Powerflex

[henrym3]

Decided some time ago that the front seemed a bit loose, was suffering steering wobble during braking at various speeds, so made the decision to do the whole front end with Powerflex bushes. Just got it back together about 6pm and done about 30 miles. What a difference. Well pleased. Interesting that they sent BLACK series for the lower arm to chassis bush. Called them to ask why, said that in their experience these give better results bearing in mind the weight of the vehicle. Had to replace the link arms as well as the rubber boots were literally shredded??? Going to look for new boots as nothing wrong with the link arms. Am due MOT  shortly so changed them. If its of interest to anyone they cost £184 for all bushes including ARB.
Pleased enough that I will replace rears with Powerflex as and when needed. Can't moan at lifetime guarantee.

[Colin]

Hi  Henrym3 ,  i remember a long time ago putting powerflex bushes in an Audi Quattro ( UR ) i had  found it very hard / harsh on the road ,  i changed them back to standard  it felt much better  more confident  better feedback when on full song , great motor ..  the X5 might behave different ,    cant believe you were over here in Ireland and didn't give us a shout ,  .. Colin ..

[henrym3]

Hi Colin,
Guilty as charged, I'd have quite happily sneaked of for a meet, I always visit the Omagh area. Interesting your thoughts on the Powerflex bushes. I wonder if one is influenced by other cars you drive. My other cars are quite harsh in comparison to the X5, so does that make me more happy than another man.

[Colin]

  i had a Supra with powerflex bushes  had to avoid even cats eyes as it felt like a jackhammer through steeringwheel , great when you had the tail out  and smoke bellowing from rear wheelarches  lol  , i think the bushes tighten them up too much for every day driving  but each to there own way of thinking . as for your trip to  N Ireland if you were driving over and got the boat to Belfast or Larn  then on your journey to Omagh you would have been v close to my house ..

[themoog]

We have two identical X5's. Mine has Powerflex on it and hers doesn't. The difference between the two is night and day. Mine drives more solid and feels tight but not bone jarring at all. Her car feels really soft in comparison.

[henrym3]

Yes, themoog solid and tight is a good description, bone jarring it is NOT

[Greydog]

Powerflex have come along way since they first came to the market as a performance upgrade, they have developed their products with a view to reducing NVH transmission to the vehicle. However there a loads of Polybush manufacturers out there now and the name Powerflex has become a bit like Hoover.

I uprated our 3.0 Subaru Outback in 2006 the engine and transmission were built by Perrin from the USA due to the power produced the suspension is upgraded and fully adjustable (all genuine powerflex) plus the brakes. It has just reached 140k and is still tight smooth and comfortable to drive. The X5 has Powerflex rear subframe bushes and front brake reaction arm bushes they haven't affected the ride quality and I know they will last the "Lurpac" rubber BMW fit as standard.
Question Henry, when I did mine I could only find the front arm and rear subframe bushes (two years ago)are there others available now.

[henrym3]

Hi Greydog, yes they do the absolute full range front and back, it appears that they on occasions they give black series, I accept their reason for doing so through experience. I've done both front arms plus ARB. 6 bushes in total. They do the full range for the rear. I got them from AWESOME GTI www.awesomegti.com

[Greydog]

Thanks Henry I will take a look