BMW Suspension Parts for BMW 3 Series E46 (1999-2005)

Worn rubber differential mounts will lead to the differential twisting and shifting around in the rear subframe. Not only will this be noisy but it's bad for driver confidence and bad for the chassis as well. Even on fresh rubber bushings the differential has deflection and twist, especially if the car has been modified for more torque. Since the differential is centrally mounted in the rear subframe, with all suspension mounts interconnected, a differential with too much deflection will affect handling and could even damage the rear subframe.

These 88A urethane E46 M3 diff mounts are much stiffer than stock but still not as solid as our Turner aluminum/Delrin bushings. This set will resist twisting much better than the stock rubber mounts. Included is the front diff mount and two rear mounts in the cover.

Upgrade your BMW's suspension with ECS Tuning Adjustable Sway Bar End Links, designed to provide up to 60mm (2.36") of adjustability. These end links allow you to eliminate sway bar preload or fine-tune it for specific racing needs and corner balancing. When installed, they improve drivetrain clearance and enhance sway bar responsiveness by reducing deflection, ensuring superior handling. Perfect for lowered vehicles using springs, coilovers, or air-ride suspension systems, these adjustable sway bar end links allow you to remove unwanted preload caused by changes in the center-to-center distance between sway bar mounting points. By adjusting the end links to a neutral position, you eliminate sway bar preload, enhancing suspension performance in various driving conditions.

The main body of the ECS Sway Bar End Links is crafted from strong, lightweight 6061-T6 billet aluminum and anodized red for superior corrosion resistance. Featuring left and right-hand threaded center sections and machined hex wrench fittings, these end links allow for quick and easy on-the-car adjustments. Zinc-plated hardware ensures secure and lasting adjustments, while the heavy-duty ball joint ends come with weather-resistant rubber boots and stainless steel wire retainers, providing superior protection against salt, rain, and ozone for extended durability. Each kit also includes zinc-plated Nyloc nuts and hardened steel washers for secure installation and improved contact surface on the sway bar.

These end links are designed, engineered, and rigorously tested by ECS Tuning to ensure the highest quality. Whether you have a lowered or stock suspension, these adjustable sway bar end links are the perfect upgrade, offering a high-quality, heavy-duty replacement that fits your specific needs.

Features:

Range of Adjustment: 215mm (8.46") to 275mm (10.82") 6061-T6 Billet Aluminum Construction: Red anodized for superior corrosion resistance Zinc-Plated Hardware: Provides durability and superior corrosion protection Right and Left-Hand Threaded Center Sections: Quick and simple on-the-car adjustments Heavy-Duty Ball Joints(M10x1.5): Weather-resistant rubber boots and stainless steel wire retainers for long-lasting durability

Tasked with keeping the vehicles rear end firmly mounted while absorbing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) factory rubber subframe bushings were engineered to provide a balance of control while keeping the ride quality soft and supple. As a factory bushings age, they become brittle and begin to harden. When this happens the bushing will actually shrink and allow excess play, or movement in the subframe. This is typically felt by a sudden jerk or "thunking" noise under acceleration and is a leading cause of "sloppy" or "loose" suspension feel. By replacing the bushings with full polyurethane this play is eliminated since the subframe is being held in place by a much stiffer material that will not harden or shrink over time. Additionally, the inherent stiffness of the urethane material translates body forces much more directly. This means steering and acceleration inputs from the driver are effectively transferred to the wheels and vital road information is transmitted properly from the wheels to the driver.

Engineered to perform, Powerflex performance polyurethane bushings offer a supreme level of control, while still providing enough comfort for the street, with advanced polyurethane that reduces NVH that often accompanies lesser bushings. Expect improved steering feel, turn in, more responsive handling and overall improved chassis composure with Powerflex performance polyurethane control arm bushings.

Poweflex is a leading manufacturer of aftermarket suspension bushings. Using state of the art design and manufacturing, all replacement bushings are engineered to out-perform and out-last the ones that came in the car. Each line of bushings is meticulously tested and then re-tested to ensure perfect fitment and enduring quality through the life of the vehicle. A full lifetime warranty backs every one of their products and demonstrates the level of confidence and commitment Powerflex has to their customers. 

For the BMW E46 M3, upgrading the rear subframe front bushings is a smart move for both performance enhancement and preventive maintenance. The rear subframe is a critical component in the E46 M3’s suspension system, and using stronger, more durable bushings helps to ensure the car’s longevity and improve its overall handling dynamics.

Features and Benefits of Upgraded Rear Subframe Front Bushings:

• Enhanced Strength and Durability: Upgraded bushings, like those from Powerflex or AKG Motorsport, are made from materials such as polyurethane or even solid aluminum. These materials are much stronger than the stock rubber bushings, which tend to wear out, crack, and degrade over time due to exposure to heat, road grime, and oils.
• Improved Handling Performance: By installing stiffer bushings, the rear subframe's movement is reduced, resulting in a more connected and responsive feel from the chassis. This leads to better handling, sharper cornering, and more precise suspension performance under load, making it ideal for track use or spirited street driving.
• Increased Rear End Stability: With stronger bushings, the subframe stays more securely mounted to the chassis, reducing the flex that can occur during hard acceleration or cornering. This helps to enhance the rear end’s stability, giving drivers more confidence, especially in high-performance driving scenarios.
• Protection Against Subframe Issues: The E46 M3 is notorious for rear subframe issues, where cracks can develop in the subframe mounting points over time. Upgrading the bushings helps distribute forces more evenly, reducing the likelihood of stress fractures and extending the life of the subframe.
• Long-Term Solution: High-quality polyurethane or solid bushings are designed to last much longer than the OEM rubber ones. They provide a long-lasting upgrade that doesn’t degrade quickly, making them a "fit-and-forget" solution for many drivers.

Installation and Considerations:

• Direct OEM Replacement: These upgraded bushings are designed to replace the factory bushings without the need for modification. However, installation can be labor-intensive, as the rear subframe must be dropped to access the bushings.
• Reinforcement Opportunity: Since the E46 M3 is known for subframe cracking, many owners opt to upgrade their bushings in combination with rear subframe reinforcement plates, which are welded to the chassis to prevent cracks from forming. This makes it an ideal time to tackle both issues together.
• Minimal Increase in NVH: Polyurethane bushings are stiffer than rubber but generally do not add a significant amount of noise, vibration, or harshness (NVH). However, solid aluminum bushings, while offering the highest performance, can introduce more NVH, which may not be ideal for daily driving.

Best Applications:

• Performance Upgrades: If you're modifying your E46 M3 for track use, autocross, or performance street driving, upgrading to stiffer rear subframe front bushings is a must for better handling and durability.
• Preventive Maintenance: Even if you're not tracking your car, replacing worn-out bushings with polyurethane or solid bushings can help prevent subframe issues and extend the life of your suspension system.

One of the most common issues with the E46 is that the subframe likes to tear away from the chassis. Fix this by welding in a Rear Subframe reinforcement kit.

• Includes all necessary reinfored metal plates
• Professional installation is required
• Suspension must be realigned after installation

Fits the following BMWs:
1998 - 2006 E46 320i 323i 325i 325xi 328i 330i 323ci 325ci 330ci M3 

Worn rubber differential mounts will lead to the differential twisting and shifting around in the rear subframe. Not only will this be noisy but it's bad for driver confidence and bad for the chassis as well. Even on fresh rubber bushings the differential has deflection and twist, especially if the car has been modified for more torque. Since the differential is centrally mounted in the rear subframe, with all suspension mounts interconnected, a differential with too much deflection will affect handling and could even damage the rear subframe.

These 88A urethane E46 diff mounts are much stiffer than stock but still not as solid as our Turner aluminum/Delrin bushings. This set will resist twisting much better than the stock rubber mounts. Included are the two front diff mounts and the rear mount in the cover.

Here at Turner we understand the importance of an upgrade that will get the results you need on the track and still be tolerable on the drive around town. When it comes to control arms on the track, making them as stiff as you can (usually using solid mounts) is the best way to increase your driving precision by eliminating the deflection of rubber. The next best thing to create a balance would be to stiffen up the control arm with polyurethane, giving you the option of a more stock like feel with 80a or closer to the solid feel with 95a durometers. These poly bushings will give your control arms a direct connection between your suspension and the body of the car eliminating the slop felt under take-off and braking so you feel more in control of your vehicle.

*Featuring a delrin sleeve to eliminate heat deformation and premature failure.

This item fits the following BMWs that use a centered-style bushing: 

2001-2006 E46 BMW M3 

Correct toe settings contribute to both stable steering and even tire wear. The SPC Performance wheel toe bar tool is designed to prevent vehicle drifting and ensure uniform tire wear. It includes a steel bar equipped with sliding adjusters and pointers to accurately assess the vehicle's toe alignment.

For wider wheel bases use T#386442!