Suspension problem

[relative4]

'08 335xi E90 manual w/ 66K miles, had it for about a month. Haven't driven it much, as I immediately pulled it into the garage for walnut blasting, serpentine belt & tensioner, and other preventive engine maintenance. I probably have 200 miles on it. I knew from the outset that the suspension wasn't tip-top; it felt not perfect over bumps and didn't hold the road well going over bumps in turns. While the front end was up on ramps, I eyeballed the control arm bushings, sway bar bushings & links, etc., and nothing seemed amiss. Haven't yet gotten the wheels off the ground to inspect the shocks for signs of leakage.
Today I noticed a more specific symptom. Pumping the brakes at low speeds, the car rocks/clunks back and forth rather severely. Put the brake on, it rocks/clunks forward; release the brake, it rocks/clunks back. I'm pretty sure it's happening on the left side but can't yet narrow it down to front or rear. As soon as I have time, I'll inspect the shocks and the rear suspension, but does anyone know off the top of their head what is likely to cause this behavior? Thanks!

[jclausen]

The clunking while applying the brakes is most commonly the thrust rod bushings, at parking lot speeds applying the brakes on and off is also a good test. Certainly you should inspect the other suspension parts. But I'm betting on the thrust rod bushings

[relative4]

Thanks, I'll take another look at those.

[relative4]

Got the wheels off the ground on my lunch break. Front struts look great, rear left shock shows inconclusive signs of leakage, and the thrust rod bushings are sh-sh-SHOT. You da man!

Figger I'll do the control arms while I'm in there. Looking at either buying a press from Harbor Freight and just doing the bushings, or taking the easy way out and buying the 6-piece Lemforder kit from FCPEuro. Any thoughts on the difficulty of installing bushings properly? Thanks again.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...drive1#reviews

[PhillH]

DO NOT TRY TO PRESS IN THOSE CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS!!! You will never ever get them in right. The dealer I bought my 328 from had just had his guy press new ones in mine before I bought it. Took it to my Euro mechanic and he showed me how bad they were and could not be aligned. He even has a $500 tool for the press and refuses to use it. The new control arms are so cheap it's literally not worth it. Hopes this saves you some grief.

[relative4]

Thanks. I came to a similar conclusion and ordered all new arms last week. They arrive tomorrow. Not a moment too soon, this car has become DANGEROUS.

[Turbohugh]

I have a similar feel but it’s not too bad as long as I’m under 70.
Been reading that the e90 M3 suspension wishbones and thrust arms give better handling.
This will likely be my upgrade path once i finish doing my research .
Are you going to attack the subframe bushings .. not far away once you get into the rear thrust arms , and if you’re doing the front ...


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