E46 rear subframe bushes

[lavajunkie]

Hi guys.

I have a 2003 e46 318i that is due mot soon. I have the infamous thud from the rear when changing gear and have been told it's rear subframe bushes. Are these an mot failure??

[Paul]

Dependent on apparent at time of test reason for refusal or fail; 2.4.G.2 Excessive play in a pin/bush or pin/bearing, for example more than: – 2mm for a 12mm diameter pin – 3mm for a 25mm diameter pin – 10% of the diameter for pins over 25mm diameter also deterioration of a bush or mounting resulting in excessive movement & deterioration of the bonding of a rubber bush/mounting resulting in excessive movement.

[baz657]

This is one of those things that has to be seen to give an opinion on but if the movement is bad enough for you to hear it when changing gear lavajunkie chances are that it's bad enough to fail. You could always ask your MOT station to have a quick look at the bushes before carrying out the actual test to give you a definite answer.

[lavajunkie]

Well it passed it's mot with no advisories. You get the thud between the gears but it sailed through...happy days

[peter]

Passed or not it would still be worth changing them. The next thing will be uneven rear tyre wear and, although it might not be noticeable, there must be some effect on the handling.

[otis]

I wouldn't hesitate to change them. They ain't that hard to do.