$1800, about $1360USD, is a lot I agree (that's CND not USD I assume). But don't downplay their "overhead, experience, training, and etc." If a mechanic can do a 20 hour job in 10 hours because of his skill, he has earned the right to get paid for 20 hours.

You did the right thing DIY'ing, and DIY is the only way I would own a BMW(s). Book times and msrp parts prices on these things are expensive. Don't blame shops for making a living, you have a choice to choose another shop. It's like getting multiple quotes on a remodel. You have the choice to pay or choose another option.

Do you need a special tool to uninstall the old bushings?2003 BMW X5 E53 M54 engine,253512KM

Special tool
 

Yes, need to extract old bushings. Tool is inexpensive on Amazon, comes in a nice box and the components are sized exactly for these bushings


Ken

You don't have to drop the subframe to do this job. All you have to do is remove the rear wheel and the bushings are right there.

I did mine on the ground with the x5 on jack stands.

What with the tool being needed only once, more or less, anybody who's bought it care to part with theirs?



I'm finding prices from $80 up to $175 between amazon, ebay, ECS, pelican etc. I'm planning to do this job next year sometime so I would be interested in buying the kit off someone who never plans to use it again. That way I wouldn't have to buy anything from China that I only need to use once.

Confucius said that a picture is worth a thousand words, what is a video worth?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRKbIdl3oQI

Thanks for all of this info. I've always dreaded this procedure...until seeing this thread. Did everyone get their PSB bushings from Armstrong Distributor or somewhere else...does color matter or is the only color in-stock the winner? RED of course.

If you have a sawzall you can cut out the steel bushing after removing the rubber center with a hole saw. You must be very careful not to cut into the subframe. Once you slit the metal bushing you can hammer the bushing so that it folds into itself. I find that once you slit a metal bushing you relieve enough of the force holding the bushing in the subframe.

I just bought this tool.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174502460097

Good Idea, I'll keep that in mind. Thank you.2003 BMW X5 E53 M54 engine,253512KM