Member
Unlike subframe bushing which has been written to death, i couldn't find much information regarding the removing and installing diff mount bushing. So far the the only method I saw seems to be drilling and cutting out the old bushing. Does anyone know what special tool would make this job easier?
Thank you.
Member
Also, given the price difference between the diff cover bushing and bushing itself, one might as well just get a new cover instead. Thought?
Member
I would say replace the whole cover with bushing, it will be easier with no chance of breakage and delay to complete the job.
When I did my 2000 Z3 Roadster this is what I did since I saw my brother-in-law break his cover pressing in the new bushing (getting it out was the easy part) and I didn't want to get stuck on the lift waiting for 'another' part to deliver.
Wow on the price though, the 2000 Z3 Roadster 2.3L is not nearly that salty.
'Sweetness Tres' M44, 1.9L Z3 5-Speed Roadster '97 Boston Green 66K Smiles Mine
'Sweetness Too' M52, 2.5L Z3 5-Speed Roadster, '00 Jet Black 165K Smiles 2022 Gone Ins Co Total in Jan 2022- Right Front Collision - Paid $8850 !!
'Ol' Black Betty' S52, 3.2L ///M3 5-Speed Vert '98 Cosmos Black 265K Smiles Wifeys
M50, 2.5L 525i E34 Tragi-matic '95 Sedan Alpine White III 238K Smiles Was Daughters Mine Again
'Gretchen' M30, 3.5L 535i E34 Tragi-matic '90 Sedan Glacier Blue/Indigo 144K Smiles 2018 Gone & I miss her
'Sweetness' M44, 1.9L Z3 5-Speed Roadster '96 Boston Green 264K Smiles Was Mine Ins Co Total in Jan 2013- Rear End Collision - Paid $4800 !!
Member
I did it as below.
Removal : Cut the rubber part first. Then using dremel tool, carefully cut the outer ring of the bush and using flat head screwdriver, take it out.
Installation: Used the autozone bushing tool. I think this one. http://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools...set/557231_0_0 . You need an impact wrench to use this.
If using poly bushing, it is easy. No tool required.
If you have time, find the proper size heavy duty washers at Fastenal and some threaded rod and nuts at Home Depot and use it.
Good luck
Member
My original plan was to replace subframe, trailing arm and diff mount bushings all at once. Now seeing the price of the new part and the amount of work to replace diff mount bushing, I wonder if it's absolutely necessary to replace the diff mount bushing. Given that this is 2000 model and the diff mount bushing has never been replaced, do you guys think it's about time to replace it regardless?
Member
Yes, the rubber is 16+ years old and compliant & soft, you will feel the difference with a new non-compliant bushing. Just replace the diff cover w/ bushing, the ///M are not cheap.Originally Posted by mrfortynine
Last edited by ZUUD BYE; 03-21-2017 at 12:11 AM.
'Sweetness Tres' M44, 1.9L Z3 5-Speed Roadster '97 Boston Green 66K Smiles Mine
'Sweetness Too' M52, 2.5L Z3 5-Speed Roadster, '00 Jet Black 165K Smiles 2022 Gone Ins Co Total in Jan 2022- Right Front Collision - Paid $8850 !!
'Ol' Black Betty' S52, 3.2L ///M3 5-Speed Vert '98 Cosmos Black 265K Smiles Wifeys
M50, 2.5L 525i E34 Tragi-matic '95 Sedan Alpine White III 238K Smiles Was Daughters Mine Again
'Gretchen' M30, 3.5L 535i E34 Tragi-matic '90 Sedan Glacier Blue/Indigo 144K Smiles 2018 Gone & I miss her
'Sweetness' M44, 1.9L Z3 5-Speed Roadster '96 Boston Green 264K Smiles Was Mine Ins Co Total in Jan 2013- Rear End Collision - Paid $4800 !!
Member
Holy Crap, 2 years ago I only paid $159.25 for that part. Must be more expensive since we now own REAL OEM classic cars? To reinstall the new bushing I ground down the old removed bushing and used that to press it in.
Member
Are both the bushing and the diff cover with bushing discontinued now? I checked with two sources, and was told so by both.
Where do folks get new rubber bushing nowadays?
Member
Checked a few places for 33172228425 Diff Bushing....
Parts Geek list 1 In Stock
FCP Euro list on web page but 1 day delay (I believe they order from BMW)
Pelican Parts list on web site but 3-5 delay (I believe they order from BMW)
Turner Motorsports list on web site, not clear if in stock or BMW order (best price)
BimmerWorld List PowerFlex polyurethane Diff Bushing, very inexpensive and no press to install required.
'Sweetness Tres' M44, 1.9L Z3 5-Speed Roadster '97 Boston Green 66K Smiles Mine
'Sweetness Too' M52, 2.5L Z3 5-Speed Roadster, '00 Jet Black 165K Smiles 2022 Gone Ins Co Total in Jan 2022- Right Front Collision - Paid $8850 !!
'Ol' Black Betty' S52, 3.2L ///M3 5-Speed Vert '98 Cosmos Black 265K Smiles Wifeys
M50, 2.5L 525i E34 Tragi-matic '95 Sedan Alpine White III 238K Smiles Was Daughters Mine Again
'Gretchen' M30, 3.5L 535i E34 Tragi-matic '90 Sedan Glacier Blue/Indigo 144K Smiles 2018 Gone & I miss her
'Sweetness' M44, 1.9L Z3 5-Speed Roadster '96 Boston Green 264K Smiles Was Mine Ins Co Total in Jan 2013- Rear End Collision - Paid $4800 !!
Member
I have to do that job also and was wondering if the 'M' bushing is stiffer than the Z3 one and if it fits the regular Z3 cover and if there is an advantage to switch to the 'M' one.
OP, like it has been said, the removal is quite easy with hand tools, or a air hammer with a chisel bit to deform the metal ring so it can be removed.
Insertion, the tool is the best approach, but if you have access to a press or a big vise, and have an extra pair of hands to help, it may be possible to insert the bushing with metal blocks, sockets etc. Make sure of the alignment first. Of course the cover needs to be removed for that.
Last edited by TurboBimmer; 03-23-2017 at 08:36 AM.
______________2000 Z3____1988 325ix turbo______________
Member
Based on what I read while googling around about this, M bushing is stiffer than non-M.
- - - Updated - - -
Does any one have experience with Vibra-Technics bushing, which is about half of OEM price?
Member
I took the diff cover off. The bush seems still OK. How does it look to you guys?
IMG_0619 (1).jpg
Last edited by mrfortynine; 04-03-2017 at 07:35 PM.
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