E36 suspension bushes

[pstruck]

Are they a weak spot? Obviously I know these will wear out eventually on any car, but I have seen a few mentions of these on various forums.

I think my front wishbone bushes may be shot (bit of a clunk feel through steering when dab brakes), so what is the best route? - reaplce with OE, or aftermarket cheapies, or is it worth the extra cash to put on Powerflex or similar?

Is this a long/difficult job? Could I undertake the work on my drive with a bit of mechanical common sense and a few basic tools?

[Talkwrench]

Definitely an item that wears very readily and causes sloppiness and uneven tyre wear.
A straightforward enough job to replace - just buy complete arms with bushes installed and I reckon it'll take an hour for the first one and 30 mins for the second (you'll learn a few tricks!)

[The old fella]

Take the oppertunity to upgrade to M3 bushes, Tighten up the turn in!
Graham

[Neil.D]

They can be a weak spot but as the newest E36 is now nearly 8 years old I wouldnt feel offended if they needed doing.
They can cause all sorts of problems with driving/handling. I think there are about 6 (could be wrong) bushes attached to the suspension and this can cause things like, wobbly steering under braking, tramlining, unstable at speed, poor feel during acceleration and noises like you say.
Get the lot done then book yourself in for a 4 wheel lazer alignment and the car will feel totally different.
I think the reason people notice them more is because BMW's are 'drivers' cars and we are prone to noticing little imperfections.

Neil

[Pork_n_Beem]

Consider using e30 arms, there is no rubber in them and this improves the situation leaving the only other bush, the lollipop which you can replace either with aftermarket of M3

cheers

[8Tech]

These are a very common failure item and I strongly recommend you replace them with the Powerflex bushes. There will be improved steering and they will last longer too. No need to remove the arms either!

8Tech.

[pstruck]

Thanks for the replies.

Any idea of cost to replace all the bushes at the front end?