Replacing the rear subframe bushings on an E30

Well. it was time to replace the subframe bushings on my eta. I could tell because I would often get a loud clunk when starting off, and when cornering hard I could feel the rear wheels change position. This would cause the back end to swing out. I decided to take the long route (remove the entire subframe) since I had some other work to do and I have a beater to drive so I could take as long as I wanted. Since the procedure was long, I've split it out to make it a little easier to follow each step.

One note, is that when I put everything back together, I found it would have been easier to remove the differential after the trailing arms. I was too lazy to go through and change the order on all the pages. Also when putting it back together, don't forget to bleed the brakes and torque the axle nut once the car is on the ground.

Loosen the drive axle nut
Remove the muffler
Remove the differential
Remove trailing arms
Remove subframe
Replace bushings

A few torque values

M10 Subframe bolts 42 Nm
(30 ft-lb)
M12 Subframe bolts 77 Nm
(56 ft-lb)
Shock to trailing arm 72-87 Nm
(52-63 ft-lb)
Sway bar link to trailing arm 22-24 Nm
(16-17 ft-lb)
Brake line unions 10-15 Nm
(7-11 ft-lb)
Rear pad carrier to trailing arm 60-67 Nm
(44-49 ft-lb)
Rear caliper to carrier 30-35 Nm
(22-25)
Upper differential mounting bolts 110-123 Nm
(81-91 ft-lb)
Rear differential mounting bolt 80-87 Nm
(59-64 ft-lb)
Driveshaft to differential 72 Nm
(53 ft-lb)
Output flange to drive axle 58-63 Nm
(42-46 ft-lb)
Muffler bracket 14 Nm
(10 ft-lb)
Front exhaust pipe to rear pipe 22-24 Nm
(16-17 ft-lb)
Axle nut 195-210 Nm
(144-155 ft-lb)
Lug nuts 100 Nm
(74 ft-lb)


Parts list
2 Subframe mounts 46.00
2 Subframe locking nuts