Bushing Upgrade Packages

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. 

Engineered to perform, Powerflex performance polyurethane differential 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. 

The Powerflex Rear Beam Bushing for BMW E24 6 Series and E28 5 Series is a performance-oriented solution designed to improve the handling and stability of these classic BMWs by replacing the worn-out factory rubber bushings with high-quality polyurethane versions.

Key Features:

1. High-Performance Polyurethane: Unlike the factory rubber bushings, which degrade over time due to age, heat, and exposure to oils, Powerflex bushings are made from long-lasting polyurethane. This material is more resistant to wear and provides consistent performance in various driving conditions.

2. Increased Rear-End Stability: The rear beam bushing controls the movement of the rear suspension. By upgrading to Powerflex bushings, you reduce flex and movement in the rear suspension, resulting in a more stable and predictable rear end. This is especially important in older models where worn-out bushings can cause excessive body roll and instability.

3. Handling Improvements: Powerflex bushings tighten up the rear suspension, which helps improve cornering performance and reduces rear-end sway. With better alignment retention, you’ll experience sharper, more responsive handling, especially during spirited driving or cornering.

4. Two Versions for Different Needs:

   • Road Series: This version provides a balance between performance and comfort, offering an improvement in handling while keeping the ride quality close to factory levels. It's ideal for daily drivers who want better control without a significant increase in noise, vibration, or harshness (NVH).
   • Black Series: For those looking for maximum performance, especially in motorsport or track settings, the Black Series bushings are made from stiffer polyurethane. They offer increased control at the cost of higher NVH, making them suited for drivers focused on performance over comfort.

5. Direct OEM Replacement: These bushings are designed to replace the OEM bushings without the need for custom modifications. This makes installation relatively straightforward, though professional installation is recommended for optimal results.

6. Longevity and Durability: Powerflex bushings offer long-term reliability, lasting far longer than rubber bushings. They resist common forms of wear such as cracking and deterioration, which often plague rubber bushings over time in older BMWs like the E24 and E28.

Applications:

• BMW E24 6 Series (1976-1989)
• BMW E28 5 Series (1981-1988)

Upgrading to Powerflex Rear Beam Bushings is ideal for BMW enthusiasts who want to restore or enhance their classic car’s handling. Whether for daily driving or track use, these bushings provide better stability, handling precision, and durability, making your vintage BMW more capable and fun to drive.

Enhance Your Vehicle's Handling with Powerflex Handling Packs

Discover the perfect blend of performance and affordability with Powerflex Handling Packs. These thoughtfully assembled packs include a range of top-quality bushings, offering an excellent value for your suspension upgrade needs. By bundling these components, you can save on costs compared to purchasing them individually.

Powerflex Handling Packs are meticulously designed to maximize your suspension's performance, making them an ideal addition to other enhancements such as shock absorbers and springs. You'll not only enjoy improved handling but also the exceptional reliability and durability that Powerflex parts are known for. Rest assured, every component is backed by Powerflex's Lifetime Warranty.

The Powerflex Handling Pack includes crucial components, such as:

• Front Control Arm Bushing Set
• Front Control Arm Bushing Support Kit
• Lower Engine Mount Large Bushing
• Rear Trailing Arm Front Bushing Set
• Rear Shock Top Mount Bushing Set

As a bonus, you'll receive a Powerflex keyring and sticker as part of the package.

Elevate your suspension to new heights with the Powerflex Handling Pack and experience enhanced performance and the peace of mind that comes with top-tier quality.

This package allows you to build your own rear bushing package to cover the parts you want to replace. As these cars age, they require a number of suspension bushings to be replaced. Bushing replacement not only keeps the car in its top form, it also makes the car safer. Depending on the work, it may be logical to replace all of the bushings in the rear suspension (there are 19 total). This is especially true if you are pulling the subframe out to do the floor reinforcement or if you're doing a diff install. Turner Motorsport is a big believer in using rubber bushings for street cars (with the exception of solid subframe mounts, see further below). Urethanes, Delrin, or aluminum are generally good for reducing compliance and limiting deflection - attributes that don't really work well on roads filled with potholes, railroad crossings, cracks, and expansion joints. The rubber bushings maintain the factory ride/handling traits that won the E46 praise all over the world. Every bushing will need maintenance or replacement at some point and rubber has proven to last the longest and need less maintenance than anything else, even urethane. And unless competitive driving is your goal, the harder materials are only a gimmick.

Any major overhaul of the rear suspension should include new subframe mounts. The worn rubber mounts contribute to rear subframe-floor failure when the deflection in the mount is transferred to the chassis. Rubber mounts are only OK for street cars that don't see aggressive driving, autocross, or track use. For any enthusiastic driving, we strongly recommend our solid aluminum subframe mounts even on the street. They have zero deflection and will not contribute to rear floor failures. And if you leave rubber in the rest of the suspension your ride comfort will not suffer.

Individual Item Descriptions:

• Trailing Arm Bushings and Limiters (33322228153 and TSU9990001) - our OEM rubber replacement trailing arm bushings (RTABs) are a perfect fit and help maintain rear toe alignment. The Limiters prevent premature bushing wear.
• Rear Inner Control Arm Bushings (upper 33321092247 and lower 33326770824) - new stock inner rubber bushings for the upper spring arm and the lower camber arm. These do not wear out very quickly but should be replaced as a 'While you're in there...' job.
• Rear Outer Control Arm Bushings (upper and lower) (33326775551) - new stock outer ball joints for the upper spring arm and the lower camber arm. These are the standard ball joint design and last a very long time. Check for play with a pry bar and replace as needed.
• Rear Shock Mounts - Choose from several types of RSM upgrades. If your mounts have not been replaced in the last 40,000 miles, now is the perfect time. Skip this option if you recently replaced mounts or already have an upgraded mount.
• Differential mounts (33176770788 and 33176751808) - Now is a great time to replace the rubber-isolated mounts. This is another low-wear mount but it can be changed easily, and is a low cost item. Solid diff mounts are streetable with only a minimal increase in NVH.
• Rear subframe mounts (33316770783, 33316770784, 33316770781 x 2) - The heart of the rear suspension, the subframe (or carrier) mounts located the entire rear suspension to the car. There are four mounts in total and bolt up into the rear floor. Worn subframe mounts are one of the leading contributors to rear floor-subframe failure. As the mounts flex, so does the sheetmetal of the chassis, which will fatigue the sheetmetal and crack the spot welds. Therefore, replacement of the subframe mounts is critical and a must when doing the subframe reinforcement or repair. Solid aluminum mounts are streetable with no increase in NVH.

This item fits the following BMWs:
1999-2006 E46 BMW 323i 323ci 325i 325ci 325xi 328i 328ci 330i 330ci 330xi