palantirion

I have been having bump-steer issues for quite a while now and was just too busy to bother taking it to Crevier to replace the stock bushings under warranty. I read a bit about using X5 bushings (thanks guys!) and decided to have BMS install them ever though I could replace them with stock ones for free via the dealer. It wasn't very expensive and they did the job quickly.

Here's a pic of the cracks in stock bushing after apx. 15,000 miles:


BUT, here's the funny part...Crevier had replaced my thrust strut bushings once before - after about 10k miles - and we found out today that they replaced them BACKWARDS! Here is the pic:


Apparently mounting them backwards dramatically reduces their lifespan, so next time you have a dealership replace your bushings you might want to visually inspect them before taking delivery

Anyway, the bump steer problem is gone and I'll report back on the X5 bushing's durability after the 22nd when I will be with Driving Concepts at Willow Springs.

Thanks BMS, once again picking up dealer slack!


p.s. On a different visit, Chris at BMS had noticed a PDC sensor wire on my 540iT was cracked and advised me to take it to a dealer to have it fixed under warranty. Crevier told me that "a rodent had chewed through the wire" and it was thusly not covered by warranty. They wanted 2 hours labor to repair the wire ($250). I thought this was rediculous and took the car back to BMS - figuring that if I had to pay $250 to someone I'd rather it be the guys who have always treated me honestly. Anyway, Chris pulled out his soldering gun and had it done in 10 minutes - needless to say the repair didn't cost me $250 Thanks again BMS!

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Ocean's M5

Thats Great info! Thanks for the photos and the write up and what to look out for after a stealer does the install...

i'm a gonna hop under there again and see if they installed them correctly.

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mottati

that is pretty amazing that a dealer could install these backwards... I wonder if that could have caused mine to fail after 10k miles or so as well. (similar situation, first set done under warranty, not even bothering with the warranty second time around, went to my trusted ind. shop).
Mike

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cosioboy

Thanks for the pics and background info.

I received my X5 bushings yesterday from Circle BMW (they had to be special ordered apparently). Waiting for my Dinan suspension to come in, and will do the install next weekend most likely. Will take pics of the difference between the two, I have a lot of miles on my original ones, so the wear should be pretty visible.

I noticed the X5 bushings have only 2 openings, while I think the stock have 3 (as attested by Rick's pics of 'threading' pencils and spoons in the OEM ones).

I stoped trusting stealers a long long time ago, glad you were able to find a more dependable shop. Luckily I have a very trustworthy pro shop and I have been personally involved in all my mod (and maintainance) installs. So look forward to the new suspension, bushings, and 275 tires up front.

Ocean's M5

Could you pm me with their contact info. I think the dealer installed mine backwards also...


How do I prove to the dealership that they did infact install backwards? I need a point of reference... or a picture or manual?

Beamer_usa

Does not suprise me at all. I would rather go and pay an ind. shop and know the job was done correctly.

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M5boy

Crevier really does suck!! Well at least for service, Vaheh in parts gives good prices though! Those guys always manage to find a way to say something you dont wanna hear. But on the bright side im glad you went to BMS, Chris is THE man, never had one problem in all the years him and his boys have worked on my cars. Cheers,

Arjun

Heres their info if anyone wants it,

http://www.bmsracecars.com/

Bullet Motorsports Speedlab
1625 E Saint Gertrude Pl
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(P) 714-429-0257
(F) 714-429-7861

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palantirion

So true! What kills me is that so few people in southern CA know about them. They don't do much of anything in the way of advertising because they are such a small, focused shop, and a lot of people still confuse them with Bullet Performance (now the service-only shop). I wish I had more money to spend with BMS Hell, last year I told Chris I wish they did construction so I could pay them to finish my home addition, lol!

mottati

Sam, i generally use M service in walnut creek. Phone number is 925 932 8744. Dante is the owner of the shop.

I assumed with the keyway that the bushing would only go in one way!
Mike

Lscman

I am a bit confused about the thrust bushing installation "standard". I agree with palanterions notes above. The stock one's clearly go in a particular direction, but the aftermarket did not seem to follow their lead. The one's I bought with the orange loading reinforcement seem to install 180 degrees out from BMW's intended standard, per the fake keyway. The thrust arms see mostly compression forces, so you can get it right by using common sense.