I just ran across this, is this what would fit in the rear lower control arm "wishbone"?

MOOG CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS, 1-ARM SET -- This is a set of high quality, OE replacement control arm bushings.

Location: Lower
Material: Rubber
Product Fit: OE replacement
Quantity Sold: 1-arm set
Fit note: Rear At Knuckle

2000-2006 BMW X5 Control Arm Bushing – Moog K200012 - Lower, Rubber

amacman - The 3-series is a different layout, I doubt any of those would be suitable (if that's what you were suggesting ?) Getting Powerflex to develop a new bush sounds complicated and tbh I like the idea of doing it myself. Much kudos to be earned :)


thunderX - That's for the outer end of the wishbone. Part #2 in my original diagram.

Thanks Sundayjumper. The description on their site misled me because other sites refer to part #2 as a "ball joint".

This is crazy! SOMEONE has to be making these bushings (U.S.)/bushes (Euro) for BMW. At $400 for each side it makes more sense (to me) to just replace the bushings.

People,do you read the previous posts?
I stated before that there's a way to fit the 5th series bushings there,but the inner diameter in smaller,so there's a need to increase the diameter in order to be able to fit the bolt in.This info is from russian e53 community.
I haven't tried it,but I am pretty sure it's a better bet than trying to make the bushing of any material yourself.Less margin of failure.
Nobody produces these bushings.It's been discussed for years already.

Yes. And the only place that's been linked as supplying these bushes does not respond to emails.

Please let us know where we can buy the E39 bushes from. It seems there's plenty of interest.

Yes I read the previous posts... still didn't provide the answers, however.
 

I know nobody makes them, I was simply stating that it is crazy because the alternative is so gd expensive!!!

Then how is it helpful to know that e39 bushings would fit if they aren't manufactured either?
I would love to buy an e 39 bushing and drill it out, but no luck.


Sent from my SGH-i917 using Board Express

Good topic timing.

I have been considering this for awhile now. It kinda irked me that the rear lower arms are an all or nothing affair. Well, I'm not buyin' it. (sorry, couldn't resist that :rofl: ) There's a large selection of "generic" polyurethane suspension bushings available, but then of course it's up to the end user to make it all work out. Since I can machine parts in my garage, I wanted to pull the rear suspension apart, take some precise measurements, order some material, and make some choices (and parts!). My plan was to bore out the old material without affecting the aluminum part itself. (this, I can do). Of course, due to the nature of the original parts, it's a one way ticket once I head down that road.......

Anyway, my thought was to bore out the old material and make the replacement as a tight press-fit, but I would also need to make the part such that I can position the arm correctly in it's mounting location, and move as necessary. On one hand, I'm not real concerned about being able to do that, but then I am reminded of the saying: "Satisfaction is that feeling you have before you know all the facts." Or something like that.

But for 2 factors, I'd just dive into it this weekend -

1. My work schedule for the next 2 months and 7 days is brutal, and

2. I'd have to deal with "Honey, how long is the BMW going to be jacked up and in my parking spot in the garage?" This issue is because #1. precludes speedy resolution if I start.

So if you get to this and get it sorted, by all means plz post info. If not, I plan to pull mine apart and make my own polyurethane bushings from appropriate material, but this won't happen until after April. When I do, I'll so inform the group, and see whaddup from there.

Best,

Civdiv99

Civdiv99, you can count me in on cost-sharing this project also.

Best regards,

SkidmarkX5

Hey, Skidmarkx5, where've you been? I sent you emails to yer smartphone, etc. but no reply? :dunno:

We need to make a 30 min coffee break - I have some things for your X5. :thumbup: