E34 Subframe Reinforcement Plates - Review

[Russell]

They stopped my mild shimmy/vibration. It is gone! Also, the car seems stiifer and handles a bit vetter However, I think there is an increase in harshness when I hit sharp edged bumps such as tar srips or manholes.. However, my front struts need replacing. Hope to do so in a few days.

I just ordered a set too. If you have any sort of instructions, could you post them? How are the thrust arm inserts? Do they cure the shimmy at all?

[Marshy]

Shoulda replied to this aaaaages back when I had the plates fitted, at the same time as new subframe bushes. The net effects are (modulo the fact that I clearly can't tell you what's due to new bushes, and what's due to inserts):-

1) Much, much, MUCH sharper turn-in. Felt very odd initially, but I'd clearly got used to how baggy the car was with a wandering rear end. I'm now completely in tune with the sharper turn in.
2) Rear end doesn't steer itself in corners any more (yay)
3) Feels like it's cornering flatter, although I have a distinct impression that the front is more baggy than the rear now. Need to get the front end looked at, clearly.
4) No noticeable increase in rear-end noise. What increase there may be is drowned out by what sounds like a busted shock mount. (One day, one day)
5) Tyre's squeal more easily in corners, or so it seems. Couldn't care less about that

Happy customer.

[bimmerd00d]

bruno man! when are you going to get some of the thrust arm ones ready so i can order them and say goodbye to my horrid shimmy!?

[califblue]

Received my package on Tuesday via U.S. mail...installed them in about 15 minutes ...noticeable less squat and I have a new SACHS kit and M-tech sways (have less than 5K on it)
the back end handles way better than before and I honestly did not notice any more road noise.
BRUNO ...you are the MAN
Thanks

[[1990]525]

Is there really this big of a difference? How difficult are they to install? I guess I just don't see what these things do.

[willobmw]

Yes and easy to install. For the price, an absolute deal or shall I say steal. I go around corners now like JP Montoya.
Willo

[hakwuzhere]

Anyone ever do a photo install of this? I know BMWE34.net has the recomendation of them... but I still dont have a clear idea as to where these go...

Ive got them sitting in my bag of goodies to install this weekend and Ive been searching for a good pic of where to remove the bolts (and Ive read horror stories of people snapping the bolts)...

Mods to go in this weekend:

Hella Smoked Tails
Hella Smoked Turnsignals
Depo Projector34's
Lamin-X Smoked Headlight Covers
Lamin-X Yellow Foglight Covers
Euro Trim
EAT Chip (I HOPE! Mark! Wheres my chip!)

Sorry for bumping a dead thread... but it seemed the most related that ive read in the past hour.

(Edit: No one can accuse me of not using search! I just realized that I bumped a two year old thread! )

[MBXB]

I'm glad I keep every pic I download...500gb later...

Thanks to whoever took this pic and labelled it.

[hakwuzhere]

Eureeka! Perfect!....

And rehosted on my site JIC anyone needs to link it.

[genphreak]

Peeps,

I know these seem like a great idea and all the info on them suggests they stiffen things up somewhat. However I am surprised if that gap they fill in the subframe suspension is not actually deliberate. I mean, its not a wear or manufactuing problem, design fault or other oversight (surely) or they would have fixed it in the 8 years they made the car, (let alone considering the e32).

wouldn't it be great to find out from BMW why that gap is there... i mean perhaps the gap is there to allow the dogbones to do their thing with controlling camber, or it could be something else entirely...

Anyway, it's just a thought... I'm pretty close to getting a set as everyone likes major stiffness