F85 Bushings to F15

[pits200]

The F15 is getting up there in miles(74k) and it's about time for some suspension maintenance. On my prior E90, I was able to use a large majority of bushings from the m3 and install on the 335.

Has anyone here had the chance to cross reference any bushings between the x5m and x5? Typically the rubber used on the on the M vehicles is a little less pliable to allow for less deflection. Obviously when you go with firmer bushings the ride may suffer some but I never noticed any significant increase in ride.

I plan on purchasing the front control arm bushings for both the f85 and f15 to see if it's a direct swap. I know suspension mods on. Sav aren't typical but being the price is very similar for a lot of these bushings when compared to both vehicles, figured I might as well start researching.

Feel free to share if you have any experiences

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by pits200

The F15 is getting up there in miles(74k) and it's about time for some suspension maintenance. On my prior E90, I was able to use a large majority of bushings from the m3 and install on the 335.

Has anyone here had the chance to cross reference any bushings between the x5m and x5? Typically the rubber used on the on the M vehicles is a little less pliable to allow for less deflection. Obviously when you go with firmer bushings the ride may suffer some but I never noticed any significant increase in ride.

I plan on purchasing the front control arm bushings for both the f85 and f15 to see if it's a direct swap. I know suspension mods on. Sav aren't typical but being the price is very similar for a lot of these bushings when compared to both vehicles, figured I might as well start researching.

Feel free to share if you have any experiences

AFAIK, they are exactly the same.

[pits200]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

AFAIK, they are exactly the same.

You mean the flex of the bushing or they are a direct swap?

They have different part numbers so I'm assuming there may be some difference

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by pits200

You mean the flex of the bushing or they are a direct swap?

They have different part numbers so I'm assuming there may be some difference

You are right, they are different part numbers.
I suggest to get the whole arm assembly though, not sure if it the same diameter or not.

[9mmkungfu]

I'm interested in this as well. I'm going to be replacing at least one control arm in the near future.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by 9mmkungfu

I'm interested in this as well. I'm going to be replacing at least one control arm in the near future.

Replace the control arms in pairs.

[9mmkungfu]

Originally Posted by admranger

Replace the control arms in pairs.

As in, lower and upper on one side? Or left and right, lower or upper? Why is that?

[alphaod]

Originally Posted by 9mmkungfu

As in, lower and upper on one side? Or left and right, lower or upper? Why is that?

Left and right.

Like brakes, tires, etc. all done in pairs.

You don’t have to. There is no rule book just common practice.

[1norseman]

Originally Posted by alphaod

Left and right.

Like brakes, tires, etc. all done in pairs.

You don’t have to. There is no rule book just common practice.

Common practice, common sense, just the smart thing to do when it comes to wear parts like these.

[Googone20]

Anybody have any more insight on this? I am about to change mine, and I would also be curious if the X5M uses a stiffer bushing. Comparing my F15 to my E70, the E70 has much better front end feel and connection. I was considering going to poly for the front end to gain some feel back, but nobody offers poly for the X5’s that I can find. If the X5M had performance improvements over the standard F15, I am definitely going that route. A spherical option would be sweet, but looks like Dinan doesn’t even offer these for the F15 either.

[Maverik259]

This is highly unlikely but only one way to find out. Buy one and compare. But the shape is the same. They will bolt up as will the rest of the F85 parts outside the engine. Although something tells me many of those parts will as well.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by 9mmkungfu

As in, lower and upper on one side? Or left and right, lower or upper? Why is that?

left and right.

You have to do an alignment when you replace suspension parts. Do you want to do it twice or once?

Do you want the left and right side of your car to react differently on the road due to the differing stiffnesses of the bushings? Replace in pairs please.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

This is highly unlikely but only one way to find out. Buy one and compare. But the shape is the same. They will bolt up as will the rest of the F85 parts outside the engine. Although something tells me many of those parts will as well.

Also found this. Same part number for F15 and F85 control arm.

[perry8912]

Keep us update....I’m also curious if we could have a stiffer ride by changing to M’s bushing and control arms.

[pits200]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Also found this. Same part number for F15 and F85 control arm.

That's for the trailing arm that doesn't really control too much movement. Front and rear control arms are typically where you'll find differences.

If anyone wanted to go crazy, technically, the subframe bushings are what really tightened up my last vehicle but obviously that required dropping the subframe.

[AlpineX]

What about HD bilsteins or coils and swaybars? Seems that is a place to start if you have base suspension

[pits200]

Originally Posted by AlpineX

What about HD bilsteins or coils and swaybars? Seems that is a place to start if you have base suspension

Too much sacrifice in ride, being this is my family car, didn't want to drop it. Don't want to spend almost 3k for coils when this is a 5.3k lb vehicle and I don't want to lose the comfort setting dynamics.

Can't do sways, I have dhp so it has the active sway and I'm not even sure they make an aftermarket sway for the x5. Also, I want to refresh the bushings anyways due to the miles, so if people plan on spending the money anyways to replace the bushing, might as well tweak things a little if the x5 m ones work.

But your comment almost always holds true on every other platform I've modded and bushing always come after the list you provided but with our minimal aftermarket, options are limited

[Tyler_Durden]

Has anyone tried this or has found an alternative for the weak bushing?

Mine just went out at 39k and I rather not have this be an reoccurring maintenance issue.

[pits200]

All, just installed the new thrust bushings from the f85 and definitely fele a difference. Mind you I have almost 80k on the car so the difference may just be fresh bushings or it could be due to the firmer f85 bushing.

Car definitely feels tighter with no additional nhv. A worthwhile investment if you have the time.

[BimmerTy]

Originally Posted by pits200

All, just installed the new thrust bushings from the f85 and definitely fele a difference. Mind you I have almost 80k on the car so the difference may just be fresh bushings or it could be due to the firmer f85 bushing.

Car definitely feels tighter with no additional nhv. A worthwhile investment if you have the time.

What was the total cost?

[pits200]

Originally Posted by BimmerTy

What was the total cost?

120 for the bushings and 120 for install. I couldn't press them out so I had to have someone give me a hand with this job.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by pits200

120 for the bushings and 120 for install. I couldn't press them out so I had to have someone give me a hand with this job.

Which bushings could you replace? Do you have the part numbers or was there a package?