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#1. Differential front mount bushing - from Avedis, Alexander (US SSA)
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Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 14:57:08 -0400 From: "Avedis, Alexander (US SSA)" <alexander.avedis@baesystems.com> Subject: Differential front mount bushing I think I missed the front [beginning] portion of this thread but how can you tell if your differential mounts need replacing? What's prompting the question is that on occasion when going backwards and accelerating from a stop I get a clunking sound from the rear like something is hitting something. It is very definitely from the rear but only occasionally. Any thoughts? Also what's a pluuer? Puller? Thanks. Alex NJ Chapter 98 M3/4 75k miles ======================================================================== == Date: Wed, 15 Jun 2005 20:48:00 -0400 From: "James Clay" <james@bimmerworld.com> Subject: RE: Suspension swap + differential front mount bushing IF your front diff bushing is failing, I think it makes sense to do the rears. As far as using aluminum, it will make things slightly noisier. Usually a track car upgrade, but I have customers with them on the street. A pluuer would be nice for the front bushing - if you have the right one it can be done with the diff in the car - rear would be pressed in after removing the cover. At the same time, inspect the outer control arm ball joints for wear - they start to loosen up with track use. James Clay http://www.bimmerworld.com <http://www.bimmerworld.com/> <http://www.bimmerworld.com/> http://www.bimmerworldracing.com <http://www.bimmerworldracing.com/> <http://www.bimmerworldracing.com/> Engineered BMW Performance 540.639.9648
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#2. Re: [E36M3] Front control arm replacement - from Christopher Bauer
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Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 13:48:27 -0500 From: Christopher Bauer <chrisbauer@vzavenue.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Front control arm replacement cost? control arms are sort of a bear. But 5 hours seems excessive if youve got the right tools/a lift/air tools/etc. I remember replacing them on my e30 in an afternoon with 2 people. Chris 97m3 ---- Original message ---- >Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 13:42:06 -0500 >From: "Michael, Dave" <Dave_Michael@maxtor.com> >Folks > >So my car was at the dealer for some minor work a few weeks ago, and on >the work order they wrote that I needed both front ball joints replaced.So I instead took the car to a local independent BMW >specialist. His part cost was reasonable, but he still charged 5 hours >labor. Is that really what it takes? Total cost was $780.00...... >Opinions welcome. > >Thanks! > >Dave >98 m3/4 >
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#3. Re: [E36M3] Front control arm replacement cost? - from Chester Wong
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Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 12:08:59 -0700 (PDT) From: Chester Wong <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Front control arm replacement cost? I guess it depends on how competent the mechanic is. Having just done this last weekend, here are the steps: - Lift car - Remove front wheels - Remove x-brace - Remove bolts that hold the lollipops in place - Remove nut that holds control arm to kingpin - Use special tool to separate control arm ball joint to king pin - Remove two bolts that hold steering rack in place - support engine by oil pan - Drop four bolts that hold the front subframe to chassis - Once subframe is out, it's straightforward to replace control arm That is the correct way of doing it so that you can get a torque wrench onto the nuts that hold the control arm to the subframe. I think James of Bimmerworld says that it's a very important step that should not be overlooked. Whether or not it takes 5 hours...well, it didn't take Wayne and myself 5 hours, but that is two people. Chester --- "Michael, Dave" <Dave_Michael@maxtor.com> wrote: > So my car was at the dealer for some minor work a few weeks ago, and on > the work order they wrote that I needed both front ball joints replaced. > Estimated cost - $1065.00. Figuring that was way too much, I researched > the part cost and found that control arms could be had for no more than > $180.00 each. So I instead took the car to a local independent BMW > specialist. His part cost was reasonable, but he still charged 5 hours > labor. Is that really what it takes? Total cost was $780.00...... > > Anyways, I have that slightly odd feeling that something smells a > little, but I can't tell if its real or if I am imagining things
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#4. Re: [E36M3] Differential front mount bushing - from Carey Probst
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Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 15:11:36 -0400 From: Carey Probst <hcprobst@alum.mit.edu> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Differential front mount bushing Can't say for sure but I realized they needed replacing on my old 2002 (model, not year) when I looked under the car and the diff was being supported by the street surface. Carey Avedis, Alexander (US SSA) wrote: >Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 14:57:08 -0400 >From: "Avedis, Alexander (US SSA)" <alexander.avedis@baesystems.com> >Subject: Differential front mount bushing > >I think I missed the front [beginning] portion of this thread but how >can you tell if your differential mounts need replacing? What's >prompting the question is that on occasion when going backwards and >accelerating from a stop I get a clunking sound from the rear like >something is hitting something. It is very definitely from the rear but >only occasionally. Any thoughts? > > > >Also what's a pluuer? Puller? > > > >Thanks. > > > >Alex > >NJ Chapter > >98 M3/4 75k miles > >======================================================================== >== > >Date: Wed, 15 Jun 2005 20:48:00 -0400 > >From: "James Clay" <james@bimmerworld.com> > >Subject: RE: Suspension swap + differential front mount bushing > > > >IF your front diff bushing is failing, I think it makes sense to do the >rears. As far as using aluminum, it will make things slightly noisier. >Usually a track car upgrade, but I have customers with them on the >street. A pluuer would be nice for the front bushing - if you have the >right one it can be done with the diff in the car - rear would be >pressed in after removing the cover. At the same time, inspect the >outer control arm ball joints for wear - they start to loosen up with >track use. > > > > > > > >James Clay > >http://www.bimmerworld.com <http://www.bimmerworld.com/> ><http://www.bimmerworld.com/> > >http://www.bimmerworldracing.com <http://www.bimmerworldracing.com/> ><http://www.bimmerworldracing.com/> > >Engineered BMW Performance > >540.639.9648 > > > > > >************************************************* >Please help support the E36M3 list by visiting our sponsors: > >Bimmerworld http://www.bimmerworld.com >Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com >Eurosport High Performance http://www.eurosporthighperformance.com >Rogue Engineering http://www.rogueengineering.com >Treehouse Racing http://www.treehouseracing.com >Elephant Motorsports Inc. http://www.elephantmotorsports.com > >DIGEST INFORMATION: >http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm >************************************************* > > > > >
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#5. RE: Front control arm replacement cost? - from Ahmad Lutfeali
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Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 15:15:34 -0400 From: "Ahmad Lutfeali" <m3_racer99@hotmail.com> Subject: RE: Front control arm replacement cost? David, The quotes which I received on my 98 60K M3 was somewhere along the same lines. You can call James Clay's shop www.bimmerworld.com (he is a list sponsor too). They will press the bushing for you as well (otherwise it's a pita). Make sure you get the 95 M3 bushing (will benefit from more caster). I am hardly a handy man but with the help of local bimmer forum guys, did it myself in "THREE" hours. You can check www.unofficialbmw.com for write-ups or go to www.bimmerforums.com and select your region and make a post. Most folks are SUPER friendly and someone will lend you the tools (if you don't have one) and watch over your back for a couple of beers (Ice Tea did it for me since I am in GA). Remember that you 'may' need alignment (I did). Hope this helps. Ahmad Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 14:33:02 -0400 From: "Michael, Dave" <Dave_Michael@maxtor.com> Subject: Front control arm replacement cost? Folks So my car was at the dealer for some minor work a few weeks ago, and on the work order they wrote that I needed both front ball joints replaced. Estimated cost - $1065.00. Figuring that was way too much, I researched the part cost and found that control arms could be had for no more than $180.00 each. So I instead took the car to a local independent BMW specialist. His part cost was reasonable, but he still charged 5 hours labor. Is that really what it takes? Total cost was $780.00...... Anyways, I have that slightly odd feeling that something smells a little, but I can't tell if its real or if I am imagining things Opinions welcome. Thanks! Dave 98 m3/4
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#6. Re: Front control arm replacement cost? - from Neil Maller
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Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 14:23:55 -0500 From: Neil Maller <neil.maller@gte.net> Subject: Re: Front control arm replacement cost? on 6/16/05 2:02 PM, "Michael, Dave" <Dave_Michael@maxtor.com> wrote: > His part cost was reasonable, but he still charged 5 hours > labor. Is that really what it takes? Total cost was $780.00. IMO if that included a front end alignment check afterward it's OK, if not it's a bit high but not way out of line. I realize it's not for everyone, but this kind of suspension work is perfect for a DIYer with some available time. You don't need all that much in the way of tools or expertise and you can save a bunch of expensive shop time. Neil Fort Wayne, IN 96 M3 - Bastard child 03 525iT - Sterling Grey Metallic 77 MGB - Original owner, need to sell 05 Mini - Cooper S with LSD!
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#7. Re: [E36M3] RE: Front control arm replacement cost? - from Chester Wong
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Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 12:25:03 -0700 (PDT) From: Chester Wong <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] RE: Front control arm replacement cost? --- Ahmad Lutfeali <m3_racer99@hotmail.com> wrote: > The quotes which I received on my 98 60K M3 was somewhere along the same > lines. You can call James Clay's shop www.bimmerworld.com (he is a list > sponsor too). They will press the bushing for you as well (otherwise it's a > pita). Make sure you get the 95 M3 bushing (will benefit from more caster). Are you talking about pressing out the old bushing from the lollipop or pressing the bushing onto the control arm? We found dish soap worked extremely well to do that later :) Chester
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#8. CCA O'fest raffle for new M5 - from tim ng
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Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 16:51:02 -0400 From: "tim ng" <s14realm3@hotmail.com> Subject: CCA O'fest raffle for new M5 Got my O'fest raffle coupon, this year its for a NEW M5 V10. hummm, what can I do with a new M5 if win one???? BMW ///M #5, maybe I would put that V10 engine in my e30 M3 :)))) 87 325is D.E. CAR FOR SALE Tim Ng 95 BUZZNM3 92 325ic M-Technic 91 M3 street car 88 M3/2.5 DM race car CAR FOR SALE 90 325ica 89 325i 90 535ia Chevy Avalanche 2500- 8.1L engine GAS HOG Pace shadow 26 ft enclosed trailer my web page: http://groups.msn.com/M3stuff/pictures
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#9. Re: Front control arm replacement cost? - from Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net
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Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 17:22:34 -0400 From: <Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net> Subject: Re: Front control arm replacement cost? Well, it probably took me five hours to my '96 M3 control arms, not sure how much that helps. Did they do an alignment as well? Doesn't sound that bad to me... Regards, Stan Shaw Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net Phone: (413) 599-0399 Fax: (413) 599-0421 Excell.Net Owner/Operator http://www.Excell.Net/ 928 Owners Club President http://www.928OC.org/ 928Racing.net Team Member http://www.928Racing.net/ "Liberty once lost is lost forever." - John Adams
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#10. RE: Differential front mount bushing - from James Clay
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Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 19:29:36 -0400 From: "James Clay" <james@bimmerworld.com> Subject: RE: Differential front mount bushing Pluuer - not sure but it went through spell check the first time... The diff clunks when it is loose - when you suddenly apply or reduce power. Easiest way to check is to jack it up and look. James Clay http://www.bimmerworld.com <http://www.bimmerworld.com/> http://www.bimmerworldracing.com <http://www.bimmerworldracing.com/> Engineered BMW Performance 540.639.9648 -----Original Message----- From: Avedis, Alexander (US SSA) [mailto:alexander.avedis@baesystems.com] Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2005 2:57 PM To: M3 Digest Cc: james@bimmerworld.com Subject: Differential front mount bushing I think I missed the front [beginning] portion of this thread but how can you tell if your differential mounts need replacing? What's prompting the question is that on occasion when going backwards and accelerating from a stop I get a clunking sound from the rear like something is hitting something. It is very definitely from the rear but only occasionally. Any thoughts? Also what's a pluuer? Puller? Thanks. Alex NJ Chapter 98 M3/4 75k miles