offset (m3) or center control arm bushings?

[mops]

howdy.

I failed the inspection on the balljoints. Since I'm there I'd like to replace front control arm bushings with urethane ones. i already got rear subframe and trailing arms urethane, and i really like the feel, so I want to have these on the front too :)

The only question is whether should i get front CAB's with hole in the center or those m3 offset ones ? the cat is build for street performance. it will get aswell H&R springs and bilstein sport shock at some stage. and then engine is getting a turbo soon..., so I am looking for improved handling....

[backtrail69]

I would definitely get the offset CABs, it makes high speed stability better and more turn in response.

[mops]

sounds good. is it absolute must getting those urethane ines, or solid rubber would be just as good ? like eg.

urethane here (all though they wand US$50 for shipping to me)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E30-E36-Urethane-Offset-Front-control-arm-bushings_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33583QQihZ015QQitemZ250066721930QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

and solid rubber here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-BMW-E30-M3-SOLID-OFFSET-CONTROL-ARM-RACING-BUSHINGS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33583QQihZ015QQitemZ250116881160QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[nando]

the rubber ones are fine. the urethane ones are a lot easier to put in though.

[Fanzotti]

I think I'm getting the OEM m3 offsets. I've heard people say the regular E30 ones are better for low speed turn in. can someone explain the pluses and minuses of both the regular and the offset CAB?

[StereoInstaller1]

I've heard people say the regular E30 ones are better for low speed turn in. can someone explain the pluses and minuses of both the regular and the offset CAB?

Just exactly that. the guy from AKG said unless I were looking for added stability over 100mph, don't bother.

I am incredibly happy with my AKG non-offsets. The difference in braking alone is unreal.

Luke

[mops]

just a thought.. cant you install them upside down and have the caster reduced ?

[e30_kid89]

just a thought.. cant you install them upside down and have the caster reduced ?

um,why'd u wanna do that?

[mops]

i dunno, since Stereo said that incerased offset helps over 100mph, but reduces low speed response, wouldnt you want to incerase your slow speed response (I'm quite happy to sacrifice the high speed stability)...

or is it possible to change the camber with these buschings ? by mounting them to the side ? (i think that would be the best for me)...

[Fanzotti]

Just exactly that. the guy from AKG said unless I were looking for added stability over 100mph, don't bother.

I am incredibly happy with my AKG non-offsets. The difference in braking alone is unreal.

Luke

So if your looking for better for performance in the turns under say 80 mph you'd probably be better off with non offset?

AKG, I believe thats eurathane? I'm not looking to get beat up by too much jarring caused by eurethane but I've heard that the cab's may be better in thane to reduce brake shudder. I'm willing to lose a little comfort for less shudder. What are the thoughts on this?

[mops]

I feel the road much better with urethane busches (i got them only on the rear so far), yes, you do loose comfort, but you get that 'aggresive sporty' feedback . my car is a street machine, building it for 'urban warfare' (smaller turbo for quick response instead of massive top-end power), street tunes suspension (not race suspension), aiming at best handling/feel/power in the area of 1st-3rd gear up to maybe 90mph? 100 mph ? but as i said i'm quite willing to sacrifice high speed handling for superior low speed handling (think about a situation of trying to outrun police cruiser in a residental area - not that's that my objective, but think of the requirements for the machine....).