Vibra-technics Engine Mount Destroyed

[//steve\\]

So I got a look at mine the other day and they look totally fine from what I can see. No idea how many miles are on them though as they were done by the previous owner and I've only driven the car 2300 miles since then.

[rockstar93]

These VT mount failures are becoming pretty common on Zpost (the E85/86 shares the same mount), however it seems limited to more recent production and not mounts purchased years ago when VT earned their rep for these mounts being the best.

That said I assumed the 'wear' would be accelerated on the S54 engine because the I6 naturally puts more weight on the right side (because the engine 'leans'). However it seemed to also be heat that was the real killer to these mounts.

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

Is the increase at NCH just at idle? Xan you elaborate? I don't mind a little more "racekar" vibes.

I have BW mounts on my car - put on ~1500km ago when I did bearings. I too am looking at switching them out because the added NVH is too much for me in this car. It's most notable at idle, very faint at low RPMs but that's acceptable. Worth noting I have not adjusted my idle from stock, and I seem to be the only one who notices/can't handle it, any (non-car people) passengers just assume it's supposed to be that way 'because racecar'.

I'm relatively local to you so if we ever meet again you can have a seat and see/feel for yourself.

[Redd]

Clearly its a materials problem. They probably changed supplier for the rubber bit of the mount. That said, it's no excuse for VT to provide such bad customer service. They should stand by their products and at least supply spare parts to repair the mount.

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by peter de la mare

VT mounts failed in my car also after only a year or so.

Originally Posted by rockstar93

These VT mount failures are becoming pretty common on Zpost (the E85/86 shares the same mount), however it seems limited to more recent production and not mounts purchased years ago when VT earned their rep for these mounts being the best.

That said I assumed the 'wear' would be accelerated on the S54 engine because the I6 naturally puts more weight on the right side (because the engine 'leans'). However it seemed to also be heat that was the real killer to these mounts.



I have BW mounts on my car - put on ~1500km ago when I did bearings. I too am looking at switching them out because the added NVH is too much for me in this car. It's most notable at idle, very faint at low RPMs but that's acceptable. Worth noting I have not adjusted my idle from stock, and I seem to be the only one who notices/can't handle it, any (non-car people) passengers just assume it's supposed to be that way 'because racecar'.

I'm relatively local to you so if we ever meet again you can have a seat and see/feel for yourself.

Originally Posted by Redd

Clearly its a materials problem. They probably changed supplier for the rubber bit of the mount. That said, it's no excuse for VT to provide such bad customer service. They should stand by their products and at least supply spare parts to repair the mount.

I would not be surprised if others have the same issues but have not inspected the mounts. The compression of my mounts seems way off, the rubber failed in under 8 months which works out to just under $40 per month to have a shiny paperweight. I couldn’t find an identifying lot # or serial number if it was a bad batch.

[Nazty Naze One!]

We should probably contact VT and have them confirm the use of a different material or at least provide a warranty for any of their mounts purchased since the change.

Either way, maybe if we get a few folks who have had the same issue write a letter that could help. I use them as wel but have had NO problem thus far. Now I'm worried.

[Redd]

Originally Posted by Nazty Naze One!

We should probably contact VT and have them confirm the use of a different material or at least provide a warranty for any of their mounts purchased since the change.

Either way, maybe if we get a few folks who have had the same issue write a letter that could help. I use them as wel but have had NO problem thus far. Now I'm worried.

Good luck with that. VT are clearly not interested in supporting their product after the sale if their response - or lack thereof - to my emails are anything to go by.

[Bubbles]

Emailed and waiting for a reply. Issue occurred well within the warranty period.

[akkando]

Anyone try these?

Powerflex Tuneable Hybrid Urethane Engine Mounts https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1499975

[Redd]

Originally Posted by Bubbles

Emailed and waiting for a reply. Issue occurred well within the warranty period.

Good luck. Do update if you manage to get a response.

[Shrike360]

Finally had some nice weather (it's been so junk I'd only put 75 miles on the car in two months), so took out the E92 for some errands. Further thoughts on the BW motor mounts.

There is more vibration at idle. I can feel it through my butt, but I have to be focusing on it to make it annoying. From idle to ~1800 RPM, you still feel the mounts. Bit more vibration in that range, you can tell the engine is more solidly mounted. Once you get out of that range, I don't notice any extra NVH. It does make a drastic difference in shift quality on the 6MT. Takes out any of the extra sloppiness that the car had stock, and it feels so much more accurate and solid when making the shifts.

[Redd]

Originally Posted by akkando

Anyone try these?

Powerflex Tuneable Hybrid Urethane Engine Mounts https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1499975

I have these on order, waiting for delivery. Will update here once I get them installed.

[GORDON.M3]

Originally Posted by rockstar93

These VT mount failures are becoming pretty common on Zpost (the E85/86 shares the same mount), however it seems limited to more recent production and not mounts purchased years ago when VT earned their rep for these mounts being the best.

That said I assumed the 'wear' would be accelerated on the S54 engine because the I6 naturally puts more weight on the right side (because the engine 'leans'). However it seemed to also be heat that was the real killer to these mounts.



I have BW mounts on my car - put on ~1500km ago when I did bearings. I too am looking at switching them out because the added NVH is too much for me in this car. It's most notable at idle, very faint at low RPMs but that's acceptable. Worth noting I have not adjusted my idle from stock, and I seem to be the only one who notices/can't handle it, any (non-car people) passengers just assume it's supposed to be that way 'because racecar'.

I'm relatively local to you so if we ever meet again you can have a seat and see/feel for yourself.

Are you using the BW Solids engine mounts or the Performance ones?

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by Redd

Good luck. Do update if you manage to get a response.

I received a response that left much to be desired. I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt before I write this off — but I suspect the fix is in. The rubber is in bad shape for engine mount used for 8 months.

An exchange within the warranty period is an easy fix for them to stand by their product. I’ve provided ample photographic proof, sale documentation and audio.

[Redd]

Good luck. I offered to pay for the replacement rubber bits, still no response.

[akkando]

Originally Posted by Redd

I have these on order, waiting for delivery. Will update here once I get them installed.

Excellent.

[GORDON.M3]

Originally Posted by Bubbles

I received a response that left much to be desired. I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt before I write this off — but I suspect the fix is in. The rubber is in bad shape for engine mount used for 8 months.

An exchange within the warranty period is an easy fix for them to stand by their product. I’ve provided ample photographic proof, sale documentation and audio.

Doesn't sound like a replacement rubber will solve the issue, I'd suspect it's something to do with the material and design. There is no way that the rubber can be damaged so soon unless it was under-designed from the get-go.

Speaking of which I should inspect my OEM replacements I put in awhile back..

[rockstar93]

Originally Posted by GORDON.M3

Are you using the BW Solids engine mounts or the Performance ones?

Performance mounts. Can't imagine how harsh the solids would be lol

[Denny347]

Originally Posted by rockstar93

Performance mounts. Can't imagine how harsh the solids would be lol

What is the stiffness rating for the BW Performance mounts? I had Revshift green installed on mine when the RB were done in January. Those are 95A while the factories are around 80A or so. I can actually hear the engine mechanicals in the cabin a bit with the 95A. Shifting is SO much better though.

[Redd]

Got the old VT mounts off the car and they're not pretty. Left side mount is fine but the right side mount is completely toast.



Left mount. Rubber is a bit dry but otherwise ok:


Right mount. you can see that the top plate is at a weird angle and the rubber is completely ripped off:



I tried to open the top of the right mount but the allen bolts would not budge so I decided not to waste any more time with it. These mounts are going in the bin where they belong.

I'll be installing PowerFlex mounts with E46 engine mount heat shields and a DIY heat protection jacket. Hope they help the new mounts last longer.



Instructions on building the heat protection jacket here:
https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=27394293

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by Redd

Got the old VT mounts off the car and they're not pretty. Left side mount is fine but the right side mount is completely toast

Tossed mine as well. Customer service is terrible and would have cost too much to ship back for inspection with no guarantee for relief. Vibra-technics engine mounts are garbage and the customer service is awful, stay far away.

New mounts look good.

[Redd]

Quick update on the Powerflex engine mounts. These are called hybrid mounts because they actually utilize all the different grades of PU in the Powerflex catalogue. The main bush uses Red 65APU; the base has Purple 80A PU; the stiffening pins are Black 95A PU; and the retention band is Yellow 70A PU.



In the package:


Taken apart:


I ran these mounts without the stiffening pins as my car is a daily driver. Feel wise they are a lot like the VT mounts - there's slightly more vibration than stock at idle. Once there is a bit of rpm applied you don't feel them anymore. With the 4 stiffening pins installed, they are claimed to be 300% stiffer than new rubber mounts.

Hopefully these will last longer than the VT mounts.

[aus]

Really sucks VT doesn't stand behind their products.
They don't seem to be on social media either.
.