BMW E46 330 ZHP Control Arm Bushings

[kayger12]

Ok boys and girls, in addition to getting word that the dealer will be replacing my Vanos under CPO, the tech advised me that my front right tire has a little feathering on the inside tread.

I asked if it was from the worn CABs that I figured are do to be replaced. He agreed that the CABs were the most likely culprit.

I know some have gone with Meyle HDs and others have gone urethane-- I'm looking for everyone's feedback/opinions about which way to go.

Thanks in advance!

Please jump in on the poll as well if you have a second.

[Mtnman]

Ha. Dont know enough to vote. But my sentiment is, its always something, dang it! Least the rest is CPO.

[Johnmadd]

I have always thought the difference between stock and hd meyle on an already perfomance ( any bmw ) is minimal if any. Urethane is stiff but not solid. If you drive it hard alot id go urethane or something else.

[Johnmadd]

Also heard the urethane can squeak sometimes, just in general not positive about e46 but seems it would be, and not sure how much or how loud.

[jvr826]

I had Powerflex on my car for about 13k miles... maybe a year or so IIRC. During an inspection I discovered a crack on one of the seams.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3484204399_37d319c548_z.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3402/3484876750_32388f50f2_z.jpg

I was quite bummed, I really liked the increase in steering response these bushings provided.

I was in a pinch as this inspection was for a track day and I couldn't source Powerflex replacements locally and couldn't wait, so I had to go with the BMW original CABs. The shop I got them from looked at the Powerflex and had never seen any fail that way. Apparently, I drive the hardest of all their customers... (rolls eyes). Well, they are a race part, so using them on poor condition streets could have contributed to their early demise.

I will get another set, maybe this year. Their factory suffered a major fire last year and production was halted while they rebuilt it. They should be back up to full speed.

[danewilson77]

I go with Meyle HD. I have FSM/RSM/CAB

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[kayger12]

Thanks for the feedback, gents.

Ordered up some Meyle HDs this evening.

And just so they wouldn't be lonely, I picked up a Motive Power Extractor for company...

[danewilson77]

Perfect. My kid used it today, on the Benz, and I used it this past weekend. I actually changed my oil and filter wearing one of my nice sweater. The tool is Beast!

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[kayger12]

Awesome. Have you used it as a brake bleeder at all?

[danewilson77]

Awesome. Have you used it as a brake bleeder at all?

No.....but it would be super easy with that.

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[johnrando]

Keith, why weren't they bushings replaced under CPO, mine were. John

[kayger12]

Very interesting. I was under the impression that bushings and seals were not covered under CPO.

[johnrando]

Is this part of the original maintenance or the "extended"? Mine were covered as part of the original maintenance/warranty (within the 4 yrs/50K miles), even though it was officially CPO. I think the CPO maintenance after the original warranty may have some differences. John

EDIT: just looked online an even "suspension" is covered under CPO.

[kayger12]

From the BMW site for items not covered:

Upkeep Items
Maintenance; engine, transmission, and body adjustments; wheel alignment, balancing or rotation; wiper blade inserts; engine drive belts; spark plugs; filters; fuses; all batteries; all hoses and clamps (except air conditioning and power steering); oils, lubricants, fluids, refrigerants and coolants (except as required in the course of a covered repair); brake pads and rotors; brake shoes and drums; manual transmission clutch assemblies; suspension dampers (shock absorbers/strut elements); exhaust systems; tires.

Wear and Tear
All wear and tear items as defined in The Certified Pre-Owned BMW Protection Plan Consumer Information Statement (including all suspension parts and components).

Body and Interior
Paint; glass; headlamps; bulbs (except instrumentation); mirrors; lenses; body and chassis; body seals and gaskets; interior and exterior trim, moldings, and fasteners; upholstery, headliner, carpeting, floor and trunk mats; convertible top (all components except electronics); air or water leaks; wind or body noises; wheels; damage due to rust, corrosion, or contamination, except as covered by the BMW New Vehicle Rust and Corrosion Perforation Warranty.

Accessories
Radio/cassette player, telephone, navigation system, CD changer, or any components of those systems; non-original equipment parts, components or accessories.

[johnrando]

Yes, I saw that too. All I can say is, my dealer covered the bushings. John

[kayger12]

Wishing I had your dealer here. I'll ask the service adviser about it when I bring the car in for the Vanos job next Monday.

Appreciate the info. Worse he can do is say no.

[mimalmo]

Powerflex.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?551-Powerflex-FCAB-s-Installed-and-Alignment-Done-Today

[kayger12]

Thanks, Eli-- I read your thread as part of my research. I was really on the fence but decided to go with the Meyles as I put them on my 325 and was happy with them.

[az3579]

I'm getting mine replaced on Saturday. I've asked my mech to order heavy duty CABs to make sure they withstand the extras I put them through (auto-x, track, daily driving on sh1tty roads).

[Token]

bump for a question. when I bought my car the tech said the control arm bushings were showing signs of wear. So i worked a free set of cab's into the sale of the car. I know that the ZHP control arm's are different than a 330i ZSP, but are the bushings the same? I just want to double check that the dealer gave me the right part since i'll be putting them on soon. thanks!

[Token]

bump for a question. when I bought my car the tech said the control arm bushings were showing signs of wear. So i worked a free set of cab's into the sale of the car. I know that the ZHP control arm's are different than a 330i ZSP, but are the bushings the same? I just want to double check that the dealer gave me the right part since i'll be putting them on soon. thanks!
bump for confirmation?^

[danewilson77]

bump for confirmation?^

CAB's are the same. I would go Meyle HD or Lemfedor.

http://www.ecstuning.com/News/BMW_3Series_E46_nonM_Meyle_HD_Control_Arms_Bushing s_Ball_Joints_323Ci_323i_325Ci_325i_328Ci_328i_330 Ci_330i_Z4_1999_2000_2001_2002_2003_2004_2005_2006 _2007_2008/?utm_source=emailcampaign&utm_medium=marketing&utm _content=retail&utm_campaign=BMW_3Series_E46_nonM_ Meyle_Control_Arms

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[Token]

CAB's are the same. I would go Meyle HD or Lemfedor.

http://www.ecstuning.com/News/BMW_3Series_E46_nonM_Meyle_HD_Control_Arms_Bushing s_Ball_Joints_323Ci_323i_325Ci_325i_328Ci_328i_330 Ci_330i_Z4_1999_2000_2001_2002_2003_2004_2005_2006 _2007_2008/?utm_source=emailcampaign&utm_medium=marketing&utm _content=retail&utm_campaign=BMW_3Series_E46_nonM_ Meyle_Control_Arms

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA
thanks!

[Vas]

I just purchased a set of control arm bushings from UUC and will be replacing the current units which are the Meyle HD.

[danewilson77]

I just purchased a set of control arm bushings from UUC and will be replacing the current units which are the Meyle HD.

How many miles did you get out of the Meyle's? How are your roads? Details please.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[Torxuvin]

Installing my Meyle's this weekend. :)

[Vas]

I honestly do not know the mileage since I only put a little bit over 1000 miles on the car since I purchased it. The mounts were installed by not the previous owner but the owner before that. However the previous owner had the car inspected by some BMW shop and they before he bought it and they told him they were junk.

They looked fine to me however I wanted to replace them and upgrade them.

Btw the car originally was driven in Northern Virginia and New Jersey.

[az3579]

Installing my Meyle's this weekend. :)

Sorry to hear that...
Hope you have much better luck with them than I did.

[Torxuvin]

Sorry to hear that...
Hope you have much better luck with them than I did.

Me too. Lol. I have replaced the ones in my M3 before...

[LivesNearCostco]

Just installed my AKG FCABs. Earlier I said they were 90A poly, but double checking they are 80A poly. Only did a short drive and they feel good but so far not that different from the OEM ones that had about 70,000 miles on them, which I guess means they weren't that worn out. My first time using a 3-jaw puller (or any puller really). Hope to do one track day before the end of 2012.

[az3579]

^ So no discomfort at all compared to switching from OEM's? Not harsher?

[danewilson77]

Thanks VAS.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[LivesNearCostco]

Not sure yet. I don't think 80A poly is so much stiffer than stock. Let me go drive it to the local post office and Trader Joe's and maybe to work tomorrow and see.

^ So no discomfort at all compared to switching from OEM's? Not harsher?

[danewilson77]

Standing by

[Vas]

I will also post a comparison of the Meyle HD versus UUC. They are scheduled to arrive this friday so hopefully i can install them over the weekend.

[Torxuvin]

I had polys that went on the m3 front and back. I didn't notice much of a difference. At least aside from what I would expect as normal going from old bushings to new bushings

[Gramps05ZHP]

Hey gents, I know an old thread, but my 2 cents on the Motive bleeder.....man I really should have had this thing yrs ago. I can change any BF in any vehicle in 30mins or less, provided that the bleeder screws are Kroiled 1st.
A quick rundown on the process:
I use a turkey baster to remove old fluid, then fill res. with new fluid.
Install motive bleeder cap to res. and pressurize to 12-15 psi with the res.
go to the caliper furthest away from res. and install transparent/clear bleeder hose and insert hose into suitable container (disposable)
use appropriate wrench to loose bleeder screw and allow for old fluid to drain container.....eventually new fluid will show in tube, then close off bleeder screw.
I can usually do both rear calipers before res. needs replenish or motive container needs a boost in pressure.
repeat tasks on remaining 3 calipers, remember to check pressure and res. for pressure and fluid qty.
after completing all calipers, depressurize and remove motive canister and replenish brake res. and install factory cap.....walla.....your done.
I ask people now if I can change their BF.....they only have to buy the fluid.......