Those from Mini-Madnesss are indeed add-on helper bushings, rather than full replacements - I've got them on my`05.

They work fine, without any need to disassemble half the car to install them - around two hours total shop time. They are the same Material as the Powerflex - urethane.

 

thanks

i see them now

cool i'll have to pick these up soon

i think they're cheaper than the polyflex ones as full replacement goes.

thanks
-Ricky

 

Really? Thank YOU for the clarification, I guess I was wrong. I haven't actually installed mine, just looked at the bushings, and pulled the rear trailing arm down to install them. This is when I found that Moss had sent me the early version inserts and I had to re-order. Seeing that you actually have installed them, you must be correct.

 

Thanks for the clarification, Rick.

So, are the Powerflex bushings for the later design an insert too, or an actual replacement bushing?

I'm not a big fan of bushing inserts...I would much rather install an upgraded replacement bushing if I had the choice.

 

All I can say is that the Powerflex ones look exactly like the MM ones pictured, only purple.

Now I'm assuming they are an insert...maybe I can install them without needing a re-alignment anyway

 

If you can install them without having to remove the bushing carrier from the car(just unbolt the arm) then you should be good on the alignment until you can get it on a rack.

 

I've been riding on these front and rear bushings now for almost a week, and the ride definitely takes some getting used to.
The car is a whole lot stiffer as there is very little give from these bushings. I am also comparing this to the 82k mile stock bushings I replaced.
On not-so-smooth secondary roads, you feel everything. On the highway or on smooth roads, the car feels awesome. Very tight and responsive.
On/off ramps are much more fun now.

 

I had the Powerflex installed about a month i guess,the front control bushings with added caster have the car really turning in nicely,where i live theres lots of twisties,car just eats up the corners at speed,i'm shure the camber plates FSD's and sway bar also make thier contributition as well though,i am happy with the day to day driveability,should have done it the day it came out of the showroom,if you havent done this you dont know what you're missing guys.Had it on the track and now i need bucket seats.

 

Nice job Partsman! Thanks for sharing as you did, with images.

Bajanmini, are you saying that were able to get added caster with these, or I guess the PowerFlex bushings? If you don't mind, please share your alignment specs... Thanks.

 

No caster change with Power Flex. Turn-in respopnse is improved but only because the material is different - doesn't distort like the stock bushings.

Adding caster will slow steering turn-in response due to an increase in castoring...and as you might expect, conversely, straight line stability improves.

 

Thanks Michael for confirming. Not sure exactly what Bajanmini was getting at...

I've got these new bushing brackets from MINI, along with various ball joints ready to go, minus pressing-out the stock bushings...

 

I understand the theory behind this, but in reality...

The steering feels heavier with the added caster. I don't notice it being "slower", just "heavier". Probably two sides of the same coin, though.

 

One thing your steering ISN'T, is slower! . Jason's Mini feels very very quick and tight.

 

This work was done approx 6 weeks ago and i was there in the garage,after installing the powerflex the measurement betwene the bushing carrier and the control arm increased by how much i cant remember nevertheless caster has increased because of this.It was also mentioned in K-Huevo's how to and there's photos.My alighnment is front -1.8 camber 0 toe both sides C plates are adj,Rear -1.3 camber 1/16" toe in both sides,H Sport adj control arms,so far i see no unusual tire wear,but it's only 6 weeks and i'm pretty happy with how it gets around a bend

 

For those who installed the BavAuto offset FCAB's, how did orientate them in the bracket?

 

I have the offset ones, but the installation was done by a local BMW tech. So, I don't know what the correct orientation is.

 

From looking at the offset bushing...



...I would have to say that you would want the bushing clocked(oriented) pretty much how it is in the pic.
Installed in the bracket this way moves the rear of the arm down for more positive caster.

I'm in for basic suspension geometry...I don't know a whole lot about it, but enough to be dangerous to myself.

 

Toward the center of the vehicle reduces caster, toward the outside gains. Raising and lowering the pivot axis affects anti-lift and anti-dive characteristics, although I don't know which does what.

 

Dude all that work and you didn't even paint them If Nitromini saw this he would be sick to his stomach right now Good job Would love to upgrade my bushings, but power must come first

 

Bajanmini, thank you. I see where k-heuvo had the micrometer out. I'll be sure to take such meaurements beforehand and try to match this upon re-install.

I've got the inserts in the rear, but would prefer a full bushing replacement. Anyone else make these besides Bavarian Autosport? I should re-read the thread before asking (doing now)...

 

Thanks man! Yea, I know if Nitro saw it, he'd be puking all over! I actually have to drive my car ...I can't just leave it in the garage polishing it up. (just kidding,nitro)

Remember...power is nothing without control.

 

Thanks Keith...I was hoping you would see my post and correct it.

I don't remember seeing a full bushing replacement from anywhere else while doing my research.
I'm going to call you later.

 

I know, but i'm not in control now, I have a 16 year old a 12 year old and a wife at home, but power is more fun

 

I hear ya...I have a 7 year old, a 2 year old(that thinks he's 7 ) and a wife at home, and they are all out of control!

 

Bav Auto sells an Upper and Lower rear trailing arm.. Has anyone tried both?