E36 rear suspension???

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   1991 E36 320iSE 4 door saloon...
Hi all, someone must be able to help. Had my beemer since feb last year.  In april had the nsr bearing replaced, since then the back of the car seems to leap and lurch all over the place when you hit a pot hole or bump. The back end is all over the place and feels out of control. Had the shocks replaced thinking it was that, but was then told it could be the bushes...i'm aware that there's quite a few bushes on the rear suspension, which ones imparticular could it be that's making my car a near death trap when the roads a bit slippy like??? and rough guesstimate on how much it could set me back...ta

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
Blackcat Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member II Joined: 09-January-2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 168	Topic: E36 rear suspension??? Posted: 11-January-2004 at 00:47
	1991 E36 320iSE 4 door saloon... Hi all, someone must be able to help. Had my beemer since feb last year. In april had the nsr bearing replaced, since then the back of the car seems to leap and lurch all over the place when you hit a pot hole or bump. The back end is all over the place and feels out of control. Had the shocks replaced thinking it was that, but was then told it could be the bushes...i'm aware that there's quite a few bushes on the rear suspension, which ones imparticular could it be that's making my car a near death trap when the roads a bit slippy like??? and rough guesstimate on how much it could set me back...ta
	Burning rubber??? I prefer to think of it as scorching tarmac!!!

Sponsored Links

Peter Fenwick Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Bavarian-Board Contributor Joined: 27-August-2003 Location: Lost somewhere in time... Status: Offline Points: 6484	Posted: 12-January-2004 at 09:28
	Blackcat, The rear bushes that usually cause most problems with handling are the Z arm bushes. These are the large bushes that connect the front of the rear suspension arms to the body. I had mine changed and it transformed the car. As for cost, that will vary depending on who you get to do the work. It will probably be between �100 and �200 from a decent speciallist.
	Entering an age of Austerity and now driving a Focus Diesel.

dave 328 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 21-October-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 835	Posted: 12-January-2004 at 11:25
	Mine was clunking on the body as the inner part of the bush had slipped out and knocked on the body. Because it was out the car must have been crabbing slightly as the steering wheel was of centre when driving straight, replaced the bush and the wheel was straight again! It cost me �16 for 2 M3 bushes (supposed to be a firmer rubber) and an 1.5 hrs to fit!!

Blackcat Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member II Joined: 09-January-2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 168	Posted: 12-January-2004 at 19:30
	Thanks peter...another quick question, is the z-arm the same as the trailing arm??? and is it the bush just infront of the rear wheel close to the rear jack point? and...do u need a specialist tool to remove/replace the bush or is it fairly straight forward? And dave...how did u manage to change the bushes? peter says it would cost �100 to �200 to fit and the bushes are quite cheap...are you a mechanic with all the tools and knowledge...coz i'm hoping that I can do it myself...i may not be knowledgable but i'm willing and able to give it a try and �16 is far better than �100+
	Burning rubber??? I prefer to think of it as scorching tarmac!!!

Peter Fenwick Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Bavarian-Board Contributor Joined: 27-August-2003 Location: Lost somewhere in time... Status: Offline Points: 6484	Posted: 13-January-2004 at 09:35
	Blackcat, Yes, that is the bush I am refering to. Not sure about special tools but I do know that when I had mine replaced the mechanic had a hell of a job getting the old ones out. The bush it self is rubber with an aluminium casing, meaning you have a metal to metal joint with the suspension arm. This casing tends to corrode making the bush a pig to remove. I would only atempt it if you have a tool to press the old bush out. You probably need a similar tool to put the new bush in as it is a tight fit. The price I gave was from a BMW speciallist. The reason I couldn't be more specific was that when I got mine done I also had a lot of other work done as well. There is no reason why you couldn't get if done somewhere cheaper, i'm sure any competant mechanic could fit them. Mind you, this is the kind of job that I would have done myself if I had a garage, and the right tools.
	Entering an age of Austerity and now driving a Focus Diesel.

Scott Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 22-December-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 5	Posted: 13-January-2004 at 14:38
	Just had a quote for the Z-arm bushes on the mrs 325i 4dr....BM specialist gave me a price of �100 + VAT. Also got the horrible, un-nerving, jiggles at the rear while cornering. I've been told the same as what Peter mentioned, without the right tools it can be a total arse of a job. Don't think just over �100 is too bad a price to pay. Have a ring about and see what prices you get. Scott

dave 328 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 21-October-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 835	Posted: 13-January-2004 at 16:10
	I've replied to your PM, Blackcat. An easy job with the right tools!!