I've got an '11 Clubby S that makes me smile every time I drive her - even after 139k. But she's starting to show her age (to be fair, so am I) Now I need control arm bushings. Not leaking or burning oil (gasp!) HPFP already replaced (for free!) and rear sway bar bushings already done. But I feel like I'm at the point where all of the rubber is going to start failing. So should I just replace the control arm bushings? Or do all of the front end bushings since they've got everything off anyway? I'm on the knife edge. Part of me feels like I'm on borrowed time with this mileage. But then again, it's so much fun!

 

If the oil burn rate is low and it still shifts well (auto or 6 spd?), then drive 'er 'til she drops is what I'd do. But I'd run the other way at the first sign of trouble....

BTW, you are not at or near the point of all rubber failing, you are far past it!
I've driven a couple of cars well past the 200K mark. Drive the same car long enough and you acclimate to the deterioration of bushings and the like.

Best ask yourself about the wisdom of starting a project of updating components on a 2010 - sounds like you are paying for labor, that adds up fast and can start to approach (or even exceed) the cost of ownership of a newer car.

 

Thanks for responding mr larson. I've got an appt with my local non dealer German car expert next week. Until then the clubby's relegated to local drives only. I get what you're saying about projects adding up fast. As I said, I'm right on the edge. I really like the car, and with car prices being what they are for then next few months, the calculus shifts towards repairs - for now. Will report back after resolution.

 

The stock front control arm bushings
wear out surprisingly quickly. The
Powerflex ones are better at locating
the suspension with minimal increase
in NVH, and they last almost forever.
They should be way at the top of the
list for rubber to replace.