Idler arm bushings won't fit!

[blue7500]

Hey all, I just finished a day-long ordeal involving removing the two old idler arm bushings in my '69 2002. Took forever to get the damn metal sleeves out, which I guess was specific to early cars. I've had a pair of brand new blue plastic-clad bushings kicking around for a while now, part number 32 21 1 115 116. On RealOEM/ETK this is shown as a valid part number, from '62-'77 for my 2002. However, the outer diameter of the blue plastic is about 1mm or so too big - is this acceptable? It seems like I'd have a hell of a time putting them in the subframe, even forcing them with a piece of allthread, washers and nuts.

I'm asking because ETK also lists a different part number, 32 21 2 475 055, for the same part listing and with the same dates of validity. I assume this is the metal cased bushing but I'm not sure. I'm pretty frustrated right now, as I figured the entire reason there was a "From/Up to" column was to indicate the changes between years, and without knowing any better thought that the plastic-cased bushings were just an updated version of the same part.

[gwb72tii]

Hey all, I just finished a day-long ordeal involving removing the two old idler arm bushings in my '69 2002. Took forever to get the damn metal sleeves out, which I guess was specific to early cars. I've had a pair of brand new blue plastic-clad bushings kicking around for a while now, part number 32 21 1 115 116. On RealOEM/ETK this is shown as a valid part number, from '62-'77 for my 2002. However, the outer diameter of the blue plastic is about 1mm or so too big - is this acceptable? It seems like I'd have a hell of a time putting them in the subframe, even forcing them with a piece of allthread, washers and nuts.

I'm asking because ETK also lists a different part number, 32 21 2 475 055, for the same part listing and with the same dates of validity. I assume this is the metal cased bushing but I'm not sure. I'm pretty frustrated right now, as I figured the entire reason there was a "From/Up to" column was to indicate the changes between years, and without knowing any better thought that the plastic-cased bushings were just an updated version of the same part.

the blue bushings are a tight fit

what i've done is to remove the inner part of the bushings and then install the outer blue sleeves first, then install the inner parts with a long hex head bolt/nut/washers thru the center metal sleeves and draw the inner parts in.

[john_a]

Since you have the pre Mod 71 subframe you cannot use the blue bushings.

For a 1969 you need the earlier version of the idler arm bushings, the later style (ones with blue plastic) are not going to fit the early subframe.

The Service Manual (Blue Book) has a note about the difference in the "Front Axle" section. The subrframes were changed, to have splines in the tube that holds the idler arm bushes, and that is when the blue plastic bushes were introduced. They (bushings) are not interchangeable.

If you did have a late subframe, with splined tube for the late blue plastic bushes, do not take the bushings apart to install them, they will go in normally if you are careful.

See the pic below of the early metal-cased bushings 32 21 2 475 055

[blue7500]

Well that's pretty annoying. I guess my blue book doesn't have that later addition - all my original pages are from late 1970, and while there are some alterations from 73/75 it looks like the steering section never got updated.

And while I've got this thread open, is it normal for the early subframes to have a thin metal tube inside the tube on the subframe? It seems like it's about the same thickness as the metal that encases the bushings. Just asking because the cross-section drawing in the manual shows white space where it would be, i.e. it should be empty space.

[kcdonahue]

I tried removing that once.... I think it is permanent.

I gave up and used another subframe.

KC

[john_a]

I guess my blue book doesn't have that later addition - all my original pages are from late 1970, and while there are some alterations from 73/75 it looks like the steering section never got updated.

Check your book again, the relevant info is not in the "steering and wheel alignment" section 32, it is in the 'front axle" section 31.

It is an update sheet (which you should have since yours does have the 73/75 alterations.) Look for the last paragraph in the "Renewing front axle beam" instructions that ends on page 31-11/2

[blue7500]

Yup, just found it. I wonder why they never mentioned it in the steering section...

[blue7500]

See the pic below of the early metal-cased bushings 32 21 2 475 055

Well, I just got the new bushings (with that part number you listed) and they're metal-clad alright - but each one is about twice as long as the ones you pictured, I'll take some shots of what mine look like in a little bit. What with that strange metal sleeve in the tube I don't think they stand a chance of going in.

Someone PLEASE tell me that I'm wrong.

[blue7500]

This is a picture of the bushings that I ordered, as you can see the p/n is the same as what JohnA posted and is what is listed in ETK/RealOEM. The sleeve-looking thing in the idler arm tube appears to be machined in there... It wouldn't budge when I hit it with an air chisel and it's not even concentric with the main tube. Are these bushings for another car? Is it possible that BMW sent the supplier (blunt, who's always been a great seller, no fault of his) the wrong parts under the right p/n?

[blue7500]

Interesting... Looking at this RealOEM diagram, it seems the ones I have are for an E3/E9.

[blepley]

Just ordered the same set from Blunt and got the longer ones as well. I have a 69' and they clearly won't fit. He said that the shorter metal ones are not available anymore, unless you go with the blue plastic ones.

Did you machine them down to work? or find another solution?

Bryan

[blue7500]

Just ordered the same set from Blunt and got the longer ones as well. I have a 69' and they clearly won't fit. He said that the shorter metal ones are not available anymore, unless you go with the blue plastic ones.

Did you machine them down to work? or find another solution?

Bryan

I've been busy lately, haven't had much of a chance to wrestle with these things yet. Should be soon, though. I think I'm going to just cut them flush... there's no way of getting the rubber insert out of the metal. If I wanted to go crazy I'd find some sealed bearings appropriately sized and machine some bronze bushings for them, but... I don't care enough. I figure I'll probably be doing a rack and pinion in the not-so-immediate future.