IE Subframe Bushing fitment issues

[weenerdog]

While I was under the car to fix the CSB, I checked my subframe mounts -- sloppy and torn. I ordered a set of the Ireland Engineering Subframe mounts. Sadly, they've changed the top flange, it's only 0.395", like the bottom, not the 0.500" it used to be. This results in the top half floating when mounted.
IMG_20190512_164726064_HDR.jpgIMG_20190512_164701623.jpg

Here's what it used to look like (stolen from another post ):
bushing.png

Here's what it looks like on the car:
IMG_20190514_150618470.jpg
It does compress a bit when everything is tightened down, but you can still see light all the way around and the subframe readily moves up and down.

I went back and forth with IE via email and phone for a week; I explained the issue with the above photos. Finally, they said:
- "I'd install it on my car"
- "It'll be fine once you tighten it up"
- "You can send it back if you don't want to install it on your car"

Since I had already installed them a couple of times and figured I'd lose another $15 on shipping and risk a complete loss, I made a couple of aluminum shims, about 0.090" thick:
IMG_20190518_161527539.jpg

Works great, puts a bit of preload on the bushings, no slop.

If I had it to do over, I'd go with the AKG bushings. They appear to have the larger top flange, and you can choose the durometer.

Anyway, just a head's up...

[Randy Forbes]

lOOKS LIKE YOU HAVE THE ONES FOR AN e30__DID YOU ORDER THEM ONLINE, OR TALK TO A HUMAN, VIA PHONE...?

(sorry for the caps__NOT retyping )

[weenerdog]

I ordered online, but I have 9 emails, four phone calls, and the *first* thing they did is confirm the vehicle. I sent the pictures, and multiple techs claimed they reviewed them. That would be sad, though

Edit: To be clear, all the other measurements were identical. Just the top half had issues, leaving the hex part "proud". Oh, and I had an excuse to use both my mill and my lathe, so there's that!

[Randy Forbes]

I ordered online, but I have 9 emails, four phone calls, and the *first* thing they did is confirm the vehicle. I sent the pictures, and multiple techs claimed they reviewed them. That would be sad, though

Edit: To be clear, all the other measurements were identical. Just the top half had issues, leaving the hex part "proud". Oh, and I had an excuse to use both my mill and my lathe, so there's that!

That always makes for a good day!

[Tigershark48]

My IE bushings just arrived. They included two big flat washers that are plated steel, but look like your aluminum washers. Didn't you get the washers in your shipment?

[Pat Gautier]

I have a set on order. Curious now to see what I get.


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[BimmerBreaker]

Weird how IE seems to making changes so many years after the fact

Late response to bad wind about their bushings disintegrating? Or just trying to stay relevant in the marketplace (a LOT of new E30 stuff out there)

[weenerdog]

Yes, there were two big washers, but they apparently sit above the hex part on the bolt. And the original washers go on the bottom. I assume. There's enough room for error that a simple page of instructions or a diagram would have been helped.