AKG Alumium Subframe Bushing

MaximusB · 07-03-2023, 09:10 PM

Anyone know why only AKG has a disclaimer about reinforcing the subframe when using their aluminum bushing, and others don’t?

As per their website:
“Although our solid aluminum BMW subframe bushings are the hardest available and have a longer life span than other bushings, they are also extremely harsh and unforgiving on the chassis. Cracks may occur around the mounts. Any area using aluminum bushings should be reinforced and consistently checked before/after each race.”

https://akgmotorsport.com/product/re...m-e90-e92-e82/

Planning on doing solid subframe and solid diff mount, along with suspension bushings upgrade/refresh for next year.

Redd · 07-05-2023, 05:46 PM

Marketing talk. There is no issue with E9x subframe unlike the E46 M3. That said I'd probably buy from a vendor who's a bit more confident about their product. I've had Tuner solid subframe bushes in my car for 7 yrs 65k kms now, zero issues.

TboneS54 · 07-05-2023, 06:05 PM

I doubt it has to do with marketing or confidence in the product, but rather liability.

Ironically, we in the E46 community have believed for some time that the soft rubber (esp after time) allows for movement of the subframe which in turn precipitates or exacerbates cracks in the carrier panel. My point being that, following that line of thought, a lack of movement due to very rigid alloy bushes *should* prevent the rocking motion that we think leads to cracks.

Anyway, the reason why I shied away from alloy, and went with poly, both on E46 & E82 (same subframe as e9x) was down to the increased harshness as it relates to comfort/luxury - these are luxury vehicles after all (speaking about road cars, not converted track cars).

Redd · 07-05-2023, 07:35 PM

I'm very very particular about ride harshness as my car is my daily driver and the roads in my country are notoriously bad. I say with confidence that solid subframe for E9x M3 does not increase ride harshness. It does increase firmness but that actually results in better body control, less secondary motions, and - to me - improved ride comfort.

07-03-2023, 09:10 PM	#1
MaximusB Major 1394 Rep 1,292 Posts Drives: 13 Frozen White E92 Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	AKG Alumium Subframe Bushing Anyone know why only AKG has a disclaimer about reinforcing the subframe when using their aluminum bushing, and others don’t? As per their website: “Although our solid aluminum BMW subframe bushings are the hardest available and have a longer life span than other bushings, they are also extremely harsh and unforgiving on the chassis. Cracks may occur around the mounts. Any area using aluminum bushings should be reinforced and consistently checked before/after each race.” https://akgmotorsport.com/product/re...m-e90-e92-e82/ Planning on doing solid subframe and solid diff mount, along with suspension bushings upgrade/refresh for next year.
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07-05-2023, 05:46 PM	#2
Redd Brigadier General 3900 Rep 4,165 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW E92 M3 Dakar Edition Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Malaysia iTrader: (0)	Marketing talk. There is no issue with E9x subframe unlike the E46 M3. That said I'd probably buy from a vendor who's a bit more confident about their product. I've had Tuner solid subframe bushes in my car for 7 yrs 65k kms now, zero issues.
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07-05-2023, 06:05 PM	#3
TboneS54 YNWA 1043 Rep 813 Posts Drives: 2004 M3 6spd & 2011 M3 DCT Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: SoCal iTrader: (2)	I doubt it has to do with marketing or confidence in the product, but rather liability. Ironically, we in the E46 community have believed for some time that the soft rubber (esp after time) allows for movement of the subframe which in turn precipitates or exacerbates cracks in the carrier panel. My point being that, following that line of thought, a lack of movement due to very rigid alloy bushes should prevent the rocking motion that we think leads to cracks. Anyway, the reason why I shied away from alloy, and went with poly, both on E46 & E82 (same subframe as e9x) was down to the increased harshness as it relates to comfort/luxury - these are luxury vehicles after all (speaking about road cars, not converted track cars). __________________ /// 2004 Silvergrey M3 · Coupe · 6MT · Slicktop · zero options /// 2011 Jerez/Bamboo E90 M3 · DCT · Slicktop · IG: @na.s54
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07-05-2023, 07:35 PM	#4
Redd Brigadier General 3900 Rep 4,165 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW E92 M3 Dakar Edition Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Malaysia iTrader: (0)	I'm very very particular about ride harshness as my car is my daily driver and the roads in my country are notoriously bad. I say with confidence that solid subframe for E9x M3 does not increase ride harshness. It does increase firmness but that actually results in better body control, less secondary motions, and - to me - improved ride comfort.
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