Rear Suspension Bushings

[Phaedrus]

Vehicle: Certified Pre-Owned, 2004 325i, 45K miles
I also purchased the Maintenance Plan Upgrade (to 100K / 72 mos.) I've had the car for 3 weeks. This is my first BMW.

I just had the front control arm bushings replaced. My research indicates it's not uncommon to replace these as early as 30K miles.

My experience with the front end CAB's has got me thinking about the rear suspension bushings. The rear suspension squeaks a bit as I get in or out of the driver's seat; a rear seat passenger really makes it squeak. I haven't noticed it over road / engine noise.

I spent a few minutes in the Bentley Service Manual. If I'm reading it right, there are 8 bushings for the rear subframe, 3 for each trailing arm, and 1 for each control arm (5 total per suspension side plus the subframe bushings). What else needs to be checked or replaced while the suspension is pulled apart?

I need to check the language in my New Vehicle Warranty to see if there are limitations to coverage. Do y'all have any experience here? I've seen too many references to "Stealerships" not to ask.

Thanks and happy motoring,
Kurt

 

[Kirby]

The rear suspension bushings you mention are much heavier and less prone to failure. In particular, the subframe bushings are huge. The subframe will rip the mounting bolts from the body before the subframe bushings fail, that's what actually happens on cars that are raced and not reinforced.

The by far highest failure item in the rear is the upper Rear Shock Mount (RSM). These are known to fail as early as 30K miles. If you had to replace front CABs, it's very possible that you have bad RSMs.

Best bet is to replace them with upgraded parts, although this would be an issue with your warranty, you'll have to go with BMW parts.

FWIW, I have installed and like Rogue Engineering RSMs.