Bushes (suspension query)

[rob_c]

Hi,

I have only had my 01 330ci for 2 months or there about, and I took it to a mechanic friend of mine last night who jacked it up as I could hear an unusual noise coming from the suspension, it turned out that the bushes on either side at the front (the ones that look like they go back into the car) were shot...

I was a bit miffed at this as I bought it from a reputable dealer and it had a full BMW dealer service before I purchased it..

Are bushes expensive to replace? Is this a common thing?

Im trying to get this sorted through the warranty, but I just wanted to know a bit more

I'm not very mechanically minded, hence my questions!

thanks

[peppernick]

Very common wear and tear on E46s. Mine went at 30000 miles on my 330. They are not expensive to replace, depending on labour charges (1 hour) but I would take the opportunity to upgrade to polyutherene bushes as they are more robust.

Check www.powerflex.co.uk for replacement bushes.

[danch]

Don't know how much from the $tealer, but genuine ones can be bought from ebay.

They are prone to going from what I have read aswell and from looking at mine the other day, I need mine replacing soon.

Think a set from ebay went for £40 for Left & Right.

HTH

Daniel

[rob_c]

Is it safe to drive with them wobbling a bit? the car feels sturdy enough but I have a long journey to do tomorrow thats all and Im worried that it will break!

how much are bushes usually?

[peppernick]

Is it safe to drive with them wobbling a bit? the car feels sturdy enough but I have a long journey to do tomorrow thats all and Im worried that it will break!

how much are bushes usually?
If you continue to drive with worn bushes, you'll wear out the arms. They cost more to replace. It's not going to break or anything but if you have to drive tomorrow then you have to.

[rob_c]

Can you get them from say halfords? I could do with getting them sorted out tonight thats all for piece of mind before I go up its like 500 mile round trip thats all, so I didnt want to risk it!

thanks for the advice so far :D

[peppernick]

Can you get them from say halfords? I could do with getting them sorted out tonight thats all for piece of mind before I go up its like 500 mile round trip thats all, so I didnt want to risk it!

thanks for the advice so far :D
You can't get them from Halfords. If you have to, get the original ones form your dealer but the same thing is going to happen some miles down the line.

[rob_c]

so if you had to do a 500 mile round trip with worn front bushes on both sides, would you do it?

I dont want to break anything else thats all!

[peppernick]

I would just do it.

[rob_c]

thankyou for your motivational words, Im gonna go ahead! :D

[rob_c]

just rang to get a price on some bushes

£81 inc vat from BMW!!!! Are there any online places where you can get cheaper standard parts?

[peppernick]

Cheapest palce is ebay. Especially ebay.de

[rob_c]

even german carparts are £70!

nevermind, got to be done i spose

[CA Automotive UK]

hi Rob , thought i'd mention we are powerflex agents , here is an app and price list for E46 in the hope its of some use, all prices inc vat and are 10% below retail .

best of luck either way


Front Wishbone
Rear Bush
2 per car (each) PFF5-4601 1 17.95
Front Wishbone
Rear Bush
2 per car (each) PFF5-4601-60 1 17.95
Front Anti Roll
Bar Bush
2 per car (each) PFF5-4602-21 2 21mm 14.35
Front Anti Roll
Bar Bush
2 per car (each) PFF5-4602-23 2 23mm 14.35
Front Anti Roll
Bar Bush
2 per car (each) PFF5-4602-24 2 24mm 14.35
Rear Trailing
Arm Bush
2 per car (each) PFR5-4608 3 16.15
Rear Roll Bar
Mounting Bush
2 per car (each) PFR5-504-15 4 15mm 11.65
Rear Roll Bar
Mounting Bush
2 per car (each) PFR5-504-18 4 18mm 11.65
Rear Roll Bar
Mounting Bush
2 per car (each) PFR5-504-19 4 19mm 8.95

NOTES:
PFF5-4601 is designed to fit the 66mm bore front wishbone rear bush mount (BMW part 31 12 6 757 623). Ensure you have the correct mount before fitting. PFF5-4601-60 is for the earlier models with 60mm bore mounting.

Kit Prices Retail Price £

FRONT KIT (inc 1,2) 64.62
REAR KIT (inc 3,4) 55.62