Diff bushings - AKG 95A, best place to buy, and... NVH vs. OEM? video help request + opinions wanted!

[JB3]

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[az3579]

I have the AKG ones. They are exactly like the second video. They are silent 99% of the time. The only time I ever hear them is occasionally at 62mph I'm right in the rev range where I hear a slight whine, but it goes away below and above that speed/RPM never to be heard again. Totally acceptable.

I love them and would buy them again if I ever had to.

[JB3]

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[az3579]

Thanks amigo, that's what I want to hear. I'll be ordering as soon as I figure out 'from where'.
I ordered directly from AKG...
www.akgmotorsport.com

[NoVAphotog]

I'm all over the place on this one, but it's time to make a call on it as the diff is on it's way to MFactory.

What I DO NOT want my car to sound like:
E46 M3 3.91 diff and AKG bushings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qquD1i5V0cY)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qquD1i5V0cY

Important note, those are SOLID diff bushings. Yes, I know. I'm listing this video as an example of what would be completely unacceptable.

What I think I would be ok with:
E46 M3 Revshift 95a poly differential and subframe bushings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WANKGvg4Jw)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WANKGvg4Jw

95A diff bushings. Sounds fairly silent.
Important note 2: These are Revshift. They make M3 diff bushings but not non-M. Not super-helpful. How do these compare to AKG? That video sounds completely livable.

The evidence:
Polyurethane differential bushings (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-13157.html) - Fam thread 2014
Differential Bushing Refresh (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-9570.html) - Fam thread 2013
Akg rear diff bushing set (http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=399912) - M3Forum thread 2012-2013

Lots of people complaining of diff noise on the internet, but a lot of it is apples and oranges, with other bushings being replaced also.


On one hand, I always replace OE bushings poly. I know what I am getting into in most cases, and have never regretted it.
On the other hand with if the OE are going to last 100k, I'm pretty fine with that if the 95As are going to be ridiculous.

If someone has the AKG diff bushings and can post a video, that would be great. Opinions are also welcome, but I know a few people (BP?) got them and hated them, but may or may not have gotten used to them by now. :rofl

Second question, where to buy? Who has the best price + quickest shipping to the east coast? Any vendors giving the hookup?

Subbed. Been wondering these same things for mine. :thumbsup

[BMWCurves]

Subbed as well! If you do get the AKG, you should post a video of any cabin noise.

[az3579]

I'll try to take a video today of the whine I mentioned.

[JB3]

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[az3579]

That would be great. Did you get a chance to do it?
No, my day got crazy. Aiming for later today (Sunday) since I just got home and it's past midnight.

[JB3]

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[az3579]

No worries. I'm planning on ordering today I think. Maybe before your vid is posted, but if you say yours is similar to the video, that's pretty much what I need to hear. Still would like the video for reference.
I honestly didn't hear anything in the posted video... I'll try to get that video up by later this morning.

[rkneeshaw]

Are you getting both the two front and rear poly diff bushings from AKG? Or just the rear one?

[JB3]

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[az3579]

I tried to take a video with my phone today but you can't hear the whine with all the background noise the phone picks up. My GoPro's battery is dead, unfortunately, so I can't give that one a shot today. Charging it now...

I have all 3 bushings as AKG, for reference. I think you'll be very pleased.

[UdubBadger]

Again, my car is on all AKG and I love them, car is INSANELY connected to the road but not much NVH over stock.

I wish I could video for you but I have like 1/3rd of a normal interior so I likely hear a lot more than you would.

[JB3]

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[UdubBadger]

No, iND does all that kind of stuff for me at super low labor rates so I don't mess with it personally.

Some do though.

[az3579]

Good enough. I'm ordering tomorrow. I'll post a video for all those who come after me. :rofl



Sounds like a plan to me bruh! I'll get em on the way tomorrow!


P.S. did either of you guys put them in yourself? I've heard that they don't even need to be pressed in like the OEM rubber (I'll have the tool anyway, but hey, easier is easier. :) ). Do they get greased?

I was there when they were installed but my memory about details like that is non-existent, so I don't remember if they have to get pressed in or greased. I know it took us a while because we had to torch the old bushings out!

[Vas]

I believe they just slide in just like the fcab. Screw paying labor rates.

[rkneeshaw]

All 3 was my plan, why? Got input?

Just thinking if someone didn't install all three there might be less NVH and therefore not the best info to use towards the decision.

Please let us know what your experience is with all three poly diff bushings.

[az3579]

Alright, finally got a video for you with my phone. Managed to get the whine recorded. Sorry about the focus; it just didn't want to focus, but you can get a general idea of the speed despite the blurriness. It does this whine thing between 55-63 or so when you are 'light' on the throttle or decelerating. It really isn't bad and whenever I ask my passengers if they "hear that", they never know what I'm talking about, so it is very easily drowned out. I personally like the sound!

https://vimeo.com/129397523

It doesn't whine like that when you are a little heavier on the throttle nor does it do it at any speed above 65 that I've noticed. This is the only range I've noticed that whine on. I've had it up to about 120 on the track and never noticed it there either, though my exhaust and intake might have drowned it out. :)

[JB3]

Cool, thanks for the video, and thanks for hitting the turn signal for reference. I'm sure I can live with that. :thumbsup

[Vas]

I purchased the set of AKG diff bushings. Will be installing them in the next week or two. Just need to find a place to rent the tools.

[Vas]

Alright, finally got a video for you with my phone. Managed to get the whine recorded. Sorry about the focus; it just didn't want to focus, but you can get a general idea of the speed despite the blurriness. It does this whine thing between 55-63 or so when you are 'light' on the throttle or decelerating. It really isn't bad and whenever I ask my passengers if they "hear that", they never know what I'm talking about, so it is very easily drowned out. I personally like the sound!

https://vimeo.com/129397523

It doesn't whine like that when you are a little heavier on the throttle nor does it do it at any speed above 65 that I've noticed. This is the only range I've noticed that whine on. I've had it up to about 120 on the track and never noticed it there either, though my exhaust and intake might have drowned it out. :)

Are you subframe bushings still the factory rubber? Or did you ever drop the subframe and replace those 4 bushings as well?

[az3579]

Are you subframe bushings still the factory rubber? Or did you ever drop the subframe and replace those 4 bushings as well?

Subframe bushings are OE. 228k miles and they're just fine. They rarely need to be replaced.

[Vas]

Subframe bushings are OE. 228k miles and they're just fine. They rarely need to be replaced.

Glad to hear. Is your sub-floor reinforced with plates or structural foam?
Just wondering if the poly diff bushings will cause any other issues.

[az3579]

Glad to hear. Is your sub-floor reinforced with plates or structural foam?
Just wondering if the poly diff bushings will cause any other issues.
Nope.

sent from my Droid Turbo

[Vas]

Nope.

sent from my Droid Turbo

Cool.