Rear subframe bushing tools

[LappingLuke]

Hi gang, watching the M539 video recently I became enamored with the tool Sreten used for the rear subframe bushings which he said was the E46 tool. Seemed to be this guy...
BMW Rear Suspension Subframe Bushing Tool Set E46 and E85 – Kommen Tools Inc.

Looking around I saw someone in the E39 world is renting this tool out to forum members but is the E39 version. For you guys who have done this job, any idea if the E39 version could work for our cars? if so I'd probably try to rent it out.

Kommen claims this tool set allows one to swap the bushings without dropping the subframe. Could that also be true on our cars? It would be kinda nice not to get that deep into the car as to drop the subframe if not necessary. I liked how Sreten took the whole thing out at once with everything attached, but I don't really have a good setup to pull that off...


thanks,
Luke

[m6bigdog]

"swap the bushings without dropping the subframe"

(Comment below is incorrect as the E31 has bolts for the sub-frame bushings: m6bigdog)
[In order to R&R the bushing without dropping the sub-frame, requires the sub-frame bushing mounting studs to be driven up into the body.
I am unsure if you can even do that with an E31.
I suggest you drop the sub-frame.]

As for the tools:
The tools needs to be compatible with the sub-frame bushing sizes to R&R them properly.
I suggest taking the bushing out on a hunt for a tool.
Two different size bushings

I've always been a sucker for the BMW tools: you know, the tools BMW designed for the dealer tech's to do the R&R in a professional manner; with the least amount of difficulty..

The E31 Repair manual has the procedure and the BMW Tool number.

Installation & removal set:
BMW Part number: 83 30 0 492 269
Old Tool Part Number: 88 88 6 - 33 3 220
Individual Tools in set:
33 3 22133 3 222
33 3 223
33 3 224
33 3 225
33 3 226
33 3 227
33 3 228


Universal Puller, Suspension Bushings
83 30 0 490 497
88 88 6 - 00 8 550

[rjjablo]

I bought the E39 Subframe bushing tool and it works great on R&R on an E39 in the car.

I used it on my E31 while my Subframe was out of the car and it worked but it was not the best, I used it on the smaller subframe bushings

I used a 12 ton press to get the other ones out.

If you are going to do the rear end. You need to go all the way. Drop the subframe. It was not that hard. Then you can get too everything and use impacts and heat to get things apart. For example I had to get a bigger impact to get the two bolts on the front of the differential off.

[LappingLuke]

Alex840 put a 3.15 LSD in this car several years ago... I don't see much reason to drop the diff right now. I have thought about maybe throwing some mounting bushings at it, but they look okay...

[LappingLuke]

"swap the bushings without dropping the subframe"

In order to R&R the bushing without dropping the sub-frame, requires the sub-frame bushing mounting studs to be driven up into the body.

Mounting studs... the subframe is held up with bolts, no?

[m6bigdog]

Mounting studs... the subframe is held up with bolts, no?

You are correct!! Let my fix my comment.
I've did the bushings on my 8, 20 yrs ago and I guess, I forgot it has bolts.

My E34 has the Sub-Frame mounting studs in the chassis and I'm going to replace those soon.