Removing E36 Subframe Mounts - The Easy Way

In order to make the E36 stiffer for track use I am getting rid of all soft rubber OE bushings in the subframe and going with RevShift 95A durometer subframe mounts and differential mounts. I have seen a lot of videos and DIY's on subframe mount removal for the E36 and it seems like most people either try to burn the bushings out by burning them directly or use a propane torch to heat up the sleeve that bushing is pressed into.
The easiest method of removal is the use of a MAP gas torch (since it burns hotter than propane) and a BFH (big f*cking hammer). Apply heat to the outside of the subframe sleeve the bushing presses into and wait for rubber to start oozing. The rubber that oozes will likely catch on fire but no big deal. Make sure you wear gloves and other protective gear. Also have a wire brush on hand to clean off excess rubber while it's still hot. It should just flake off.
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[@stenardius1135]

This is the ONLY best way to do this, thanxxxxx. I needed half an hour to fix all the bushes!!!

[@GarethFoley]

Even with the special bushing press for these subframe bushings I imagine pulling the old bushings out would suck. This is definitely the easiest way for sure.

[@angelocruz780]

You made this look easy. Thanks for the video 👍

[@glenniemotorsport947]

Seriously, thankyou so much for this video, it is really as easy as you said, thankyou so much

[@Thatguywithswords]

thanks!

[@kevinshasteen5682]

Im in the south...so, where do I get the snow to put on my bushings after removal to stop them from burning. Was that BMW issued snow, what is its part#. Does BMW sell it by the oz/gram or by the lbs/kilogram? Always wear eye protection. I once had a Control Arm bushing explode towards me as I was burning it out; came close to my head - never have your face directly over/in line of something you are burning. Ive done bushings many times - this explosion was a one in a million odds event. Funny things (dangerous things) can happen when you combine auto parts, fire, and ppl; always put safety first. Thx for the video.

[@GarethFoley]

Snow is unfortunately not included lol. And you're right, safety glasses are always a good idea especially when dealing with things that are on fire.

[@W2TW]

I thought there was a metal sleeve that needs to be removed as well, not just the rubber. is it all coming out at once?

[@nathanserra5883]

I tried it myself and the metal sleeve came out with it all at once. If you try it I would recommend drilling a couple holes through the bushing prior to heating it up. It make them come out a bit easier

[@holec0591]

Hey man! Great video. I recently developed a clunk in the rear end of my E36 and it looks like it's either bushing is completely shot causing a 1/4 inch of play or I ripped the subframe. I really hope it's just the bushings. unfortunately my car is full of rust and my plan was to just make it a cheap drift car. I noticed your dealing with some rust as well... I guess the question is how much rust is too much...

[@GarethFoley]

The clunk could be quite a few things. The first places to look outside of bushings are the subframe mounting points and the trailing arm pocket mounting points. Also make sure to check out your rear shock towers as they are a common failure point. I replaced the rear shock towers on this car before tracking it to make sure they wouldn't completely blow through. A lot of what you're seeing in this video is heavy surface corrosion which is not uncommon. The point where rust/corrosion becomes too much is when it goes past surface corrosion to the point where it's pitted the sheet metal or gone all the way through. The critical thing is to make sure suspension mounting points and other high load areas are in good shape.

[@holec0591]

Gareth Foley Hey! Thanks for the response. It’s definitely the subframe making the clunk. I can lift the diff and I see where the subframe is moving. There’s one mounting point/bushing that has 1/4 inch of play. The rest are in tact but need to be replaced. My plan is to take the car off the road in the winter. The subframe definitely has a good amount of rust... I would have to take it out and see the sheet metal behind it to assess the damage. Unfortunately all my jack points are rusted through as well. I paid 1000$ for the car, so I can’t be too bitter about it. Keep the videos coming :)

[@FCKSHT813]

just took mine out thank you was starting sweat it lol my air hammer just wasnt cutting it

[@annabanna666]

would this not weaken the steel of subframe ??

[@GarethFoley]

Not at all. This doesn't get anything hot enough to have a negative effect.

[@fuckukaren]

I have tried this before and The bushing exploded in my Face🤣 so dont try this if u are sure that The bushing is oil filled

[@GarethFoley]

Yeah, def don't do this if there is oil in it. Good on you for bringing that up.

[@fuckukaren]

@@GarethFoley yeah I learned The Hard way 🤣👍 i looked like I had been in a chimney