E31/E32/E34 control and thrust arms

OK, by p/n cross-referencing, I've come to the conclusion that:
- E32/E34 share the same control (lower) arms
- E31/E32 share the same thrust (upper) arms

What I wanted to know is:
- how are E31/E32 thrust (upper) arms different from E34 ones?
- how are E32/E34 control (lower) arms different from E31 ones?

Is it possible to use E31 control arms on E32/E34, since they use the spherical bearing instead of a rubber bushing like the latter ones? I want to stiffen my suspension and make it a bit more responsive by using thrust arms with 750i bushings and control arms with spherical bearings, if possible.

This page doesn't make it very clear:
http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/Suspensions.htm

yeah with that image

http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrad...controlarm.jpg

you can see the lower control arm bushing, the left item is from the e31 while the right one is the normal item. they are swappable but a lot more expensive. the upper control arms you can use 750i bushes but why not use the m5 bush instead?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BigKriss

you can see the lower control arm bushing, the left item is from the e31 while the right one is the normal item. they are swappable but a lot more expensive. the upper control arms you can use 750i bushes but why not use the m5 bush instead?

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Why? Is M5 bush stiffer than the 750i one?

yes it is.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Interceptor

Why? Is M5 bush stiffer than the 750i one?

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I havent even broken one yet!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Interceptor

Why? Is M5 bush stiffer than the 750i one?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by 632 Regal

I havent even broken one yet!

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OK, thanx guys, M5 bush it is, then ;)

M5 bushing is solid rubber... completely solid... whereas all other bushings is hollow at some points and 750iL has fluid inside. I have yet to put mine in... and it needs it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tiger

M5 bushing is solid rubber... completely solid... whereas all other bushings is hollow at some points and 750iL has fluid inside. I have yet to put mine in... and it needs it.

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I want a quick, defined steering response. Somehow, I think that's not possible with hollow/liquid-filled ones, so I'll try the solid ones this time :) I will be replacing the whole upper arm since the rubber boots on the outer ends are shot. :(

Another choice is Powerflex thrust arm bushings. A guy in UK did this. With this, you don't have to press it in...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tiger

Another choice is Powerflex thrust arm bushings. A guy in UK did this. With this, you don't have to press it in...

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A friend of mine had PowerFlex bushings on his E36, and one cracked after a few months :( I also heard they're too harsh and cause other suspension elements to wear considerably faster.