DIY control arm bushes refresh & some general queries

[Calps]

The Z4 has just had its it's annual NCT (Irish MOT equivalent), and failed on the wishbone rear bushes, which were considerably worn, and had a decent wiggle to them!

I have until June 5th to get it retested, and hoping to do the job myself (possibly supported by my dad - old school mechanic - if he's available).

The car only failed on the rear bushes, no advisory on other bushes etc, but given it's age/mileage, I'm assuming there's merit in refreshing more than just them, and so I've found the following kit on eBay which, if what I've read on other threads regarding Meyle HD is correct, seems to be decent balance of quality & value - granted it's not Lemforder, but I've noticed Meyle HD being warmly received in other wishbone posts.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/163201906569?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&fromMakeTrack=true

However, lest I start something that I may not finish, I'd welcome any input from folks who's attempted this job, or had it done recently.

- Has anyone used this kit, any issues, good/bad feedback? (are my good vibes for Meyle misplaced?)
- Is this a do-it-on-your-driveway type of job using jacks/axle stands? (roughly how long should it take?)
- Anything else I could/should consider whilst doing the work? (fluids change, other bushes, etc)
(for reference, car is on 122000 miles, brakes/pads are good, B12 fitted ~2000 miles ago, unclear if/when any other suspension components received any attention)
- Lessons learned/recommended tools/recommended beers?
- Any other pearls of wisdom?

(motivational replies also appreciated - "You can do it, I believe in you" etc...)

 

[Calps]

Also interested in opinions on Febi Bilstein components. A local supplier has drop links and rear bushes (no wishbones) from Febi at, what I feel is, a reasonable price.

 

[grannyknot]

That kit is for an E46 so most will fit on your Z4 except the lollipops, Z4 has offset lollipops.
If every thing is genuine Meyle HD then that is a good price but you might find when it arrives that everything is a knock off and poor quality.

 

[Calps]

That kit is for an E46 so most will fit on your Z4 except the lollipops, Z4 has offset lollipops.
If every thing is genuine Meyle HD then that is a good price but you might find when it arrives that everything is a knock off and poor quality.

Thanks for the info re the lollipops, I wasn't aware of that (and yet the seller has the kit listed as compatible with the Z4).

Now that you mentioned it, I do note that only the Lollipops are listed as Meyle HD, although the overall artistry/graphics would make you think it was the whole kit. I guess it pays to read the fine details. This might be best avoided me thinks....

The Febi items I'm looking at come in at ~€110 for both (correct) lollipops, and 2 x rear bushes for the wishbones. And it would be here by the weekend as well.

 

[AveZ4coop]

In my experience the rear lollipops seem to take the majority of the abuse on the front end and as a result they wear out more quickly. I would just replace these as it is a 'relatively' easy job that should only take 45 mins per side at most. All you need to do is jack the car up. undo two lollipop bolts and knock the existing lollipop off then use a jack under the wheel to set the wheel to normal ride height (so you fit the new bush in it's normal 'loaded' position), tap on the new bush and replace the bolts using the correct torque setting. You could also consider poly-bushes as these seem to last a lot longer, but do make the ride a bit more harsh (you may also need a press to remove the old lollipop bushes as poly-bushes re-use the old housing).

I hope this helps?

Motivational aspect: 'You can do this!'

 

[G600]

That kit is for an E46 so most will fit on your Z4 except the lollipops, Z4 has offset lollipops.
If every thing is genuine Meyle HD then that is a good price but you might find when it arrives that everything is a knock off and poor quality.

Only the M has offset bushes, but they are worth fitting to the non M for a slight improvement in steering feel (in my opinion)

 

[grannyknot]

That kit is for an E46 so most will fit on your Z4 except the lollipops, Z4 has offset lollipops.
If every thing is genuine Meyle HD then that is a good price but you might find when it arrives that everything is a knock off and poor quality.

Only the M has offset bushes, but they are worth fitting to the non M for a slight improvement in steering feel (in my opinion)

Thanks, didn't know that.