350i Suspension.

[John042]

Bit of a broad question really? My 350i has been static for 12 years. Engine gearbox and brakes appear to be OK now after initial fuel problems. I know from visual inspection the front tie rod bushes to the chassis have rotted and the springs and shocks look a bit sad. So to refurbishment of the suspension? Initially I thought the poly bush route but posts suggest a very firm ride with additional expense? Are original rubber bushes available still? Next springs/shocks. Worth replacing both? If so recommendations please? A lot more queries to come I'm afraid hood etc. Thanks J C.

[batman400]

I've gone for poly bushes and it's a huge improvement on the Nylon bushes (I suggest avoiding) that someone else fitted.
For the front rubber bushes should still be available as it's standard ford, I think the only bush that is difficult to find is for the wishbones on the A frame cars.

[John042]

Thanks Simon. I've priced up a complete set, front/back of poly bushes and it's about £400 + Obviously if you use poly at the front it would mean using poly all round. Are they a pain to put in as others have suggested?

[batman400]

Hello John,

Fitting the poly is a lot easier than getting the rubber ones out, which required the usual application of patience, an old drill, a chisel and a hacksaw with the odd bit of blowlamp action thrown in. I changed everything except the pair holding the diff upper carrier which I kept rubber due to the cost of the poly ones being crazy, something like £150 the pair or something which seemed excessive.....

[mrzigazaga]

I have poly bushes and found them to be okay..If you are changing the A frame bushes then change the bolts as well but use high tensile strength...

[John042]

Thanks, aren't I going to have fun. However I've got some HGV apprentices at work always up for a challenge😁 I'll convince them it's part of their NVQ's
Next question, I did warn you. Windows, what holds the glass into the channel along the bottom edge please? Not there's much channel or rubber left to hold anything😮 would the metal channel be obtainable?

[adam quantrill]

The metal channel is Range Rover, Grimmer's might still do it.

I use old bicycle inner tuber and a bit of evostick to hold the glass in place.

[wooly350i]

John042 said:

Thanks, aren't I going to have fun. However I've got some HGV apprentices at work always up for a challenge?? I'll convince them it's part of their NVQ's
Next question, I did warn you. Windows, what holds the glass into the channel along the bottom edge please? Not there's much channel or rubber left to hold anything?? would the metal channel be obtainable?

I used these John when I refurbed mine last year

[adam quantrill]

Wow they used to be £12 each!