Installing Powerflex subframe, trailing arm and differential mount bushings on a BMW

BavAuto BLOG ARTICLE: blog.bavauto.co...
PARTS LIST:
*Powerflex Urethane Bushing Kits:
www.bavauto.com...
Liqui-Moly Anti-Seize compound:
www.bavauto.com...
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This DIY (Do It Yourself) How To Video shows how to install the Powerflex urethane bushing sets in the rear subframe, trailing arms and differential mount on a BMW E30 3-series (84-91). While the specific model shown is an E30 chassis, these general procedures are applicable to all early BMW subframe and semi-trailing arm chassis (Bav, CS, 2002, E21, E12, E28, E34, E24, E23, E32, E31) as well as the E36 based Z3 and 318ti.
One of the most common maintenance and/or upgrade areas on our BMWs and MINIs is the various suspension bushings. We've talked at length about the front suspension control arm bushings, in multiple Fast Times articles and DIY videos. In this DIY article and video, we'll take a look at the rear suspension bushings. Specifically, we will be removing the well-worn rubber bushings and installing the Powerflex urethane bushings on a BMW E30 3-series (84-91). This suspension design applies to all BMWs up through the '90s (2002, Bavaria, CS, 3-series through 91, 5-series through 96, 6-series through 89, 7-series through 94, 8-series, Z3 and 318ti).
We're installing the Powerflex urethane bushings into the subframe, trailing arm and differential mount positions. This will greatly improve the vehicle stability and performance. Also note that after the install, the owner (BavAuto Advisor, Ken B.) has experienced no negatives in harshness or vibration due to the firmer bushings. He notes that this is now the best driving E30 3-series he has ever owned or driven (it also has the Powerflex front control arm bushings installed).
Follow along as we perform the bushings install on this 89 325i.
PARTS:
www.bavauto.com...
• Powerflex subframe bushing kit (BavAuto)
• Powerflex adjustable camber/toe trailing arm bushing kit (BavAuto)
• Powerflex differential mount bushing kit (BavAuto)
• Liqui-Moly copper anti-seize compound (BavAuto)
TOOLS:
• Common Mechanic's hand tools
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All products noted in this video can be purchased in our online store, www.bavauto.com/, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are also welcome to e-mail us at [e-mail] or call into our headquarters and speak to our knowledgeable advisors at [phone] (Mon.-Thurs. 8AM to 9PM EST, Fri. 8AM to 7PM EST, and Sat. 9AM to 4PM EST).

[@piotrtomasz5028]

What they didn't show you is that 2 opposing mallets will not cure the gap on the pfr05 set. It is caused when the bushings are squashed against the housing when the tube is fitted, the squashed material has to go somewhere. It can't expand out so the only way is out the end. Even though there is theoretically a gap of about 2mm when they are fitted together out of the car once pressed in with the inner sleve they expand by around 5mm in length making the whole assembly 3mm too long. No amount of pressing or banging will cure this. Only way is a fine cutting disk on a grinder and remove 3mm off the length (end that goes inside the housing) and they will fit in a dream. 😁 Powerflex need to adjust they're sizing.

[@markh9308]

Thanks for that trying that now that makes sense what you said I have been banging pressing them in still pop about 2mm cheers for that help power flex should know 2 opposing matlets won,t do it he don,t show that either they should amend the video cheers

[@maccoolmac5191]

This also applies ti a BMW Z3, but on differential mount bushing, the OEM bushing should be used. This should remove stress off the rear floor. Great tip using copper anti-seize.

[@likits1999]

Did anybody find part u.bers for the whole kit? Id like to do that to my '97 Z3!!!

[@benjamingazdik]

This is one of the most important yet easily forgotten maintenance and upgrades you can preform on your e30, e36 or any "older" BMW.

[@hooliothegreat]

Having spoken to Powerflex,they recommend fitting the bushes in the same order as the oe bushes as done by BMW. The thicker bush is located on the outside of the trailing arm, the opposite to what you have shown in the video. What is the reasoning for you fitting the bushes in this order?? Thanks.

[@mattsonktm]

This is correct, the thicker goes on the outside!

[@EarlLeeBird]

Powerflex instructions included in the box really do show that the bushing with thicker flange goes outside like on the OEM bushings, but It is only visible on the drawing and not in written format. However, I think that this drawing is a mistake, the thinner bushing should go to outside like on this video, to compensate for the adjustment flange thickness. Anyway, I think you shouldn't be able to place back the control arm if the bushings are installed to wrong sides - it changes the width of attachment points and it doesn't fit to the brackets.

[@billybobjoe198]

I could be wrong, but Anti-seize is an abrasive, it is strictly not meant to be used as a lubricant.

[@RetiredTechnician]

Those trailing arm bushes looked tricky with just a mallet.. It would've been cool to see the finished result with them both fitted with no gap.. I had that exact issue with mine while using a pressing tool from both sides, I think the lube creates a pocket of air.. As soon as you release the tool the edge protrudes slightly, it only happens when the crush tube gets installed, in wondering if a small air hole in the tube would prevent this

[@toliss106]

today im installing mine. I have the same problem. How did you fix it bro?

[@ericpennington6249]

Thanks for ruining my install. Thicker flange goes to outside. I would expect this mistake from some hack diy guy, not a vendor. please delete or correct video.

[@victorsneiders]

Isn't it because the adjustment plate sits on the outside? Might explain why the install is done that way.. just wondering

[@x51513326]

What is paint to this trailing arm? Thanks.

[@MrPinoyata2]

Do u have a video on how to replace travel pedal brake sensor on a 98 BMW M3 automatic?

[@DaytonCarCare]

Went to your site and you don't even list the E30 3 Series / E36 Z3 Polyurethane adjustable RTABs.

[@likits1999]

Did you find part numbers for the adjustable RTAB? My Z3 has been wearing out the rear tiressince it was new and I would like to correct that once and for all. Thanks in advance and have a great day!

[@DaytonCarCare]

@@likits1999 Tired of only toe adjustment in front so sold it and got an Audi Quattro TT

[@dilyanpetrov1400]

Hello BavAuto, my question is, can i use both Liqui Moly and the supplied Power Flex copper paste for lubricating the bushes? Thank you in advance!

[@bavarianautosport]

Yes, they are both copper based anti-seize.

[@boysiy]

Hi BavarianAuto, Super Video from you Once again i enjoyed watching it, can you make a video Installing Powerflex bushes on the E39?, thanks again for the time in making this video.

[@bavarianautosport]

We may do some E39 bushing work in the future. The Bentley repair manual will address normal bushing work and the Powerflex bushing kits do come with basic instructions as well.

[@boysiy]

thank you for your reply, its just a joy to watch you at work the BMW series cars.

[@madmike5144]

Cool video, it was helpful thanks for sharing this

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

Hi. How eccentric are the trailing arm bushes? My z3 is way out of spec. I am trying to calculate if I need another subframe.

[@bavarianautosport]

If the car is not lowered, either the Powerflex or the K-Mac (BavAuto camber bushings will have enough adjustability to take care of minor issues to achieve best tire wear. If the car is lowered, the kits will still help with excessive camber, but may not be able to achieve the near 0-degree that is best for tire wear ...... still far better than without the kits though.

[@popokakatepetl]

liqui moly kupfer paste lm 100 is suitable for this? art. 3080

[@tRawwwww1]

Can I use any copper anti-seize like permatex or loctite?

[@robytryall]

Did you just used copper anti-seize on that aluminum differential cap?

[@bavarianautosport]

Yes. While Nickle base would be a best technical choice, copper/graphite base has been used for many years, by many people, on aluminum parts. We have never noted any corrosion caused by the use of a copper/graphite anti-seize on aluminum, be it spark plugs in aluminum heads or various suspension components.

[@boomersisty490]

Would there be a similar process for an E12 5 series? And does BavAuto sell a kit similar to this for that chassis? Thanks

[@bavarianautosport]

Yes, the E12 would be basically just like this E30. We do have various options for urethane trailing arm bushings for the E12 5-series (as well as the E23, E24 E28, E21, E34, E32, Z3 and 318ti, which all have the early BMW trailing arm suspensions). We have standard urethane as well as the BavAuto and the Powerflex camber adjustable bushing kits. The best way to find the kits is to go to our online store (www.bavauto.com), ID your model and search "rear bushing". You will see the various standard and adjustable urethane bushings.

[@mobiledevto]

Bavarian Autosport Can't seem to find powerflex bushings for the e12.

[@miragedelta]

I need to change my E-34, 518i BMW rear drums to disc, do you offer a complete set up with disc etc and bushings?

[@bavarianautosport]

We don't have a "kit" built, but we certainly can help you with all of the parts required. The trailing arms are the same between the drum and disc set-ups, so all you need are the brake parts (using the parts for a US 525i). If you send an email to [e-mail] and note that Otto suggested you send the request, we can work up all of the parts and pricing.

[@kostaklimis5287]

Would these bushings being bad cause a vibration under load at any speed

[@davidhowell1228]

Kosta Klimis not likely... check the condition of your Tires and Driveshaft Guibo first!

[@AlaAlBarazanji]

Hi BA. GREAT GREAT Video's for the DIY :) After you unbolts and removed the arms and diff. cover, and the axle, what i want to rust of (by sand wheel), what do you then painting it with...?? How/what is the best procedure ?? BR Ala, from Denmark.

[@bavarianautosport]

You can use a hand held wire brush or a wire brush on a drill (better choice) to clean up the rust and get the parts ready for final degreasing and cleaning. Of course, you can media blast the parts for a perfect finish before painting. We recommend the Eastwood Industries Rust Encapsulator paints for suspension and underbody detailing.

[@lovemichael007]

Very helpful - Thx!!

[@redXiXpredator]

meyle are best

[@robbyd23]

My god you are quite gratuitous when it comes to the lubrication grease. It would bother the hell out of me to have all that excess copper stuff all over the other parts

[@MonkeyBarsEveryday]

^ yup

[@DaytonCarCare]

I don't recommend using copper grease use Sil-Glyde it's a silicone based grease. I used very little Sil-Glyde on my polyurethane offset front CABs and no squeaks

[@jaguar7051]

So stupid very unprofessional