Lower Control Arm Bushing Question . . .

[SkycityBMW]

I'm gonna replace the lower control bushing and I would like to know if, I can replace it with the E36 '95 M3 Bushings. Even if my 325i is a 92. . . . . or do I go with the non-m3 bushing?

I heard the M3 bushing is a better bushing.

Thanks

[bimmer95]

'95 M3 and '96+ M3 bushings will both work and are both better than the non-M bushings. '95 M3 bushings will add caster, '96+ M3 bushings will not effect the alignment. See www.understeer.com/lcab.shtml for my bushing install write up.

[SkycityBMW]

That's what I thought . . .

Thanks Bimmer95 . . .

That's where I got my info from. . . . www.understeer.com
Excellent site ! ! ! !

Thanks again

[JedzE36/5]

what are the pros/cons of the <95 bushings. i really need to change mine but do not know which ones to get. the ti does see the autoX quite a bit if this should help determine my choice.

[bimmer95]

Caster helps straight line stability, but it can reduce turn-in quickness. Stick with '96+ M3 bushings for your 318ti.

[JedzE36/5]

thanks for the advice. i can get the 96+ cheaper so that sounds good to me.

[SkycityBMW]

Hey Bimmer95,

When I was reading the DIY on www.understeer.com They stated that the car had to be on the ground in 30 min. after installing the bushings. Just a question. . . what if I didn't do it in that amount of time? What's gonna happen? I know they say the bushing has to set . . . how can I tel if it's set properly?

Thanks alot!!

[maxell0405]

I've been thinking about swapping the lower control arm bushings on my car, too, but I'm not clear on the differences between going with the harder compound center-hole polyurethane bushing and using the M3 offset rubber bushing. I don't want to make the car ride harder than it does, but better turn in is pretty sexy. Should I be concerned about tire wear with the offset?

[JedzE36/5]

well by going with either a poylurethane or M3 bushing, you will supposedly get better turning response than with the non-m bushings. and the offset, well

Caster helps straight line stability, but it can reduce turn-in quickness.

you shouldn't have to worry about premature tire wear i would think.

[bimmer95]

They stated that the car had to be on the ground in 30 min. after installing the bushings.

Well, it's recommended that you get the car on the ground ASAP so that the bushings don't set at the wrong point on the arms as that would cause a pre-load on the bushings leading to premature wear. How long you have really depends on what lube you used to press the bushings on, some dry out faster than others. There's not much you can do about it at this point, but as long as you didn't take hours to get the car on the ground, you're probably fine.

[SkycityBMW]

Thanks again, Bimmer95 ! ! !