M3 lollipops

[LittleZ4]

Evening all.
As the title suggests this is a question about the offset m3 lollipops. Are they a worthwhile upgrade? I've had a look through some previous posts and the internet and it seems a bit of a mixed bag.

I've got a small bit of play in my lollipops so will need changing at some point soon. My car is already lowered, running an m3 ARB up front and if memory serves z4m (or as close as) geometry. Also if it makes much difference the front wheels are 8.5j with 225/40/18 tyres.

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated

 

[MrPT]

Have you got an example of the bushes you are looking at?

The E46 M3 lollipop bushes are similar (could well be the same) as those in the non-M E46 and Z4. The Z4M bushes are eccentric/offset and add quite a bit of caster angle. These seem to be a popular mod for M3 owners who want more steering feel, but I don’t know whether the benefits will be as great on a model with EPAS like the non-M Z4.

 

[LittleZ4]

These ones
https://www.powerflex.co.uk/products/Z4M%2BE85%2B%26%2BE86%2B%282006-2009%29-3169/1.html
So yes apologies I mean the z4m ones if they will fit. I'm sure I read somewhere that they increase cornering stability but reduce how quickly the wheels self centre?

I'm sure there's some out there that are already inserted into the lollipop, that would be ideally what I'd get, less messing about.

 

[MrPT]

I think it's worth trying, although it would be worth a double check of the forum just to see if anybody's made the switch with a non-M.

I'm sure there's some out there that are already inserted into the lollipop, that would be ideally what I'd get, less messing about.

The Z4M part numbers are:

left bush with carrier: 31107836862
right bush with carrier: 31107836863
bush only: 31107838575

They are narrower and stiffer than the stock bushes. Here's a pic:

 

[Spriteracer]

I fitted these a little while ago on my 2007 3.0si E86. Had a full alignment done 2 weeks ago and am running pretty much stock settings with exception of less camber on rear wheels. Tyres are 18" Contisport runflats, staggered. (can't go to non runflats as boot is usually full and nowhere to put the punctured wheel if the worst happens)

Garage I used also specialise in building and running a wide variety of rally cars and were recommended. The tech certainly knew his stuff.

I haven't done too many miles yet since but the intial feel is an improvement in stability and a bit more self-centering as you would expect with the increased caster.

I will be travelling from West Wales to Chester and back over the weekend and then West Wales to Chiswick via Anglesey on Mon / Tues so that should give the set up a fair workout ! Will report back.

For info settings are
front;
camber -1.04deg - -0.59deg (within tolerance, but a perhaps small adjustment still to do there)
total toe 1.6mm
caster 5.36deg 5.38deg

rear;
camber -1.53 -1.52 On recommendation of tech to reduce rear inside tyre wear.
total toe 2.0mm

Hope that helps

 

[LittleZ4]

So they fit! Always a good start
So if the carriers are thinner, would I be right to assume that buying the powerflex inserts to put into the existing carriers wouldn't work? Or am I being daft??

 

[G600]

I've got a set on a non M, worth doing in my opinion. BMW bushes in standard Z4 mounts.

 

[Liam22]

Powerflex do an eccentric Bush. Photos in my build thread. You can also buy small lollipops with the same M3 dimensions.

 

[MrPT]

So they fit! Always a good start
So if the carriers are thinner, would I be right to assume that buying the powerflex inserts to put into the existing carriers wouldn't work? Or am I being daft??

Bushes are thinner (narrower), carrier is the same.