Diff Bushing Recommendations?

[DeTh]

Happy Friday everyone!

I'm writing this thread out to get some opinions and insight into options for differential bushings.

I just hit 30k miles, and my diff bushing is absolutely fried. One of the main symptoms is the clunking when getting on/off the throttle and clunking when modulating the throttle in reverse. I'm sure the way I drive did not help this at all

I figured this was coming relatively soon being at the power level I am at. My plan is to DIY this.
I see a few people recommending the dual mount retrofit kit - is this really worth it? How much extra work is required for this.

Also, open to recommendations for which diff bushing to get. The car is my daily driver, but I do not mind a little bit of NVH. Ideally I'd like something with the best power delivery while not absolutely rattling my bones.

I rode in one F80 before that had some sort of diff bushings done and it sounded like straight cut gears. If I can replicate that, awesome


TLDR: What is your experience with each respective diff bushing, and is dual bushing retrofit worth? Any other maintenance I should be looking to DIY at same time? Thanks

[hellokitty]

If you want straight cut gear sound, KMP aluminum diff bushings.

For moderate sound, ECS Bushings + Turner bracket.

For no NVH, Powerflex purple or OEM Foam (V2) bushings + Turner bracket.

[jfritz27]

Originally Posted by hellokitty

If you want straight cut gear sound, KMP aluminum diff bushings.

For moderate sound, ECS Bushings + Turner bracket.

For no NVH, Powerflex purple or OEM Foam (V2) bushings + Turner bracket.

On my previous F80, I did the Turner bracket and Powerflex purples all around front and rear (I had it done "for fun", not because I had any symptoms of anything). Even with the purples you get a nice little boost in audible diff whine even with a stock interior (maybe a 10-15% increase), but no other perceptible harshness. It was nice.

I have to admit that I can't say that I was able to feel a major difference in on-power behavior after the upgrade, but admittedly my track time with it was very short as I binned it at WGI shortly thereafter.

[b_w.]

Kmp sounds awesome. Power flex and a dual mount will give you a tiny bit of diff sounds.

[deemack79]

Did updated OEM rear and purple Powerflex fronts. 👌🏽

[mapster37]

I have turner dual plate with v2 oem bushings, not much more noticeable than stock set up

[DeTh]

Thanks everyone for suggestions! The turner kit was on a good sale so I decided to go with that instead of KMP. I will be DIY'ing this next weekend - does anyone know if I can drill/cut out the bushings, or is it mandatory for me to have the Schwaben tool?

[medphysdave]

I'm interested in your DIY. This is a job I plan to have someone else perform. I have quick jacks, but seems daunting. Let us know how many hours you invest. It's not an inexpensive job at a shop. I'm getting quotes of between $1500 - $2000 for the install.

[DeTh]

Originally Posted by medphysdave

I'm interested in your DIY. This is a job I plan to have someone else perform. I have quick jacks, but seems daunting. Let us know how many hours you invest. It's not an inexpensive job at a shop. I'm getting quotes of between $1500 - $2000 for the install.

It's going to be quite the undertaking for sure. I have 4 jackstands and 2 jacks, which I'm thinking should be enough.

It is definitely daunting, and I might regret it about halfway through 🤣. But I'd rather try myself than forfeit $1500 without giving it my best first. I ordered everything and it should be here Thursday.
I have Friday off so it will be a 3-day project! Wish me luck
I have some DIY experience, but this will be my biggest project so far 😁

[TheHunterHofman]

I went with the Powerflex bushings, at the time. Really happy with those and no additional NVH. For the DIY'ers:

Yes, a bit of a shameless self plug, but here's basically how you do it.

Hope that helps.

[b_w.]

Having done this twice two jacks makes it easier. I rented an AutoZone bearing kit and it really helped.

[theweebabySeamus]

I think it should be noted that MT seem to be more common than DCT in the 'no additional NVH' camp. I'd be very surprised if going from a 50a rubber bushing to an 80a poly bushing would not introduce at least some NVH, especially if adding an extra contact point.

[DeTh]

Went to BMW to get the guibo nuts and bolts.
Just for shits and giggles I asked the service department how much it would cost for them to do the rear diff bushing...

$2700!

[greysea]

Originally Posted by DeTh

Went to BMW to get the guibo nuts and bolts.
Just for shits and giggles I asked the service department how much it would cost for them to do the rear diff bushing...

$2700!

Are you going to do a write up/video of the install? I tackled the spark plugs but this is sounding kinda crazy. Especially if BMW wants 2700!! But would love to save that install money.

I am at 49k miles with a ‘16 and worried about mine going bad soon.

[theweebabySeamus]

Originally Posted by greysea

Are you going to do a write up/video of the install? I tackled the spark plugs but this is sounding kinda crazy. Especially if BMW wants 2700!! But would love to save that install money.

I am at 49k miles with a ‘16 and worried about mine going bad soon.

Might already be, mine was gone before that.

[DeTh]

Originally Posted by greysea

Are you going to do a write up/video of the install? I tackled the spark plugs but this is sounding kinda crazy. Especially if BMW wants 2700!! But would love to save that install money.

I am at 49k miles with a ‘16 and worried about mine going bad soon.

For the record, I just hit 30k miles.

There's already a few write ups that I will be following for this project. I might take some pictures here and there but it won't be comprehensive.
I've done some stuff before (headlight swap, FEM harness retrofit, coilovers, downpipes, etc) so I have some slight confidence.

You can check your diff bushing very easily from the rear without jacking anything up. Simply lay underneath the rear corner on the driver side and look up near where the driver side exhaust piping passes by the rear subframe. You can see the diff bushing pretty easy. This is mine:

[b_w.]

The ultimate diff bushing guide in the diy section has all the pictures you need.

[DeTh]

It's here!

[DeTh]

It begins...

[DeTh]

subframe is lowered!
I definitely picked a good time to replace the bushing, it is fried...

I am also keeping track of all size sockets I used and will post all of them at the end.

[DeTh]

Forgot to update yesterday
I worked until I got all of the new bushings into the front diff plate. The "Ultimate DIY" thread doesn't include the retrofit turner bracket, so I had to remove the rear diff bolt and support the diff with just the jack.
Should finish today 😎

[NimnizM4]

Originally Posted by DeTh

Forgot to update yesterday
I worked until I got all of the new bushings into the front diff plate. The "Ultimate DIY" thread doesn't include the retrofit turner bracket, so I had to remove the rear diff bolt and support the diff with just the jack.
Should finish today 😎

Hell yeah, nice work man! 🫡