Classic BMW | Subframe Bushing Replacement | E28 Polyurethane

Here I'm showing you how I replace subframe bushings on an e28 BMW (535i) however this method can apply to other classic BMW models.
Be aware that you do not have to do it this way if you don't feel comfortable. This is just a method that I found effective and doesn't require much effort.
Thanks!
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[Music]- • Video

[@DENVERBEERANDOIL]

Just knock out this job tonight, thanks for the video, saved me a ton of time.

[@12VDHuey]

Glad to hear it! Used this method on my E34 as well.

[@JMD535]

I had to do this job on my '88 535is,....I recall I cut the inside of the bushing out and Hammered it out using a Large Screwdriver, etc. I then made a simple Press Tool to press the new bushing,...applying Soapy water to the OEM Bushing and pressing it in. Good work. PS: That removal process is wayyyyy faster than my method! Edit: One of the best driver 5's BMW ever made!

[@udokoehler3191]

One note, either a flame or a heat gun works, it’s slow going at first and takes time till you generate enough heat into the bushing before it starts to slide. You’ll see some slight separation at the bottom of the bushing at first - but keep going and it will slide out easily!!!

[@slowgan325]

Doing this on an e30 soon. You made this look easy enough thanks

[@12VDHuey]

Thanks I hope it can help a little , I could be wrong but I think that the e30s subframe is a little different

[@coryupi]

I did this job this weekend and Huey, if you came up with this, hats off to you. This is the way to go. Gettin the studs out took a lot of pounding. That part too me probably an hour. When removing the bushing,I suggest wedging the big socket in sideways. On the first side with it up and down, it just pushed down inside and did nothing so I fished it out and turned it sideways. You have to be very patient with the heat (15-20 minutes) but there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the bushing ooze out! Installing the Powerflex bushings was a piece of cake . Now, no more rear end clunk!

[@12VDHuey]

Glad to hear it! I got the idea from another video of someone doing the same thing on their E34 which is the method I used on mine, the e28 happens to have the same style rear suspension so the application was the same . This is a job I still need to do in my personal e28 lol

[@BahjatAlaadel]

That's a very approachable technique. Thanks for taking the time and capturing the process. There's not much about E28's that isn't a review or some clickbait 1000hp video. This is also the same process for the E28 M5. I ended up using the poly filled OEM bushes from Garagistic. Cheers mate!

[@12VDHuey]

Glad to hear it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@francispowell1811]

So helpful. Thank you!!

[@12VDHuey]

Glad this was useful to you!

[@e28forever30]

Good video. One more job I have to tackle. Feel more confident now, thanks.

[@12VDHuey]

Glad this was useful!

[@Robertgio]

I’ve never seen this job done before without dropping the entire sub frame. Shop wanted $1028.00 long Island to replace my 87 535 sub bushings and change rear brake lines... rather just spend a weekend doing it myself with a torch like you. I bought an entire lemforter control arm kit that came with these.. but I am debating not using their product. I have some friends that you have e28 and e24s that went power flex and said it’s has more durability and will just last longer. Thanks for this video! Your 535 is beautiful, please share more videos

[@12VDHuey]

I appreciate that! The silver e28 in video actually belongs to my friend, I did the bushings for him. I do have an e28 of my own though that I'll be doing the same job on in the near future, 1984 533i. I loved the poly bushings in my E34 as well, really transformed the car.

[@enjoythehunt5135]

Great job and great way to make it simple.

[@12VDHuey]

Thank you!

[@dochollliday7452]

Good video. Thank you

[@steenjohnsen79]

God Work 😉👍

[@jonweaver2410]

BMW e28 Rules! Mine is 524td.

[@jonweaver2410]

More BMW e28 VIDEOS. Thank you in advance and I smashed the subscribe button.

[@12VDHuey]

@@jonweaver2410 I appreciate that! I'm working on a video right now in regards of painting my e28, doing a full color change as time permits.

[@jonweaver2410]

@@12VDHuey That's AWESOME! You're working on more BMW e28. Thank you so much.

[@e28forever30]

525i here. Love it.

[@404Trucking]

Good job bud

[@12VDHuey]

Much appreciated!

[@awe5112]

omg, I might not give up on my 528e after watching your video. Um, question, do you like the e 28?....I love my e28 but feel cramped specifically for head-room cause I"m 6'2". Thanks for sharing with the world!

[@12VDHuey]

I like the e28 but I prefer the my e34 a bit more, the one one in this video belongs to a friend of mine. My e28 is undergoing a color change here soon, hoping to be able to upload more content soon regarding it. Also, I'm only about 5"7 so headroom isn't a issue for me fortunately haha.

[@awe5112]

@@12VDHuey lol can't wait for the reveal!

[@alexkang5589]

Hi! What kind of tool did you used to remove bushing from sub frame?

[@12VDHuey]

I just used a large socket to apply pressure, no special tools.

[@thrty8street]

Are there any drawbacks to going with poly over the oem bushings such as increased noise or decreased comfort?

[@12VDHuey]

I honestly would have to compare it to a car with new OEM bushings. In this case, the yellow poly seems soft enough that rides like OEM bushings yet firm enough to stay stable in turns and increased response. I have black Poly subframe bushings in my e34 and I like them because they're a bit more firm than the yellows making the car feel more rigid and responsive, I have yet to complain about road noise as I have a modified exhaust, I'd say even with the black ones the ride quality increased dramatically without sacrificing comfort.

[@thrty8street]

@@12VDHuey thanks for the feedback!

[@12VDHuey]

@@thrty8street Sure thing!

[@joeMama-tp8oj]

Did you have do disconnect abs and brake lines etc?

[@12VDHuey]

I did not

[@francispowell1811]

What about increased road noise with the poly bushings?

[@12VDHuey]

I have poly black in my e34 which is stiffer. Honestly didn't notice much if a difference at all, these yellow bushings are on the softer side a little closer to stock rubber yet firmer.

[@matthewnegrete6230]

Did you have to remove the strut assembly?

[@12VDHuey]

It's been a while. I may have removed the shock bolt from the trailing arm if anything but I don't think I removed the entire shock.

[@bavariansharks7149]

👍

[@sethliles424]

Any suggestions to get that bolt out?

[@12VDHuey]

I would keep the nut on the end of the stud a few turns and give it a few wacks with a mallet up to drive it straight out. I honestly think that I used a sledgehammer and padded it on the back so the impact won't be as severe.

[@coryupi]

You just have to keep hammering on it. I probably spent an hour getting them both out. I used PB Blaster in the top. Get the car as high as you can so you ca get a decent swing and just keep at it . They WILL come out.