subframe bushing query

[94e36m3]

Hi all. I'm new to DTM and have a euro e36 M3. Has anybody had experience with powerflex subframe polyeurothane bushings and know if there is any benifit in performance or comfort from the rubber bushings? I'm looking at replacing the worn rear trailing arm bushings with Powerflex units and was wondering if its worthwhile to replace other rubber bushings that are worn and slightly worn. Cheers.

[gelb3]

Originally Posted by 94e36m3

Hi all. I'm new to DTM and have a euro e36 M3. Has anybody had experience with powerflex subframe polyeurothane bushings and know if there is any benifit in performance or comfort from the rubber bushings? I'm looking at replacing the worn rear trailing arm bushings with Powerflex units and was wondering if its worthwhile to replace other rubber bushings that are worn and slightly worn. Cheers.

we hate you.

[BadGTho]

Nick will probably chime in.. and should as he has just been through all of this.

Rubber is softer, more forgiving. it absorbs more force and distributes less to the metal body. Rubber is also more difficult to install and rubber RTABs need to have the pre-load adjusted when ride height is changed by more than 1" or so.

i would say that on a street driven car, poly subframe bushings may not be noticeable but poly RTABs are. they are firmer.

this debate is often skewed because anything that you install will be better than worn out parts and so when people say that one or the other is a world of difference it is... only compared to your old cracked bushings.

one thing i will say is that doing rear balljoints is much more critical to ride quality and ability to stay in alignment than the actual subframe rubber...and you should do those.