCaputo]

new thrust arms, shocks, tires - SWWWWWEEEET

any pegs?

[Scott C]

any pegs?

Don't understand the question :(

Scott

[Scott C]

Not multi-function. Just plain leather wrapped 4 spoke wheel that is smaller diamter compared to stock E34 wheel.

Pic here : http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/824698/3

(Note: The beauty of this is that I got the stock airbag installed and functional).

Wow,
Nice job on the wheel. Does it reduce your vision of the instruments much?

Did you try any armour all on the air bag cover to make it blacker? It may help.
Scott

[70383roadrunner]

Well,

I finally have all parts working together in great harmony after completing thrust arm replacement (with 750 bushings) as well as new sway bar links (and shocks, tie rods, and tires 5 months ago). It is so amazing to drive this 10 year old car with such elegance and smoothness. Even though I am not a big automatic fan (stick for close to 30 years) I am awed by how smooth a ride this car gives to all occupants and how well it drives.

What I find ever more odd is that even MY WIFE noticed the improvement after driving it for 20 miles (Yes, I gave her permission). If only I can convince her that I need a 6 speed 535/540 as well.

PS - I had one thrust arm that had a failed dust boot which had about 1/32" of slop. The sway bar link dust boots were torn but the joints actually felt okay. The tie rod ends were actually okay but newer is better....

Scott

Did ther upper and lower arms on my 89 535I last fall. I know the feeling well!

[PhilipJCaputo]

Don't understand the question :(

Scott
Have you seen Napoleon Dynamite??

[Scott C]

Have you seen Napoleon Dynamite??

Great pegs, keeps the "package" nice and intact (I figured that was safe to say here... )

Scott

[emw525E34]

Thanks, Scott. Wheel feels very nice with the smaller diameter. Surer turn in as it is weighted a little more while moving fast (a good thing). Vision obstruction is a little over the top bit of the instruments, no big deal to be as the speedo over the legal limit is clearly visible (needed that).
Will try the armour All. But before that, I think I need to sand off 1 or 2mm of the surface as it is rough looking rather than smooth compared to the E46 original airbag that came with this wheel. I did not purchase that, it would not work anyway due to two-stage fire mechanism.

In future, if a nice 3-spoke E46 sports steering wheel comes my way,. I might custom fabricate a Treo650 phone mount on the airbag hole to hold my phone. This way I don't need to use the handset free cable but just activate Speakerphone mode and talk freely...
If I do crash, I might be the first person in the world with a phone stuck to my chest while being wheeled into the ER!. Flying projectile at 60 mph....