Powerflex vs. OEM

B

Blue

Active member
I've been having some problems with the Z4 lately, she's felt a little imprecise, under braking I notice a distinct pull in the wheel if it's anything other than totally straight. I went to the garage today and sure enough the front axle rear trailing arm bush is totally shot, the wheel moves freely in directions that it shouldn't!

So, two questions:-

1) Powerflex or OEM bushes? Anyone ran the Powerflex long term? I read a lot of positives, but then a lot of negatives too regarding longevity and ride quality?

2) 60mm or 66mm for an early 2005 pre-facelift 3.0 SE? Everything seems to point to 66mm but I just want to double check!

Thanks guys, can't wait to have her working again properly!
 
I changed to Powerflex on my E46 and it was a massive improvement so I did the same on my E85 when I was suffering slightly vague steering.

I am biased, for me I would rather the handling be a bit sharper and live with the ride being 'slightly' harsher.

Non RFT's with powerflex is a better ride than standard anyway! :thumbsup:
 
I agree with oli
I had powerflex bushes on all the bushes on the front (only) of my 330d sport
Lasted a lot longer too than OEM (4 years I had them - then sold the car)
I live in Edinburgh - lots of cobble stones, pot holes & speed bumps.

Poor wee Z4 needs them all replaced now ..... .
 
Powerflex is the way to go. Now all-round on mine. A little firmer but much better handling.
 
Blue, Can't remember if 60mm or 65mm, I called the dealer when I did mine for the sizes. Been running Powerflex for nearly 2 years now with eibachs and Non rft, The ride is a lot sharper and the car responds better, and I have no complaints, I have powerflex all round.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
 
Forgot to mention I'm pretty sure you will need the 66mm ones, best thing to do is go on www.realoem.com with your chassis number!

I'm running the same set up as Nosa with full powerflex, eibachs and non rft and the handling is MASSIVELY improved :thumbsup:
 
I'm planning on doing this in the coming weeks as I need new suspension bushes. Not too sure about Eibachs yet - I scrape the bumper enough as it is!
 
I've got Eibachs and have no probs at all with the bumper, it's quite nice not worrying about the car snapping a spring regularly too!
 
66mm powerflex just went in mine at 68k miles mate! Also the wishbones were replaced as the ball joints were shot. Seems like they wear out at the same time
 
Thanks Ed, will get them ordered ASAP then.

My wishbones will have to wait a little longer, there's no obvious sign of trouble with them at the moment, the fact that you can literally move the wheel back and forth on the axle with your bare hands is more of a concern lol.

I feel like I'm constantly firefighting at the moment, the E39 is rapidly approaching 150K and is in dire need of a suspension overhaul, but I'm reluctant to spend more than I need to!
 
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