M5 bushings on thrust and control arms

[Kibokojoe]

Emailed BMAparts and AutoHauz, both of them were unsure if the M5 bushings would work in the E32 control and thrust arms? Does anyone have the numbers for these bushings? Are the bushings all the same for the thrust and control arms? For clarification I am using the tech gargon control arms are the lower control arms and thrust arms are the upper control arms.

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

Emailed BMAparts and AutoHauz, both of them were unsure if the M5 bushings would work in the E32 control and thrust arms? Does anyone have the numbers for these bushings? Are the bushings all the same for the thrust and control arms? For clarification I am using the tech gargon control arms are the lower control arms and thrust arms are the upper control arms.

The upper & lower control arm bushings for the e32 fit the e34 and visa versa.

Take a look and cross referance the arms and bushings.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/index.do

[gale]

I have e34 M5 upper control arm bushings in my e32. I also put them in my son's 89 535i. Pelican's currently has them listed for $26.25, 31-12-2-226-528, for 91-93 3.6

[Kibokojoe]

I have e34 M5 upper control arm bushings in my e32. I also put them in my son's 89 535i. Pelican's currently has them listed for $26.25, 31-12-2-226-528, for 91-93 3.6

Man I have never seen a car with so many names for a part. On the pelican site they call this a Front Support Arm Bushing. I am assuming this is the upper control arm or as it is referenced the Thrust arm. Do these bushing also replace the lower control arm? So I should just replace four?

[gale]

The referenced bushing is for the upper arm, aka thrust arm. I dicked around with mine replacing just the bushings, only to have to go back later and replace the whole arm as well, ball joints wear but not as easy to test/inspect.

The upper and lower bushings are not the same design. The lower arm bushings are replaceable if they are steel arms. The bushings might be available for aluminum lower arms, but not recommended to replace them -- would become a safety issue if the cast aluminum arms cracked while pressing new bushings.

[Kibokojoe]

The referenced bushing is for the upper arm, aka thrust arm. I dicked around with mine replacing just the bushings, only to have to go back later and replace the whole arm as well, ball joints wear but not as easy to test/inspect.

The upper and lower bushings are not the same design. The lower arm bushings are replaceable if they are steel arms. The bushings might be available for aluminum lower arms, but not recommended to replace them -- would become a safety issue if the cast aluminum arms cracked while pressing new bushings.

Thanks for the info. There is definitely the 40-50 mph wobble so it sounds like I will need to pull the upper control arms for sure. Replacing all four control arms sounds like a expensive proposition. Right now we are trying to save for my oldest son's college and laying out $600 is a bit much right now. I think what I will do is remove the upper control arms and take a look at them. If the ball joints are toast then I will need to replace the whole arm. But if the ball joints look sound then I will purchase the M5 bushings and have them pressed in. Only problem is the car will be down for a week or so waiting for the parts by mail. Don't want to buy everything and then not need them. Do you have any experience with the arms that have the bonus feature of being able to remove and press in new ball joints?

[e34.535i.sport]

Thanks for the info. There is definitely the 40-50 mph wobble so it sounds like I will need to pull the upper control arms for sure. Replacing all four control arms sounds like a expensive proposition. Right now we are trying to save for my oldest son's college and laying out $600 is a bit much right now. I think what I will do is remove the upper control arms and take a look at them. If the ball joints are toast then I will need to replace the whole arm. But if the ball joints look sound then I will purchase the M5 bushings and have them pressed in. Only problem is the car will be down for a week or so waiting for the parts by mail. Don't want to buy everything and then not need them. Do you have any experience with the arms that have the bonus feature of being able to remove and press in new ball joints?

Why not just buy powerflex bushes and you can put them in yourself (saving $$$)... They last forever and they're VERY reasonably priced too! (Even if the balljoint goes you can buy a new arm without a bush and just pop them in). I've had mine in a while now and they're brilliant. Have a look: http://www.bimmernut.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39481&highlight=powerflex

[Kibokojoe]

Are you recommending copper grease on the powerflex bushings?

[632 Regal]

M5 bushings dont need any greasing, stock components for more expensive vehicles.

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

Why not just buy powerflex bushes and you can put them in yourself (saving $$$)... They last forever and they're VERY reasonably priced too! (Even if the balljoint goes you can buy a new arm without a bush and just pop them in). I've had mine in a while now and they're brilliant. Have a look: http://www.bimmernut.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39481&highlight=powerflex

If your roads are like mine....Buy a kidney belt, so you don't piss blood.

[e34.535i.sport]

Are you recommending copper grease on the powerflex bushings?

Yeah, soley for anti-creaking purposes! I copper'd them up and have had no noises since and the ride still feels great - that's with new lowering springs which are super firm and 17" throwig stars. It was a bit too rough with the 18" wheels I had on but really happy with it now! :D

[Kibokojoe]

I am assuming with the powerflex bushings you don't need to preload the bushing as with the normal bushings? With all the grease and all

[e34.535i.sport]

I am assuming with the powerflex bushings you don't need to preload the bushing as with the normal bushings? With all the grease and all

Apparently not but I done it anyway to be honest! :)

[632 Regal]

but copper grease...Mmmmm
If your roads are like mine....Buy a kidney belt, so you don't piss blood.