Stiffer is better

[Rene_Z4MC]

Just wanted to share my Vibra Technics engine mount upgrade.
What a difference, exactly what I was looking for!
Better/smoother gear change, more immediate throttle response, increased steering accuracy and somehow a more planted overall feel.







There is a small price to pay, engine noise and vibration have ever so slightly increased, so I understand that BMW didn't fit such stiff mounts as standard.

Conclusion;
Great increase in driving pleasure, little penalty in comfort, however I think that these new mounts suit the ///M much better than the OEM parts.

 

[Angus McCoatup]

Oooerr

Yes, I fitted these a few weeks ago and agree it's an improvement.

Unfortunately I haven't noticed much change in the quality of the gear shift (perhaps I need to consider refilling the 'box with Royal Purple oil and/or fit better transmission mounts), but have noticed all the other benefits you mention. Also, the car also feels noticeably more composed when driving over speed humps.

I also noticed a slight increase in vibration through the steering wheel - a minor negative that's only noticeable when the engine idling. But the change in engine noise - which is also small and seems as much a change in tone as a slight increase in volume - is a good thing :evil:

Interesting to see your exhaust side mount has a decent heat shield on top of it. My original one just had a flimsy tin disc on top of it, which I put back on top of the Vibra-Technics unit for what it's worth. My car is a September '06 build - perhaps they started using the more substantial shield on later builds.

 

[Rene_Z4MC]

Mine is on the road from December 2006, so I would expect produced quite a bit earlier than that.
This heat shield is also a bit flimsy, nothing fancy. Maybe it just looks different on the photo.

Where you also amazed about the effect these mounts have on the way the car feels?

 

[Angus McCoatup]

I think fitting the VT mounts has definitely been a step in the right direction for improving the way the car feels on the road and I'm pleased I did it.

I suppose we all have different levels of sensitivity to different things and, from my point of view, I didn't notice a night and day difference between OEM and VT. But there is a general feeling of greater composure in the way the car drives (which, as I mentioned, I have noticed most when driving slowly over speed humps ) and I see that as a good start in my attempt to improve the ride and handling.

Overall I think the car is great, but having run it for five years (and having read the accounts of modifiers on this forum and elsewhere) I thought it was time to do something to make a bit of a difference.

Fitting the VT mounts is the first of a few changes I want to make to try and achieve this. I'm now most of the way through fitting KW V3s and Rogue Engineering rear top-mounts to the car - just waiting for my local dealer to supply some new bolts for the front struts, which I'm hoping will arrive soon.

I'll see what difference that makes for couple of hundred miles and then I'll do something with the RTABs. I'm not sure whether to put the limiters in like you have, or fit some Rogue Engineering street polybushes. Across various forums opinion seems to be divided. My head says start with the limiters, my heart says go straight for the RE polys, but that's probably because I have a set lying around and it would seem a waste not to use them.

Not the best time of year to have started all this - it's now a bit chilly in the garage for starters - so roll on the spring.