Rear suspension bushes & w/align advice please.
Hi.
Replaced two rear tyres on the 1993 E34 525i Touring today - both inside edges very worn over about 25,000klms that I have owned it.
Advised to have a full four wheel alignment which I agreed with, but after they set it all up and raised it in the air they couldn't find any adjusters for the rear suspension. They contacted another aligner who assured them that there should be a ecentric adjuster on each trailing arm.
The rears are out and do need adjustment but they couldn't do it. I told them I'd come back with the Bently w/shop manual.
However, have since looked at the B-manual to find that ecentric adjusters are not standard fitment but available from BMW dealers for vehicles that "may require correction".
So - I've booked back in to another place to have all the bushes and such thoroughly checked in case they are worn and replaced if neccessary. They specialise in suspension work including mods but they don't have an adjuster for my E34. (Pedders if anyone from Australia is reading this).
Then I thought I'd check with all you guys first.
-Barring the car being in an accident in its past, is it normal or likely that replacing the worn bushes etc will being it back into near perfect alignment?
-I'd happily have them fit an ecentric - does anyone know if there is a good quality aftermarket kit I should consider instead of OEM BMW?
-If the bushes and such need replacing, I know that Pedders push for the Neoprene red bushes but I've never tried them. I've heard they make the ride harsher. Any comments?
and most importantly,
-If I'm going to all this trouble, are there any other worthwhile modifications or kits or improvements that I should do at the same time?
Not shock or spring changes as I'm happy with all that. And I have the auto-levelling system as well.
I am an enthusiastic driver, but I like the comfort also. Most of the time its just me in the car, with family on weekends etc. I like the self levelling suspension because for work I sometimes carry small machines up to 110kg in the back - sometimes locally and sometimes a few days away long distance to see customers.
Last edited by ss2115; 06-18-2010 at 12:45 AM.
ss2115.
BMW 525i Touring - 1993 (current drive car).
DS23 Citroen Safari - 1974 (restoration and modifications).
Golf MkIII - 1997 (fun car and daughters learn-to-drive car)