Why should you get your RTAB limiters in place / polybush

Hi Guys

I've done the FCABs too - ended up getting the Superflex ones from Roy at CA Automotive.
Make sure you get the correct ones for the Z4M - ours are 'offset' Vs the standard e46 M3 which are central.

Hard to say the specific difference that these made as I put them on at the same time as some other suspension upgrades, but car is nice and solid / direct.
They were 'tight' when fitting! http://www.superflex.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=SF095-2558K

I too have poly RTABs and I really think these are worthwhile, whether you have other suspension tweaks or not.
The 'squat and steer' that a few people have mentioned under acceleration was evident on my car and certainly NOT a nice feeling!
 
JimmiVW said:
Hi Guys

I've done the FCABs too - ended up getting the Superflex ones from Roy at CA Automotive.
Make sure you get the correct ones for the Z4M - ours are 'offset' Vs the standard e46 M3 which are central.

Hard to say the specific difference that these made as I put them on at the same time as some other suspension upgrades, but car is nice and solid / direct.
They were 'tight' when fitting! http://www.superflex.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=SF095-2558K

I too have poly RTABs and I really think these are worthwhile, whether you have other suspension tweaks or not.
The 'squat and steer' that a few people have mentioned under acceleration was evident on my car and certainly NOT a nice feeling!


fully aware of the offset FCAB.. i appreciate the heads up however.
 
Thanks for the info JimmiVW.

I bought some Rogue Engineering poly RTABs from CA Automotive and think they are a big improvement. I was concerned about them being noisy, so was very careful to lubricate them properly when I fitted them and they are still noiseless nearly six months later.

Will look into doing the FCABs next.
 
What would be the expected impact with OEM suspension?( ie, any benefit to getting this done without suspension changes).

I guess if i was to uprate suspension i'd be doing this too, at the same time.

EDIT: also - without taping a camera to the underside of my rear wheels, any way i can assess the state of mine to pre-empt the video?
 
Hi All,

Complete novice here, but have known of Polybush bushes for a number of years. Mine potentially has some of the symptoms you guys have mentioned. Can you recommend what I should buy and where from? I am considering both FCAB (front camber arm bushes?) and the RTABs? Appreciate your help thanks.
 
Fast3000 said:
Hi All,

Complete novice here, but have known of Polybush bushes for a number of years. Mine potentially has some of the symptoms you guys have mentioned. Can you recommend what I should buy and where from? I am considering both FCAB (front camber arm bushes?) and the RTABs? Appreciate your help thanks.

Front CONTROL arm bush ;-)
 
As you know Jimmy i dont have an M (I want yours :evil: ) But yes i noticed a difference with polybushes on the FCAB when i had standers suspension. But then it was a slippery slope to where i am today trying to keep improving!!
 
Fast3000 said:
Hi All,

Complete novice here, but have known of Polybush bushes for a number of years. Mine potentially has some of the symptoms you guys have mentioned. Can you recommend what I should buy and where from? I am considering both FCAB (front camber arm bushes?) and the RTABs? Appreciate your help thanks.

Hello Fast3000

As mentioned in my earlier post, I bought the street (black) versions of Rogue Engineering's poly RTABs from CA Automotive:

http://www.ca-int.co.uk/single_prod...dHlwZT16NCZjYXRfaWQ9MTExJmNvbXBfaWQ9MTY=.html

Mainly because of the range of movement an RTAB is required to have, most people consider using poly bushes here is not the best option because of the noise they can create during normal suspension travel. Also, some may feel they stiffen up the ride too much and add a bit of harshness.

I fitted the poly RTABs about six months ago and, out of all the suspension mods I did (which included fitting KW V3 suspension, and Vibra-Technics engine mounts) I think they've made the biggest improvement to the feel and handling of the car. The rear end is now noticeably more controlled and I feel I can 'lean' on it much more during cornering. I think they have a noticeably stiffer feel than the OEM rubber bushes, but mine have made no noise whatsoever even after six months, so I'm really pleased with the mod.

Also, fitting them was a relatively easy and enjoyable DIY. I bought a cheap RTAB removal tool off eBay, which worked well. I've seen videos posted by chaps who've used all sorts of tools and methods to bodge the old bushes out, most of which involved a fair bit of hammering at some stage. I just didn't want to apply than amount of impact force to that part of the car's suspension and considered the £30 or £40 I spent on the tool to be money well spent.

Most people on here opt for direct replacement with a new set of OEM rubber bushes and the installation of one of two shim kits. These have the effect of limiting the side-to-side and twisting movement that causes the undesirable rear wheel steering effect. Rogue Engineering do a set of these shims:

http://www.ca-int.co.uk/single_prod...dHlwZT16NCZjYXRfaWQ9MTExJmNvbXBfaWQ9MTY=.html

…as do Turner Motorsport:

http://www.simpsonmotorsport.co.uk/bmw-tuning/product.asp?id=67&pid=67&cid=61&pcid=59&product=98

They both work in the same way. Sorry to say I've no idea whether one is better than the other. The RE' shims just 'slot' in whereas you'd need to drill holes in the RTAB console to fit the Turner versions.

Whichever option you choose, I'm sure you'll find it a worthwhile mod.
 
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