Fitting M wishbone bushes to a non M

G600 · Post by **G600** » Thu Apr 04, 2019 1:20 pm

Has anyone fitted the offset M front wishbone rear bushes to a non M to increase caster? I'd like to know if it's worthwhile.

Spriteracer · Post by **Spriteracer** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 3:12 pm

I'm also considering this as it seems an obvious way to improve the straight line stability on a road car. Simple and relatively cheap.

Is there no-one who has boldly gone before ?

Scooba_Steve · Post by **Scooba_Steve** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 8:34 pm

Done it and I noticed a slight increase in force required for turn in.

MrPT · Post by **MrPT** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 8:59 pm

Quite a popular mod in the E46 M3 community. Cheap, but best have an alignment done afterwards, in which case you could have a few other changes made that may also have an impact on how the car feels/handles.

Spriteracer · Post by **Spriteracer** » Fri Apr 26, 2019 9:05 am

Many thanks both. That will be next on the list of things to do then. New bushes, dampers, springs (all stock), tyres, pinless camber and 2 alignments already done.

G600 · Post by **G600** » Thu May 02, 2019 8:41 pm

Sounds like it's worth doing then, thanks

Zikim · Post by **Zikim** » Thu May 02, 2019 9:05 pm

I fitted them on my previous E85 3.0 and what you need to be aware of is that they physically move your front wheels more forward in the wheel arch by 5-10mm, so if you have wider or higher profile tyres there may start to rub. I had winter tyres of 225/40/19 on the front and they just about fitted but rubbed slightly on full lock.

DaveD · Post by **DaveD** » Thu May 02, 2019 9:24 pm

Does anyone know if the z4m wheel arches are a slightly different shape to the standard z4? As the M runs larger 225/45/18 tyres up front, I’m wondering why they don’t run with m bushings? Perhaps the extra forward positioning of the bushings and increased castor is dealt with via different shaped plastic wheel arch covers, or perhaps more likely via the hub geometry?

Post by **srhutch** » Fri May 03, 2019 6:54 am

DaveD wrote: ↑Thu May 02, 2019 9:24 pm Does anyone know if the z4m wheel arches are a slightly different shape to the standard z4? As the M runs larger 225/45/18 tyres up front, I’m wondering why they don’t run with m bushings? Perhaps the extra forward positioning of the bushings and increased castor is dealt with via different shaped plastic wheel arch covers, or perhaps more likely via the hub geometry?

Liners are the same.

DaveD · Post by **DaveD** » Fri May 03, 2019 8:59 am

srhutch wrote: ↑Fri May 03, 2019 6:54 am Liners are the same.

So the geometry difference must be dealt with perhaps in the steering knuckle? If I recall correctly the top mount in the body shell is the same in M and non-M, so perhaps the hub position is slightly further back in the knuckle on the M to cater for the 10-15mm forward movement in the wishbone?

Sure I’m overthinking this but interesting to know. I’m running 225/45/18 square set up so the M bushing would almost certainly rub, but the idea of increased castor and it’s positive effect on steering is of interest. Perhaps I just need to go camber/castor top plates......

Limonge · Post by **Limonge** » Sat May 04, 2019 4:32 pm

Hello, could you post the ref number? I am interested in them but I wouldn't like to buy the wrong ones... Thanks!

G600 · Post by **G600** » Sun May 05, 2019 6:49 pm

Limonge wrote: ↑Sat May 04, 2019 4:32 pm Hello, could you post the ref number? I am interested in them but I wouldn't like to buy the wrong ones... Thanks!

31107838575

G600 · Post by **G600** » Tue May 14, 2019 8:54 pm

Just had mine delivered from BMW online, turns out that number gets you a set so don't order 2 like I did.

DaveD · Post by **DaveD** » Wed May 15, 2019 8:35 am

G600 wrote: ↑Tue May 14, 2019 8:54 pm Just had mine delivered from BMW online, turns out that number gets you a set so don't order 2 like I did.

Let us know what you think of the difference when fitted!

Limonge · Post by **Limonge** » Fri May 17, 2019 7:01 am

G600 wrote: ↑Tue May 14, 2019 8:54 pm Just had mine delivered from BMW online, turns out that number gets you a set so don't order 2 like I did.

How much did it cost per set?

Z4-forum.com

Z4-forum.com