to thrust or not to thrust [arms]

[PHZ]

So looking at an E9x suspension diagram today, it does have upper & lower (fore & aft) thrust arms with replaceable bushings in the front suspension vice a control arm and front control arm bushing (FCAB) like our e46's. I suspect when you were at the dealer, the mechanic said something like the car needs front suspension bushings soon and your numbnuts service writer gave you an estimate for an E9x 3-series car although you were clearly driving an E46. I'd like to give them the benefit of the doubt that they weren't trying to be criminal in their estimate to you but rather were just not paying attention to a minor detail -- like, hey shit4brains service writer pull the estimate on the correct series of car at least -- but you never know.

True dat.

But I called the service writer after I got the conflicting report form the Indy... And he still holds firm that the quote was good and my car in fact needs that part. ..........

[danewilson77]

Jimmies sufficiently rattled
Will ask next time. Car was already off lift, out of bay, and in driveway when I got the "report".

But point taken

Ok....sounds good.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[johnrando]

So where are we with this? No one knows of this "thrust rod bushing" part on an E46. Front suspension bushings DO go out on these cars so that's likely. No quite as likely but possible that you could need new control arms, but what's your mileage cuz driving on CA roads don't beat our cars up like some other places?

[PHZ]

John...

I drive about 30m miles each way freeway commute. only had the car since august.

[WOLFN8TR]

Call a local Mafia guru for a DIY day. Learning how to work on your car is priceless. I've saved so much coin over the years doing repairs myself, plus you know it's done right. For instance- OFHG replaced by me $10 and the BMW dealer quote was $985!

Too bad I don't live closer to ya, we could knock that out over the weekend. Good luck...

[PHZ]

Thanx. My main problem is no tools/space to work... Combine that with little mechanical knowledge.......


I took it by my mechanic (that worked on my 300zx)... He showed me the bushings.... Said they were fine, no leaks he could see, even said they looked like they had been replaced .... Then told me I got what I deserved by going to a dealership

He did say my "oil pan cover panel" ( I think) was missing... No biggie, but he said the car was designed with one for aerodynamics...... So I will pursue trying to locate one of those.

[danewilson77]

You mean you're missing the little trap door, or the big metal piece (aggregate cover)?

[PHZ]

Since its missing, and I've never been under my car before, I can't say for sure. He said "cover"... The place where it should have been was about 7"x7" maybe?

[danewilson77]

Since its missing, and I've never been under my car before, I can't say for sure. He said "cover"... The place where it should have been was about 7"x7" maybe?

Ahhh...I see. You didn't get him to show it to you!

You said you would....from now on.....you pinky promised!

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[PHZ]

Ahhh...I see. You didn't get him to show it to you!

You said you would....from now on.....you pinky promised!

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

Actually........ I WAS under the car with him (and this him was NOT the BMW mechanic, this was an Indy)...

He showed me where the piece was missing. All I saw was the opening, sans some cover that I couldn't see ( as it was missing)