sotek

Does anyone have experience replacing only the lower bushing in the rear shocks?
My shocks are fine but the bushings are shot.

I've found these (and other similar products) .. no endorsement to this company, they just happen to have them::
WP Warrior Products Warrior Products Shock Bushing - JCWhitney

Are they suitable to use to replace the bushings?
My mechanic is great but I can't expect him to do all the research for stuff like this given the deal I get.

Could anyone shed some light?
Failing some input, I'll measure myself. But would appreciate some opinions if anyone has experience.

Thanks!

champaign777

i think they are not replaceable
check realoem

paran

I'm not aware of a rear, lower, shock (strut) bushing on a 2004, 545i.:

Here are two diagrams of the rear suspension on a 545i:





Which bushing are you referring too?

As you can see, there is no lower shock bushing.

champaign777

he talks about shock bushing , see bolt #2
they are not replaceable , you will need a new shocks

there is 550i recall for the same issue so i suggest you call BMW center and ask them
They might replace it for free !

http://repairpal.com/bmw-550i-recall-06v277000

Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOWER RUBBER MOUNT OF THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED
TO SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY NOT ADHERE CORRECTLY TO ITS HOUSING WITHIN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.

Consequence: THE BUSHING COULD LOOSEN AND OVER TIME COULD SEPARATE FROM ITS HOUSING. THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE IMPAIRED
VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2006.
OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

sotek

Thanks! I'll check the recall. I believe the 550 and 545 are the same components but it's a 2004 and the recall is 2006. Might have been a manufacturer defect for that model year's run of parts.
I already scoured RealOEM. I found bushings for the swing part at ECS. Couldn't find them anywhere else. Thought there might be the off-chance I could get shock bushings from Energy, Warrior or PowerFlex but they don't pay any attention to the e60 components, unfortunately.

Thanks for the help guys.

Just an FYI - BavAuto, as of yesterday (Apr 27/13) had 1 rear shock for '04 545i's available for $55 bucks clearance..they only have one.. if anyone's looking for one, it's a good deal vs the $150-200 list (or for someone who doesn't have to pay broker fees for shipping north of the border!)

champaign777

believe me or not i found out on my 2010 550i M Sport LCI something related to pre LCI 550i recall
Exact the same problem , i fixed it myself as it was an easy fix , the nut which hold drive side control arm was loose !

==================
Control Arm May Not Be Tight

On 40 vehicles, the nuts securing the front control arm and tension strut to the wheel hub were not tightened to specification and could loosen over time.
f the nuts loosen, vehicle handling and control could be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will tighten the front control arm and tension strut nuts to the correct specifications. The recall began June 28, 2006.
===================

So be very skeptical when they said X - Y years and Z vehicles

sotek

Interesting - what lb did you torque the nut too?
I'll get my guy to check.

sotek

re: the shock absorber bushing - it looks like a chewed mess. Unfortunately the cost to replace the shock absorber far outweighs dealing with the arrogance of the staff at my local bmw dealership.

champaign777

unfortunately the access to this place it not good
i drove car on stands ( AKA car is in normal position ) and then i tighten this bolt with 18MM combo wrench based on my feeling
( should be 80 Nm )

Control arm to steering knuckle - 80Nm
Control arm bushing bolt - 78Nm

paran

Okay. Weird.

What bushing at bolt #2?

There is no part number, nor reference, to a "bushing" at bolt #2?

I believe that the entire "strut" needs to be replaced as a "bushing" is not an available item.