Drivetrain Mounts and Upgrades for BMW 3 Series E46 (1999-2005)

ECS Tuning's Polyurethane Transmission Mounts are designed to address the vital role of transmission mounts in your vehicle's suspension. The factory mounts are notorious for failures that can result in over-revving, mis-shifts, and in extreme cases, potential chassis damage. Our polyurethane mounts provide a robust solution, engineered for both street and track applications, guaranteeing enhanced performance while eliminating concerns about torn mounts.

Polyurethane stands out with its exceptional toughness, durability, and impressive wear resistance compared to rubber. It also exhibits resistance to water, oil, and grease while retaining its original shape even when subjected to significant compression. By reducing deflection, polyurethane facilitates effective power transfer. While there may be a slight increase in NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness), the benefits far outweigh this minor compromise in ride comfort. With a polyurethane durometer of 70A, our street mounts are versatile, offering both daily driving comfort and track durability. For more track-oriented enthusiasts, we provide stiffer mounts with an 80A durometer rating.

For a hassle-free installation, we supply a comprehensive DIY guide. ECS Tuning ensures that you are fully supported from start to finish.

Differential bushings are responsible for keeping the differential in solid alignment while dampening drivetrain vibration. While OE rubber bushings are fine when they are new from the factory, aged and worn out rubber bushings create a multitude of issues that can range from annoying to dangerous. As a factory bushing ages, it begins to harden and become brittle. When this happens the bushing will actually shrink and allow for movement at the differential mounting point. At this point, the differential is free to shift under load causing a noticeable clunking noise under acceleration and deceleration and massively increasing the stress on the driveshaft and axles. Manual transmissions suffer the worst from this as it can make shifting difficult since the differential will shift when the clutch is engaged and disengaged.

By replacing these bushings with full polyurethane, the movement is eliminated since the mounting point is supported by a much stiffer material that will not harden or shrink over time. This means less stress on the driveshaft and axles and greater longevity of supporting components. 

Powerflex Black Series bushings are the ultimate in track and race bushings. Featuring 95A durometer polyurethane, Black Series bushings are 25% stiffer than street bushings. Engineered to perform, Powerflex performance polyurethane control arm 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 acceleration response, more direct shifting feel and overall improved drivetrain composure with Powerflex performance polyurethane 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. 

This part fits the following BMWs:
2001 - 2006 E46 M3

This is the rear rubber-isolated differential mount. The diff mounts take the bulk of the twisting and binding as power is transmitted through the differential. We use a Meyle HD rubber bushing for the rear mount as it's stronger than the factory part. (33176751808). We also recommend replacing the front differential mount 33171093175MY at the same time.

Meyle is a German brand in business since 1958 and all of their products are TUV approved and meet or exceed ISO standards. Heavy Duty components are designed to provide significantly long lifespans than other aftermarket and stock OE components. Each part includes a 4 year warranty.

As a leading source of high performance BMW parts and accessories since 1993, we at Turner Motorsport are honored to be the go-to supplier for tens of thousands of enthusiasts the world over. With over two decades of parts, service, and racing experience under our belt, we provide only quality performance and replacement parts.  All of our performance parts are those we would (and do!) install and run on our own cars, as well as replacement parts that are Genuine BMW or from OEM manufacturers. We only offer parts we know you can trust to perform!

This item fits the following BMWs:
1999-2005 E46 BMW 323i 323ci 325i 325ci 325xi 328i 328ci 330i 330ci 330xi
2004-2005 E83 BMW X3 2.5i X3 3.0i
2003-2006 E85 BMW Z4 2.5i Z4 3.0i

Differential bushings are responsible for keeping the differential in solid alignment while dampening drivetrain vibration. While OE rubber bushings are fine when they are new from the factory, aged and worn out rubber bushings create a multitude of issues that can range from annoying to dangerous. As a factory bushing ages, it begins to harden and become brittle. When this happens the bushing will actually shrink and allow for movement at the differential mounting point. At this point, the differential is free to shift under load causing a noticeable clunking noise under acceleration and deceleration and massively increasing the stress on the driveshaft and axles. Manual transmissions suffer the worst from this as it can make shifting difficult since the differential will shift when the clutch is engaged and disengaged.

By replacing these bushings with full polyurethane, the movement is eliminated since the mounting point is supported by a much stiffer material that will not harden or shrink over time. This means less stress on the driveshaft and axles and greater longevity of supporting components. 

Powerflex street bushings are ideal for street driven vehicles and those that see occasional autocross or track time. Need bushings for a dedicated track car? Powerflex Black Series bushings are the ultimate in track and race bushings. Featuring 95A durometer polyurethane, Black Series bushings are 25% stiffer than street bushings. Engineered to perform, Powerflex performance polyurethane control arm 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. 

Don't neglect your motor mounts! Most stock BMW motor mounts are fluid filled and the stiffness of the mount depends on this fluid. But over time the fluid leaks out and the strength of the mount is greatly reduced. A worn motor mount allows the engine to twist and shift around. The harder you're driving the more shift will occur. As the engine is moving around it can contact other parts in the engine bay - usually cooling related. The mechanical fan can hit the radiator; the A/C compressor can hit a radiator hose, the exhaust will flex and may break. Twisting of the engine can also lead to shifting problems as the transmission twists with it. There are countless issues related to worn or compressed motor mounts so don't overlook these as a regular replacement item (every 50,000 miles).

OEM Lemförder is an engineering company that focuses on high-quality, precision manufacturing of critical suspension and steering components. Providing exceptionally high quality parts directly to BMW, as well as 50+ other big name automotive companies, such as Mercedes and Audi, their history of reliability and variety of offered parts makes them one of the biggest names for a go-to OEM parts provider. Lemförder parts place an important emphasis on design, production, and assembly, ensuring maximum reliability. They even coat all parts possible with corrosion protection for extended longevity.

As a leading source of high performance BMW parts and accessories since 1993, we at Turner Motorsport are honored to be the go-to supplier for tens of thousands of enthusiasts the world over. With over two decades of parts, service, and racing experience under our belt, we provide only quality performance and replacement parts.  All of our performance parts are those we would (and do!) install and run on our own cars, as well as replacement parts that are Genuine BMW or from OEM manufacturers. We only offer parts we know you can trust to perform!

This item fits the following BMW Chassis:
E46 Non-M
E85 Z4 2.5i/3.0i/3.0si
E89 Z4 3.0si