Am I "missing out" by not upgrading to solid subframe bushings?

[Redd]

Originally Posted by azndrunk74

yeah, it's quite expensive here to do unfortunately. what do you mean by side-to-side shimmy? is it a similar feel to tramlining?

Different from tramlining. When I first got the M3, I noticed that the rear would produce a sideways motion felt in your ass when it went over ruts or bridge joints (didn't even need to be a bad rut either). It felt like the car was skipping sideways, but the tires don't really skip. It's a bit of an unnerving feeling and I hated it. Putting in solid subframe bushes got rid of that entirely.

In addition to that, solid subframe bushings made the car more planted and the rear more predictable and communicative. Now you can feel much better what the rear end is doing and that inspires more confidence. Trust me, just do it!

[pbonsalb]

Back end is more planted is a good way to describe it.

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

You wrote you had to remove the rear suspension and move around large cumbersome parts but you don’t have to do either. I did take the wheels off.

there is enough travel in the rear suspension to drop the subframe 6" as you described without disconnecting the rear suspension?
regardless, its too big of a job for me.

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by Redd

Different from tramlining. When I first got the M3, I noticed that the rear would produce a sideways motion felt in your ass when it went over ruts or bridge joints (didn't even need to be a bad rut either). It felt like the car was skipping sideways, but the tires don't really skip. It's a bit of an unnerving feeling and I hated it. Putting in solid subframe bushes got rid of that entirely.

In addition to that, solid subframe bushings made the car more planted and the rear more predictable and communicative. Now you can feel much better what the rear end is doing and that inspires more confidence. Trust me, just do it!

aaaah yes, i remember this. it feels like someone kicks the side of the car and the rear end moves sideways 1/2" when i was on it and shifting at a high rpm.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

there is enough travel in the rear suspension to drop the subframe 6" as you described without disconnecting the rear suspension?
regardless, its too big of a job for me.

The whole subframe is moving down with the suspension attached so it does not need play. Obviously the exhaust has to come off - midpipe and rear and DS center support comes down for play in the DS to diff, and the two brake lines and some wiring.

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

The whole subframe is moving down with the suspension attached so it does not need play. Obviously the exhaust has to come off - midpipe and rear and DS center support comes down for play in the DS to diff, and the two brake lines and some wiring.

you would have to disconnect the dampeners, wouldn't you? you're still manipulating big, heavy parts i would consider cumbersome. might be subjective, sounds like your ability and willingness is beyond mine.

[pbonsalb]

Yes, remove the lower shock bolt. Not really maneuvering big parts compared to dropping the entire subframe — you can do it that way also but it’s more work. I have a lift and do all my own work so I can have more money to spend on mods.

[Traf]

The M2, new M3, M5 (F10) and M4, have the subframe directly bolted to the body.

[tlrid3r]

Yes. For subframe just go solid no regrets and no noise.

[aus]

Anyone know how much it is to change out with Malek?
.

[pbonsalb]

Not cheap but by all accounts he does great work. I’d rather give him my money than a dealer, but I DIYed.

[Obioban]

As long as you're on KWV3s, the subframe bushings aren't holding you back.

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by Obioban

As long as you're on KWV3s, the subframe bushings aren't holding you back.

coilovers do nothing for differential and subframe isolation... unless you were talking about something else?

[azndrunk74]

Originally Posted by Obioban

As long as you're on KWV3s, the subframe bushings aren't holding you back.

hey bud! i used to be active back in the day on m3forum.net. hope all has been well with you!

Originally Posted by roastbeef

coilovers do nothing for differential and subframe isolation... unless you were talking about something else?

he's saying the weakest point of my suspension is currently the KWV3. they're perfectly fine for me for a 100% street car.

[pbonsalb]

I have Bilstein B8 and H&R Sport springs, but think I could feel stiffer subframe bushings even on a stock suspension car. They might not be holding me back from better lap times but I am not on a track. I like the improved feel Ingot for $270 in parts and some of my time and I like the reduced risk of damage I got from putting in stiffer diff bushings at the same time ($140 in parts).

[nycplumber]

FBO and I would do it to a stock M3! Between that and the Monoballs its so much better.

[slonik]

i thought that 300$ for this work here in russia is not cheap


anyway, we make this lightweight set

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I have Bilstein B8 and H&R Sport springs, but think I could feel stiffer subframe bushings even on a stock suspension car. They might not be holding me back from better lap times but I am not on a track. I like the improved feel Ingot for $270 in parts and some of my time and I like the reduced risk of damage I got from putting in stiffer diff bushings at the same time ($140 in parts).

I'm on oem zcp suspension with solid sub/diff bushings and things improved on track.
It also made the oem suspension's shortcomings obvious.

[Traf]

Originally Posted by slonik

i thought that 300$ for this work here in russia is not cheap


anyway, we make this lightweight set

Two piece aluminum ? I could be interested in that.

[slonik]

Originally Posted by Traf

Two piece aluminum ? I could be interested in that.

yes it is. we make them from aircraft aluminum, in two piece design for easy installation.

[azndrunk74]

Originally Posted by slonik

yes it is. we make them from aircraft aluminum, in two piece design for easy installation.

very cool. does the two piece design shift at all? any drawbacks to a 1 piece? also, please PM me a price shipped to the US

[roastbeef]

I suspect you still have to press them in... just from both sides as opposed to one side. Might not be much easier.