2002 bushings - Which type ?

Hi, I just joined bimmerclassics and I was wondering something.
I have a 1974 2002. The front end is a little loose and the bushings need to be replaced. I have tii struts in the front and bilstein hd's in the rear. also massive sway bars on both ends. In other words the car is really stiff. what should i use for new bushings? urethane or stock rubber?

[Chris]

Great car! I sat in a 2002 yesterday for the first time. The car just had a cage and seats installed getting ready for the Targa Newfoundland.

Choice of bushings depends on what you want out of the car, really. There's no perfect answer. urethane/delrin/etc are much stiffer and the pros/cons I can think of are as follows:

pros.
More precise handling due to eliminating movement variables
More direct feedback
Better ability to tune the car for optimum handling
Urethane bushings don't wear the same as rubber, so they're a longer term item

cons.
More vibration and vibration-related noise
Less comfort
More wear on other parts due to the urethane not absorbing vibrations
More rattles develop in the long run
Sometimes need lubrication to reduce squealing (urethane bushings actually slide in their mounts where rubber ones twist if that makes sense)

Hope that's a start for you.

thanks for the info. I drive it everyday during the summer and it goes in the garage in the winter. The only problem with the urethane bushings I have right now is that I live on a dirt road. I think I will try them though. My friend has them on his CRX and that thing handles great.

[Dubly]

I have owned a couple of 2002. On my TII I had a similar set up to you, but with bilstein sports. The front bushings on the car were replaced with OEM bushings and it was a bit disappointing. The car did not feel any livelier then before and the softness was still there. If you can put up with noises of urethane bushings I would go that route. Cars as old as yours need all the help they can get. What else have you done to it?

I have had the car for about four years. I got it in Austin, TX so it is almost rust free. It has a 38/38 weber, five speed from a 320i, rear seat from a 6 series, front seats from a CRX, 14 inch O.Z. racing rims with yoko's pirrelli es100, electric fuel pump, ansa exhaust, stahl header, pretty much you name it its been done. I'll wash and wax it this weekend, then i'll post some pics.

Originally Posted by 742002 I have had the car for about four years. I got it in Austin, TX so it is almost rust free. It has a 38/38 weber, five speed from a 320i, rear seat from a 6 series, front seats from a CRX, 14 inch O.Z. racing rims with yoko's pirrelli es100, electric fuel pump, ansa exhaust, stahl header, pretty much you name it its been done. I'll wash and wax it this weekend, then i'll post some pics.

The car looks real good. The first thing that caught my eye when I saw it was the stance and the wheels.
I would go with the urethane bushings. The smooth paved drives will by far outweigh the dirt road home. Perfect time to upgrade.

On another note......I just made a appointment with Labelle & Leitner for the '02 and they are backed up for three weeks!!!