How does this rtab kit look?

[Dave1027]

I'm getting ready to do my rtabs. Found this deal (http://www.oembimmerparts.com/BMW_Rear_Trailing_Arm_Bushing_Limiter_Kit_OEM_p/33321097009kiteoem46.htm) on some Lemforder rtabs and limiters. Does anybody see any issue going with these? I only want to tighten the toe on the back end but the last thing I want is a harsher ride.

[alexandre]

The part # doesn't look right on this... You should be looking for either 33326770786 (non-M) or 33326770817 (M3 RTAB - beefier and they're a direct fit).

RMEuropean has non-M for 12.78 x2 or M3 for 21.90 x2, with limiters at 18.75... Probably the cheapest you can get for the full kit.

[3ZHP]

Just pulled my receipt for the new BMW OEM rtab a purchased 8-2012 and the list price was $28.30 each. The tool to do them, will cast more than the bushings.

BMW Part NO. 33-32-6-770-786

[derbo]

I think the one in the ebay is the old part number that was superceded by the 786 one.

I used 33 326 770 817.. Z4M RTABS.

http://vorshlag.smugmug.com/Product-Pictures/Vorshlag-Suspension-Products/i-rp5z4ww/0/L/DSC7102-L.jpg

There is some information here from vorshlag:

http://www.vorshlag.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_8_29&products_id=515

[Dave1027]

The part # doesn't look right on this... You should be looking for either 33326770786 (non-M) or 33326770817 (M3 RTAB - beefier and they're a direct fit).
I see what you are saying. I googled the part number and it comes up as an f'ing "Uro" brand part.

[alexandre]

Don't buy from Vorshlag though... "Bushings provided may be Lemforder or Meyle branded depending on availability." (Meyle is garbage)

[derbo]

Don't buy from Vorshlag though... "Bushings provided may be Lemforder or Meyle branded depending on availability." (Meyle is garbage)

I wouldn't buy factory parts from them but their other products are great. I actually got OEM ones for the RTABs.

[Dave1027]

The rtabs (with limiters) arrived from OEMbimmerparts. Lightning fast shipping.

They are Lemforders and the part number says 271191 01 009. It also says "Cross No. 33326770786" so I got exactly what I wanted. They look exactly like Derbo's pic above on the right with the small gaps. I think oem's plus limiters is a good balance for my needs.

[Dave1027]

Ended up pulling the Lemforders plus limiters out and installing Whiteline polys. More road noise but with better tracking and stability, it's worth it in my opinion.

whiteline-rear-trailing-arm-bushings-bmw-3series-e46l (http://www.vividracing.com/catalog/whiteline-rear-trailing-arm-bushings-bmw-3series-e46-9805-p-148979.html)

[QC_ZHP]

That was quick. My poly bushings just came in the mail today, good to hear they're worth the premium.

[Lanister]

What mileages are you guys at? Just wondering when I should start looking into it as well.

Sent from outer space...

[QC_ZHP]

82K

[derbo]

Ended up pulling the Lemforders plus limiters out and installing Whiteline polys. More road noise but with better tracking and stability, it's worth it in my opinion.

whiteline-rear-trailing-arm-bushings-bmw-3series-e46l (http://www.vividracing.com/catalog/whiteline-rear-trailing-arm-bushings-bmw-3series-e46-9805-p-148979.html)


What alignment settings did you set the car to?

I'm curious as to why you decided to change it.


Also Giya,


I would just check them every time the car is up in the air. :) My old ZHP ones were still great at 107k. I changed my M3 ones cause it was a whole lot easier to get it done when the subframe was out.

[Dave1027]

I'm at 103k but it wasn't so much a mileage thing for me. I just didn't like the feel of the rubber rtabs. I installed new Lemforder oem style rubber rtabs with limiters and while it was an improvement, I feel the Whiteline poly setup is superior for tracking and stability. Basically I did not like the rubbery feel coming from the rear end.

It's possible M3 bushings could have worked well. I did not try those. The Whitelines are easy to install and have large washers that hold the trailing arm firmly in place. I think one day I'll also make the switch to poly Fcabs. I'll probably wait till after I replace the front tires.

[Dave1027]

What alignment settings did you set the car to? Standard E46 sport suspension settings.

[Smolck]

Don't forget your upper and lower trailing arm ball joints, otherwise you only fixed half the problem. I have vids on my youtube channel.

[Dave1027]

Standard E46 sport suspension settings.

Forgot to note that I did have the rear toe zeroed. Drives perfect now.

Edit to add: I had to go back to the recommended toe spec after replacing my rear tires. The zeroed toe only worked for my bald Bridgestones.

[derbo]

Interesting. I left Toe in on the rear and added Toe out in the front.

[Dave1027]

Interesting. I left Toe in on the rear and added Toe out in the front.

Before, I could feel the car being steered by the rear wheels when they rolled over imperfections in the road. I think that effect of the toe in on the rear wheels is exagerated by the negative camber.

[Dave1027]

Update:

I have confirmed the squirliness was a combination of the new Conti DWs and too much negative camber on the rear wheels. I'm now back to zero toe on the rears. I'm also running only 0.7 degrees of negative camber. It drives really sweet with this setup. I also like the stance.

[CarbonZHP]

I felt the same kind of rear wheel steering before doing my new RTABs. I was getting extremely uneven tire wear, rears were done in 12k. While the bushings werent TOO bad, my larger than normal rear camber angle had a very bad effect on the bushings. Tire wear has been even since replacement with Rogue Blacks.

[derbo]

Update:

I have confirmed the squirliness was a combination of the new Conti DWs and too much negative camber on the rear wheels. I'm now back to zero toe on the rears. I'm also running only 0.7 degrees of negative camber. It drives really sweet with this setup. I also like the stance.

Haha, I have 2.0 degrees of negative camber at 0.1 Toe in in the rear. I love it :)

[Dave1027]

Haha, I have 2.0 degrees of negative camber at 0.1 Toe in in the rear. I love it :)

I was fine with that kind of camber too until I got new tires. My only explanation is the old tires were wore down at an angle. When I got new tires it felt odd like I was riding on the edges of the tires.