Free E28 535is build by Manny D.

8-3-2012

On to the rear of the car.. 

I removed the differential, axles, and subframe for restoration/rebuilding. 

Sold the stock s3.25, It will be replaced with either a s3.73 or s3.64 (If I can snag one for a decent price). 

Cleaned and preped the rear subframe for painting. I shot it with Duplicolor Engine Enamel primer first, then Duplicolor Engine Enamel low-gloss black to resemble the original color without being completely flat or too glossy. 

For the subframe bushings I decided to go with the stock Lemforder bushings and filled them with 80a liquid polyurethane from McMaster-Carr. 

I wanted the stock lemforder bushings for reliability/longevity, but after re-installing the subframe with them in I found that they allowed too much "Give" in the subframe. I could grab the subframe at the differiential carrier and move it up and down quite easily. I felt that this would lead to the "Hopping" of the rear wheels I previously felt when breaking traction with the rear tires. After filling them with poly, the subframe is much more solid without being too firm. 

Next time I will probably just go with the full poly bushings as most of them come in 2 pieces for "ease of installation". I had to remove my original ones with a sawzall very carefully without cutting too deep and damaging the subframe, No, I dont have the $600 tool to remove them the "right way". Sawzall and a BFH baby!  

Here are some pics: 

Subframe after restoration. 

Bushings installed, before being filled with liquid poly. 

Trying to keep pressure on the bottom of the bushing while the polyurethane is curing. It started to leak out of the duct tape seal. 

The only picture I have of the liquid poly. 

Subframe on the car. 

Here is the m535i diff mount being filled with poly using cardboard and duct tape as a mold. 

Finished product pic #1 

Finished product pic #2 

Finished product pic #