Urethane filled subframe bushings

[RDAvena]

The X5's rear subframe bushings were doing the usual creaks and squeaks calling for replacement. Having purchased the Baumtools bushing tool I decided to not buy the Powerflex bushings and went with the stock bushings but with a twist. I filled the four of them with 80 Durometer polyurethane. I did this back in the day on my e21 and my e28.

Here is an example of how they are filled (minus all of the bubbles):




The two part urethane kit is from McMaster-Carr McMaster-Carr

Cut the casting flash webbing from the middle of the bushings, cleaned them out with acetone and set them to dry. You can cover the bottom part of the bushing with clear packaging tape so the poly does not run out. Some have also used quick set plaster for this. Once the bushings are sealed mix the two part urethane per instructions and after two minutes pour the mix into the molds. Once kit is enough for two bushings. The urethane flows very well and does not cause the bubbling shown in the pic above. After three to four days they have cured enough that you can install them into the X5.

Comparisons: Compared to the shot bushings it is night and day. Compared to the Powerflex bushings in my 5 series touring the filled bushings make less noise but are just as firm. Ideally the filled bushings should last a little longer than the stock ones with the empty voids. No additional noise (diff whine, suspension creaks , ect ) is transmitted into the cabin with these filled bushings.

Cost comparisons between bushings:

Powerflex - $487.99 Pelican

Stock - $38.97 ea x 4 = $155.88-BMA
Urethane kit- ~$32.00 ea= 64.00
Total $219.00

The leftover $268.99 was put into the Baumtools Tool that made short work of extracting and installing the bushings.

All in all I felt it was a worthwhile mod. YMMV.