Why does the rear trailing arm bushing affect rear toe on the E36 and E46?

The rear trailing arm on the E36 and E46 controls the longitudinal position and the toe geometry of the rear wheel simultaneously. When the trailing arm bushing wears out or deflects under load, the trailing arm shifts position, which changes the rear toe angle. This toe change creates the loose, unpredictable rear-end behavior many E36 and E46 owners experience under hard cornering. Even a new rubber bushing deflects under high lateral and braking loads; the SPL RTAB E36 eliminates that deflection entirely by replacing rubber with a spherical bearing that holds position under load.

What is the difference between the SPL RTAB E36, the RKB E36, and the RUAB E36?

These three kits address different rear suspension bushing positions on the E36, E46, and Z4. The RTAB E36 covers the rear trailing arm bushing position. The RKB E36 covers the rear knuckle bushing position ($399.00). The RUAB E36 covers the rear upper arm bushing position ($199.00). All three use the same FK spherical bearing and CNC aluminum shell construction. Installing all three completes a full spherical bearing rear suspension refresh, eliminating rubber deflection at every rear bushing position simultaneously.

How does the SPL RTAB E36 compare to polyurethane trailing arm bushings?

Polyurethane bushings reduce deflection compared to rubber and last longer than OEM, but they still deform under load to some degree depending on the durometer rating. They also require periodic greasing to prevent squeaking. The SPL FK spherical bearing eliminates deflection entirely; there is no material compliance in the bearing itself, only free articulation of the spherical element. The result is a geometrically precise connection that holds the trailing arm in exact position under any load condition without maintenance.

Are the aluminum bearing shells machined to any specific tolerance?

Yes. The 6061-T6 aluminum bearing shells are CNC-machined to 1/1000th-inch tolerance. This precision is required to maintain the bearing position accurately within the trailing arm and to ensure the press-fit holds dimensional stability through thermal cycling and sustained load cycles.

Does installing this kit require a full rear alignment afterward?

Yes. Replacing the trailing arm bushings changes the compliance characteristics at the trailing arm. A full rear alignment is strongly recommended after installation to confirm that toe is at the desired target value and to take advantage of the improved geometry consistency the spherical bearings provide.

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Description

SPL Parts Rear Trailing Arm Bushings for E36 / E46 / E8x BMW 3 Series / Z4

The SPL Parts RTAB E36 replaces the factory rubber trailing arm bushings with FK Racing spherical bearings using self-lubricating Teflon liners; the same bearing specification SPL uses across their entire BMW suspension bushing program. The spherical bearing articulates freely without deflecting under load, maintaining the trailing arm in its set position regardless of the lateral and longitudinal forces applied during cornering and braking. The toe change that the OEM rubber allowed under high load is removed, and the rear suspension responds consistently and predictably to load changes rather than shifting with bushing compliance.

Features

Replaces factory rear trailing arm rubber bushings with FK Racing spherical bearings using self-lubricating Teflon liners; eliminates deflection under lateral and longitudinal loads
Removes the toe change under high load that the OEM rubber bushing allows; rear trailing arm holds its set position under all cornering and braking conditions
CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum bearing shells machined to 1/1000th-inch tolerance; precise, repeatable press-fit to the trailing arm with long-term dimensional stability
Teflon liner chemically bonded to the inner race; self-lubricating, no maintenance required; operating temperature range of -65°F to 325°F
Low friction, smooth articulation throughout the full range of trailing arm travel; no binding at any suspension position
Part of SPL’s three-kit rear suspension bushing program for E36 / E46/ Z4; pairs with the RKB E36 (rear knuckle bushings) and RUAB E36 (rear upper arm bushings) for a complete spherical rear suspension

Specifications

Material: CNC-machined billet aluminum or PTFE-lined spherical bearing (per part)
Replaces: OEM rubber bushing
Adjustment: None (solid replacement)
Origin: Made in the USA

Applications

BMW 318d: E46 | 1999-2005
BMW 320d: E46 | 1999-2005
BMW 330d: E46 | 2001-2005
BMW 316i: E36, E46 | 1992-2005
BMW 318i: E36, E46 | 1992-2005
BMW 318is: E36 | 1992-1999
BMW 320i: E36, E46 | 1992-2005
BMW 323i: E36, E46 | 1992-2001
BMW 325i: E36, E46 | 1992-2005
BMW 328i: E36, E46 | 1992-2000
BMW 330i: E46 | 2001-2005
BMW 318ti: E36 | 1995-1999
BMW 325xi: E46 | 2001-2005
BMW 330xi: E46 | 2001-2005
BMW M3: E36, E46 | 1992-2006
BMW Z4 sDrive20i: E85 | 2003-2008
BMW Z4 sDrive25i: E85 | 2003-2008
BMW Z4 sDrive30i: E85 | 2003-2008
BMW Z4 M Roadster: E85 | 2006-2008
BMW Z4 Coupé 3.0si: E86 | 2006-2008
BMW Z4 M Coupé: E86 | 2006-2008

Notes

Installation Instructions
SPL components are made-to-order in the USA; build time will be confirmed at the time of order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the rear trailing arm bushing affect rear toe on the E36 and E46? The rear trailing arm on the E36 and E46 controls the longitudinal position and the toe geometry of the rear wheel simultaneously. When the trailing arm bushing wears out or deflects under load, the trailing arm shifts position, which changes the rear toe angle. This toe change creates the loose, unpredictable rear-end behavior many E36 and E46 owners experience under hard cornering. Even a new rubber bushing deflects under high lateral and braking loads; the SPL RTAB E36 eliminates that deflection entirely by replacing rubber with a spherical bearing that holds position under load.
What is the difference between the SPL RTAB E36, the RKB E36, and the RUAB E36? These three kits address different rear suspension bushing positions on the E36, E46, and Z4. The RTAB E36 covers the rear trailing arm bushing position. The RKB E36 covers the rear knuckle bushing position ($399.00). The RUAB E36 covers the rear upper arm bushing position ($199.00). All three use the same FK spherical bearing and CNC aluminum shell construction. Installing all three completes a full spherical bearing rear suspension refresh, eliminating rubber deflection at every rear bushing position simultaneously.
How does the SPL RTAB E36 compare to polyurethane trailing arm bushings? Polyurethane bushings reduce deflection compared to rubber and last longer than OEM, but they still deform under load to some degree depending on the durometer rating. They also require periodic greasing to prevent squeaking. The SPL FK spherical bearing eliminates deflection entirely; there is no material compliance in the bearing itself, only free articulation of the spherical element. The result is a geometrically precise connection that holds the trailing arm in exact position under any load condition without maintenance.
Are the aluminum bearing shells machined to any specific tolerance? Yes. The 6061-T6 aluminum bearing shells are CNC-machined to 1/1000th-inch tolerance. This precision is required to maintain the bearing position accurately within the trailing arm and to ensure the press-fit holds dimensional stability through thermal cycling and sustained load cycles.
Does installing this kit require a full rear alignment afterward? Yes. Replacing the trailing arm bushings changes the compliance characteristics at the trailing arm. A full rear alignment is strongly recommended after installation to confirm that toe is at the desired target value and to take advantage of the improved geometry consistency the spherical bearings provide.

About SPL Parts

SPL Parts is a USA-based manufacturer of high-performance suspension components engineered for both professional racing and demanding street applications. Built on the core principles of strength, lightweight construction, low friction, and precision, SPL Parts products deliver the adjustability and alignment performance required by top race teams and discerning enthusiasts alike. Every component is produced using USA-sourced, certified materials and machined by experienced local shops to exacting tolerances. Professional TIG welders ensure maximum weld integrity, while each part is hand-fitted and treated with anti-seize and 3M internal panel coating for lasting protection. SPL Parts conducts all research and development in-house, allowing the team to leverage firsthand product knowledge and deliver unmatched customer support. Their suspension components feature innovative adjuster designs for quicker, more precise alignments, and utilize spherical bearings with Teflon liners that are self-cleaning, self-lubricating, and built for long service life. From concept to assembly, SPL Parts is made with pride in the USA by skilled machinists and welders who are committed to quality, innovation, and performance.

Additional Information

The Bulletproof Automotive website contains many thousands of products purchased in multiple different currencies. All of the prices are entered manually and accurately at the time of entry. Due to the consistently fluctuating international exchange rates, at times prices may not be able to be honored at their original intended rate. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, unfortunately our website is unable to compensate dynamically for what can at times be volatile changes in the cost of items due to currency values fluctuating, changes in prices from suppliers, changes in shipping and import duties, and other factors. Rest assured that any order you place on line will be at zero risk to you in this area. If in the event your order cannot be fulfilled at the original intended website price we will offer you a 100% refund, no questions asked. We will continue to do our best to maintain updated prices and we will always continue to offer our price match guarantees as well to ensure our prices are always the best for you. In short, prices may change without notice. It is always advised to give us a call prior to placing your order online to confirm availability and to confirm current pricing.

Shipping Policy

Items that are in stock in the US, either at Bulletproof’s warehouse or at a supplier’s warehouse, are generally delivered within 7-10 days. Special order items from overseas take considerably longer. As a courtesy Bulletproof offers delivery estimates to our customers which take into consideration manufacturer availability and shipping schedule. These estimates represent our best guess based on previous orders from the manufacturer and do not in any way imply a guaranteed delivery window. Many manufacturers work in a “just in time” inventory system and often take 2-20+ weeks to produce an item once an order is submitted. All deliverable items are then sent to our Japanese warehouse. Bulletproof ships a minimum of one full ocean freight container every month from Japan, oftentimes more than one a month. Ocean freight takes an average of 4 weeks. Typically it breaks down to one week in Japan for paperwork and customs, two weeks by boat and one week in US customs/clearance. Due to the wide number of variables between manufacturer and shipping schedules, delivery estimates are simply just that – estimates. We attempt to estimate conservatively and we usually deliver faster than our estimates suggest. It is not Bulletproof’s policy to guarantee delivery time of any special order item, this is impossible for us to do. By ordering you acknowledge that there is no required delivery ETA and an order may not be canceled or altered due to manufacturing or shipping delays, all ETA’s are provided as a best guess only. Please review the full Terms & Conditions here.

BP Pricing Difference

We do pricing a little differently on our JDM brands and we believe in making things simple and clear. No hidden fees or surcharges. Every price you see includes the shipping cost to our office in Los Angeles, California and all the associated taxes/duties/fees for bringing the products into the US. The only shipping you ever pay is from our facility in the US to your location. Be wary of resellers that don’t include the cost of international shipping in their pricing on JDM parts. While we believe we’ll always have the lowest all-in price on JDM products, we offer a price match guarantee for all authentic parts purchased from authorized dealers as well. For many international customers, it’s much more affordable to ship from the USA than from Japan directly, as the air freight and ocean freight costs are typically much less. However, for customers looking to ship directly from Japan outside of North America, or domestically in Japan, we can provide pricing specifically for that scenario. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any pricing questions or concerns. Please email us at sales@bulletproofautomotive.com with any inquiries.

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SPL Parts Rear Trailing Arm Bushings for E36 / E46 / E8x BMW 3 Series / Z4 [SPLRTABE36]

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SPL Parts Rear Trailing Arm Bushings for E36 / E46 / E8x BMW 3 Series / Z4

Features

Specifications

Applications

Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

About SPL Parts

Reviews