Powerflex E46 3 Series/Z4 Control Arm Bushing

powerflex highly recommend
From Anonymous of New York, New York on 4/9/2013.

they were installed within 2 hours and the steering is great!

Seemingly awesome
From robert spear of san rafael, California on 3/1/2013.

Just bought my 04-325xi and took it to mountains. Had a violent shimmy under heavy load during acceleration, and if i hit the brakes i would practically change lanes. I put these on, took me about 4 hours, and not the car tracks and brakes like its supposed to. Unfortunately, there is not an online instructional for the install so you had better have the factory manual and some good mechanical experience.
Next project is the rear trailing arm busings replaced with Powerflex.

powerflex CAB
From Anonymous of San Diego, California on 1/23/2013.

just what the doctor ordered! straight-forward install, quality product, improves performance, extends maintenance, reasonably priced. what more could you want?

Phenomenal Upgrade for EVERY Bimmer!
From Nick of Cincinnati, Ohio on 8/2/2012.

PROS:
- Improved steering response and feedback
- Incredible durability, no loss of steering response over time (at least 4-5 HARD years)
- Very easy to install
- Available with housing in 66mm version to upgrade earlier E46's
- Does not make the car more prone to "tram-lining" like some of the other FCAB's I have tried (offset ones are the worst)
- Are a PERFECT complement to either Genuine BMW ZHP/M-Sport OR Meyle HD (ZHP-type) Front Control Arms
- 2-piece design and interior "lube channel" means that under duress they will be able to twist and not tear
- Design also means that they are absolutely SILENT if properly installed
- These are PERFECT for everything from a daily-driven commuter car to high-horsepower track/autocross (yet still street-legal and street-driveable) cars, and I use them on both!

CONS:
- Pricier than OEM, but not really a con as it is a one-time cost
- The higher cost may not be beneficial if you don't intend to keep the car for more than a few years
- I would STRONGLY suggest purchasing new, upgraded Front Control Arms to go with these as the OEM FCA's have outer-ball joints that fail and cannot be replaced (Meyle HD can)
- THEY WILL SQUEAK IF INSTALLED IMPROPERLY!! Don't go light on the grease, use the entire amount between the two bushings

Honestly, I had to really stretch to think of any cons.


I have used these on both my '00 328Ci and '01 325i, installed both times during a full-suspension upgrade (TC Kline Race/KW Variant 3 Coilovers, Hotchkis F/R Adjustable Swaybars, ZHP/MeyleHD FCA's, TMS Full-Reinforcement Kit, TMS Adjustable Rear Camber Arms, RE "Race" RTAB's, UUC "Race" Trans/Engine Mounts, PowerFlex Subframe Bushings, TMS Semi-Solid Delrin/Aluminum Diff Mounts/Bushings, Adj F/R Swaybar End-Links, Meyle HD Tie Rod Assemblies, TMS Rear Upper Inner/Outer Trailing Arm Bearings, TMS Rear Inner Upper Control Arm Bearings, all-new wheel bearings/hub assemblies, a custom Quaife 3.25:1 Variable-Locking Limited Slip Diff with Rogue Finned Aluminum Cover (328Ci), 6spd Manual Trans from '05 330Ci ZHP swapped into 328Ci, UUC Dual-Mass Clutch/LTW Flywheel Kit (25lb total) for 328Ci/UUC 9.5lb Flywheel + M5 Organic Clutch for 325i, new Guibo and Driveshaft supports, UUC EVO3 SSK/DSSR/Clutch-Stop/Clutch-Pedal Bushings/SS Braided Clutch Line, Brembo 6piston/4piston Monobloc BBK/StopTech Stage2+ 4-Wheel Brake Upgrade Kit w Slotted Rotors, and so on and so on).
I have gone through a great deal of parts and my garage looks like a BMW Aftermarket-Parts wholesaler warehouse, but I have never one had to change the Powerflex Front Control Arm Bushings!!!

The 328Ci is driven HARD, with a heavily-modified ESS TSE2 intercooled twin-screw supercharger kit and fully-built engine, it not only puts down 400hp at the wheels, it spends a great deal of time at the track or at autocross events.
Since I have installed the PowerFlex FCAB's (+housing) in my 328Ci over 4 years ago, I have gone through 12 sets of tires (Pilot SuperSports/PS Cups mostly) even with custom flared fenders to allow for 19x9.5" front wheels and 19x11" in the back (usually fitted with 255-width front tires and 275-285-width rear). There is literally not a single piece of stock suspension left.

So, about 3-4 months ago, I took out the PowerFlex bushings to inspect and re-lubricate if necessary....


THEY STILL HAD AT LEAST 90% OF THE ORIGINAL LUBRICANT APPLIED WHEN INSTALLED! There were no tears, the rubber was still compliant and no hardened, and I honestly could not be more impressed!

Highly Recommend
From Anonymous of Idaho Falls, Idaho on 7/28/2012.

Used compelte kit installed by professional, made all the difference in the world, holds road better and no longer makes noise and pulls when applying the brakes. Also had complete alignment done.