Comprehensive article on E30/E36 Control Arm Bushings

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2132]

Hi Guys, came across this link that takes you through the various options, weighing them all up etc.

http://www.rtsauto.com/e30-control-arm-bushing-upgrades-also-applicable-to-e36-comprehensive-guide-on-control-arm-bushings/

i sort of think this might be worth sticking in this forum? let me know, will let it be decided first.

Cheers.

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2132]

Not sure that the detail on E36 is correct , from my memory:

Stock E 36 ran 5 degrees caster

The first Euro M3's ran offset bushes with stock arms and had 7.5 degrees caster

The Evo ran the different arms and the caster went out to 9 degrees

There are three components that set E36 caster which are (1) the Control arm bush (2) the top mount and (3) the actual control arm geometry - mixing and matching allows you to get from 5.0 to 9 degrees of caster with "stock" M3 components or aftermarket replacements like Powerflex etc.

i would be interested to know if someone here with an Evo (an unmolested one) has the offset bushes or not.

[Jamez 2147483647]

i would be interested to know if someone here with an Evo (an unmolested one) has the offset bushes or not.

My Compact has offset lollipops with evo arms, the front wheel almost touches the front bumper with DSII M3 wheels and OEM tyre size

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2132]

My Compact has offset lollipops with evo arms, the front wheel almost touches the front bumper with DSII M3 wheels and OEM tyre size

ah yep so article would be right then, the Evo went back to standard bushes

[Ace Of Spades 51]

Tree House racing aren't around anymore, BlackPath also do the same part as well as Hard Race.

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2132]

So how much caster is your compact running ?

i think it would be about 9 degrees with eve arms and offset bushes when fitted in an E36 chassis. if fitted to an E30 it also depends on if using evo kingpins as well or regular E36 kingpins.

[Jamez 2147483647]

i think it would be about 9 degrees with eve arms and offset bushes when fitted in an E36 chassis. if fitted to an E30 it also depends on if using evo kingpins as well or regular E36 kingpins.

It was ~9.5 but I have since swapped to Evo camber tops and that's added a bit more as they sit further back.

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2132]

So offset bushes and Evo arms give 9 degrees - that suggests that factory setup had centralised control arm bushes because factory was 9- 38' for the Evo

correct.