The 1999-2006 E46 3 Series and 2002-2008 E85 Z4 suffer from pre-mature wear with the factory front control arm bushings. This creates a steering wheel shudder that can be felt during normal driving and braking and also affect tire wear. This bushing is located at the back of the front control arm and is the key component for preventing excess NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) from entering the cabin.
The factory bushings only do a good job of blocking NVH when they're new. Over time the dampening fluid inside them leaks or evaporates which leaves the bushing with no resistance and too much deflection. Instead of installing another set of original bushings that will quickly wear in a short period of time, we suggest upgrading to all-rubber Meyle HD bushings. Meyle HD bushings use a solid rubber design to increase longevity compared to the stock, fluid filled bushing. These have a slight improvement in performance and steering feedback compared to new factory bushings. Their real advantage is in longevity - with no fluid to leak these bushings last a lot longer. NVH is not increased over the factory bushing. Urethane bushings are also available that offer even greater performance advantages.
E46 Meyle HD bushings are sold as a pair with new housing brackets and hardware, and come with a 4 year warranty. They are a great complement to any E46 control arm replacement, especially with
Meyle HD control arms or ZHP control arms.
BMW Fitments:
3 Series
E46 (99-05) > 320i
E46 (99-05) > 323Ci
E46 (99-05) > 323i
E46 (99-05) > 325Ci
E46 (99-05) > 325i
E46 (99-05) > 328Ci
E46 (99-05) > 328i
E46 (99-05) > 330Ci
E46 (99-05) > 330i
Z Series
E85 / E86 Z4 (03-08) > Z4 2.5i M54
E85 / E86 Z4 (03-08) > Z4 3.0i M54
E85 / E86 Z4 (03-08) > Z4 3.0i N52
E85 / E86 Z4 (03-08) > Z4 3.0si N52