Alternative to powerflex E53 subframe bushings?

[Ricky Bobby]

Installed as they came, no complaints!

[squidzilla]

RM European has them as for 17.91 each. Part number 33 31 6 770 454. 71.64 for all 4.

I have only found a few people that I have used these. Anyone have any recent experience? I was going to drop the 500+ on the powerflex but changed my mind when I realized that was a bit much for a "truck lol" that will only get 1k-5k miles per year max.

[Ricky Bobby]

I think I wrote this a page or two up. Are the Powerflex going to give you 3-4x the improvement over new OE, or Meyle HD bushings?

I don't think so. Just do OE or Meyle HD. Some have said the benefit to Powerflex is you can install by hand, but you still need the special tool to remove the OE bushings, so its a moot point.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...le-33316770454


BTW! Just saw you looked up the Febi Bilstein bushings on RM European, personally I wouldn't install those. Those are a step down from the OE (Lemforder) and the Meyle HD (oem improved) bushings.

[Riggodeaux]

I'll be due for new bushings in the control arms, at least, soon, and am still conflicted on whether to install powerflex or Meyle HDs there. Subframes still looking/riding pretty good....

[lhordmclain]

Me too Rig

But most probably I will go with a new thrust arm lemforder pressed with meyle hd bushing and meyle ball joint.

Harsh environment conditions here in chi-town and 11 years later the vehicle is still on the original thrust arm.

[semcoinc]

Resurrecting an old thread but see these PSB bushings currently on eBay

BMW X5 (E53) Rear Sub Frame Polyurethane Bushing Kit (Yellow) (01-06) - PSB 648 | eBay

Thinking rear suspension makeover but not sure these PU bushings provide added value over Meyle or other quality rubber design????

Mike

[Ctsiegf]

Originally Posted by semcoinc

Resurrecting an old thread but see these PSB bushings currently on eBay

BMW X5 (E53) Rear Sub Frame Polyurethane Bushing Kit (Yellow) (01-06) - PSB 648 | eBay

Thinking rear suspension makeover but not sure these PU bushings provide added value over Meyle or other quality rubber design????

Mike

I just bought these a few weeks ago but haven't installed them yet. They are a little cheaper direct from Armstrong distributors website directly: https://www.armstrongdistributors.co...-bushing-01-06

It may not be the most value for money. However, the reason I went with poly is that I really object to subframe/carrier bushings being a wear item that lasts 100k. I just replaced everything else in the rear of my X5 and I don't want to have to think about back there for as long as possible. I've got VERY loud clunks from the subframe bushings now.

I also don't want to go back there again because I had to put a helicoil in for the integral link bolt on one side that stripped out. On the other side the long lower bolt rusted to the integral link and needed 2 days with heat/a copper drift/a sledgehammer to come out. Anything that means I don't have to look at the rear end of this car for a longer time is worth it.

-Carter

[semcoinc]

Originally Posted by Ctsiegf

I just bought these a few weeks ago but haven't installed them yet. They are a little cheaper direct from Armstrong distributors website directly: https://www.armstrongdistributors.co...-bushing-01-06

It may not be the most value for money. However, the reason I went with poly is that I really object to subframe/carrier bushings being a wear item that lasts 100k. I just replaced everything else in the rear of my X5 and I don't want to have to think about back there for as long as possible. I've got VERY loud clunks from the subframe bushings now.

I also don't want to go back there again because I had to put a helicoil in for the integral link bolt on one side that stripped out. On the other side the long lower bolt rusted to the integral link and needed 2 days with heat/a copper drift/a sledgehammer to come out. Anything that means I don't have to look at the rear end of this car for a longer time is worth it.

-Carter

I hear you Carter! That sounds like PTSD - Post Traumatic Suspension Disorder

I'm also of the "Touch It Once" school of DIY maintenance. Yeah there was a watch out on that integral link bolt which goes into aluminum! Yikes, I'm going to be watching for that really closely.

Still on the fence regarding PU or Meyle. Will see.....

I just put PU on the front tension strut and have them on my sway bar bushings. Good firm stuff that makes my bars "feel" bigger.

Mike

[Joshdub]

The poly ones you can push in by hand so that's a bonus. They are also stiffer, so another bonus.

[Joshdub]

Oh one note about the PSB poly subframe bushings, I had a fitment issue.

On the forward two bushings of the rear subframe, the bushing goes around two locator nubs (one per bushing) to center the subframe. The inner diameter of the metal insert for the poly bushing was a fraction of a mm smaller than the nub. This required me to ream out two of the inserts (the rear two bushings don't use locators). Not a major deal in the end of the day, but a PITA not knowing going in. I am not sure if it was just my set or my car (03), but it's something to be aware of.

Here is a link to another post of mine that has pictures

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...mpt-2-a-8.html