[pbufton]

Hi all

So I've got a 55' 120d sport, from what I can tell is its on msport springs and mv2 reps. Just in the last 3-4 weeks it's started to wander about precariously on motorways?

Changed my rear tyres for brand new rainsport3''s on Saturday thinking this would solve it (previous tyres were budgets and on the limits) and it's no better, if not worse!

Is there anything to look for first of all? I must have looked drunk on the motorway this morning

 

[marco_polo]

Is it windy out?

 

[pbufton]

Yeah a little? Although this cannot be down to just wind.. In the 14 months I've owned the car it's literally trying to steer itself all over the place in just the last month or so.

Currently on 144k, doing around 600 miles per week if it contributes.

 

[marco_polo]

Hit any potholes / sunken drains recently?

Pretty easy to knock the alignment out / damage a rod end / bend something.

At 100k I'd be looking at replacing most of the suspension and bushes in reality.

 

[Toed64]

It might be the front bushes, when they get sloppy, the front end moves around quite a bit with road camber, bumps and road camber changes. Otherwise, perhaps tracking?

 

[pbufton]

Can anyone point me in the direction of a bush kit? No point in doing tracking until the bushes are replaced I guess.

 

[marco_polo]

If you want Standard style bushes, them only come pre-fitted into complete wishbones as far as I know.

Powerflex make PU replacements if you want firmer aftermarket bushes?

 

[pbufton]

Do powerflex do black replacements? Or just the purple ones. Would like to keep it all as standard as possible really..any preference of where to get the arms/bushes?

 

[marco_polo]

Powerflex do make a black race range, but they're absolutely solid. I wouldn't use them on a road car personally. Which leaves you with the bright purple / yellow bushes I'm afraid.

For OEM arms, try Cotswold for a discounted price? Or Amazon for TRW replicas?

 

[pbufton]

So far can't find anything on amazon...come across a set of 6 x rear control arms for £100? I'd imagine I'd need bottom arms too to change the lot on the rear?

Edit - what does the rear suspension consist of altogether? I'll start piecing together a kit to replace it all then. I've never really taken much notice of what's what under my 1'er. Thanks

 

[marco_polo]

The rear is quite complicated, 5 arms per side, plus ARB and droplinks.

The front is 2 arms, track rods, plus ARB and droplinks.

 

[Davis2014]

I've also started to experience this on my E82 within the last few weeks

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[marco_polo]

Mine is all over the road currently, but that's entirely down crosswinds.

 

[pbufton]

So I've just been looking back through the paperwork from the MOT with sytner in the summer and it says

'Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint nearside rear'

So perhaps I'll start here. Possibly order the bushes for the front too if I can find a set.

 

[marco_polo]

Looks like a couple of OEM bushes are available, 2 & 3 :

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=UG52-EUR-07-2006-E87-BMW-120d&diagId=33_1230

And scanning down the parts list they've released some repair kits too, labelled VALUE LINE.

 

[pbufton]

Thank you sir! I was about to pull my hair out not being able to find what I'm looking for!

 

[pbufton]

One last question (hopefully) is it possible to change all the front bushes ect without having to buy complete front arms? £££

 

[marco_polo]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=UG52-EUR-07-2006-E87-BMW-120d&diagId=31_0693

Looks like you can for the brake Tension Strut, but I'd replace all front arms with the E90 M3 versions while you're in there. Probably cheaper, easier and much better. The TRW versions are definitely on Amazon, I searched for them just the other day.

 

[pbufton]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=UG52-EUR-07-2006-E87-BMW-120d&diagId=31_0693

Looks like you can for the brake Tension Strut, but I'd replace all front arms with the E90 M3 versions while you're in there.

Sounds like a plan. Im a proper newbie with compatibility of BMW parts so bear with me please :? Any particular year for the same e90 m3 parts or?

 

[barneyrubble]

I've just had exactly the same issue. One bush had excessive play and the other was leaking with excessive play. Symptoms were wandering all over the road at motorway speeds (even with no wind). And it felt like there was play in the steering as well.

Front bushes replaced did the job