BMR K Member... Finally!

94slowbra1

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Ok so I took the plunge and ordered yesterday. Spoke with dion before I ordered to get confirmation on dates and availability. He answered all my questions and gave me real dates, at least I hope so. He also gave me a coupon code to use. I too work in the automotive aftermarket so I know about product availability and dates being pushed. As of right now the premium is 3 weeks out, thats was verbal and written. The a-arms were supposed to be out 2 weeks but I havev a tracking number saying they will be here Friday. The brace is also on the way.
I'm a big MM fan but just couldn't spend the extra on their piece, plus all the extras that go with it: oil filter relocation, sway bar drop brackets, rack bushings ect... So hopefully the bmr piece loves up to the hype. Im not concerned about the two a arm mounting holes structurally, i will cross the bushing situation when i get there.
I'll keep this up on when it arrives and thoughts after I install
 

Liquidsnake

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Unboxed and inspected my KM744 premium k-member. I think that there is a real design flaw with the control are mounting. They have two mounting locations for the control arms. That is good. However, they have them so close together that the holes nearly intersect. The web between the holes only measures .057 to .060. I think that this is far too thin for this high stress area. This part is intended for road race applications where you will see extreme load from hard braking and corning. Not to mention the static load the area is under to begin with. I don't think I want to see what happens when that web lets go when dropping from 100mph to 40mph, braking extremely hard and throwing it into a corner.

Second issue I see with this is that is does not leave a continuous surface for the bushing to ride on. In fact, I think what will happen is that the bushing will deform and get locked in place by the adjacent hole. Yes, the bushing will still rotate in the control arm but that is not exactly how that assembly supposed to work.

What are your thoughts?

View attachment 1660131 View attachment 1660132

I think it will be fine, I have the k member/a-arm brace as well, I got it about a month ago. I haven't installed it yet but I think the clamping force of the bolt(I think it's 143 ft-lbs?) Is PLENTY to keep the thick aluminum sleeve in place. The only way it would be an issue is if the bolt was loose and allowed to move around. If it was a rigid mount without any suspension it would be an issue, but with the spring/shock/poly bushings rotating in the arms...it's good to go.
 

94slowbra1

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So I recieved my tall ball joint a-arms and a-arm brace today. Opened the box and removed one arm, thing is beefy. Ill compare it to my MM a-arms when I do the install. So far all looks good with shipping and communication going very smooth
 

shurur

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Ok so I took the plunge and ordered yesterday. Spoke with dion before I ordered to get confirmation on dates and availability. He answered all my questions and gave me real dates, at least I hope so. He also gave me a coupon code to use. I too work in the automotive aftermarket so I know about product availability and dates being pushed. As of right now the premium is 3 weeks out, thats was verbal and written. The a-arms were supposed to be out 2 weeks but I havev a tracking number saying they will be here Friday. The brace is also on the way.
I'm a big MM fan but just couldn't spend the extra on their piece, plus all the extras that go with it: oil filter relocation, sway bar drop brackets, rack bushings ect... So hopefully the bmr piece loves up to the hype. Im not concerned about the two a arm mounting holes structurally, i will cross the bushing situation when i get there.
I'll keep this up on when it arrives and thoughts after I install

BMR has really stepped up to the plate on this one.

I can hardly wait to see pics of these going in, especially LT header clearances, the BMR a-arm brace and the possibility of fitting the MM 2 and 4 point kmember braces in as well!!
 

94slowbra1

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Well I don't have LT headers, just Bassani mid lengths. I did order the a-arm brace. I have a stifflers k-member brace, wonder if it will fit.
 

94slowbra1

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So in complete surprise today I got a shipping notification that my k-member is on the way. They told me it was 3 weeks out, its been less than a week. So thats a plus in my book, under promise and over deliver. If it is indeed here by the weekend ill do my best to try and get it in.
 

01yellercobra

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I installed one of these in a friend's car over the weekend. I will say it's a nice piece, but I'm not totally blown away. But granted it's not like they're bringing something brand new to the market. It seemed well built. The possible structure issues have been covered already though.

We did have a couple issues. One, there was not enough room in the holes to adjust anything. The instructions say to align it, but once all the bolts were in it wasn't going to move. They were at the max of all of the holes. I chalked this one up to build tolerances between the car and k member. Nothing seemed grossly out of whack so I doubt it's a big deal.

For some reason they ran the main drop bar right in front of the motor mount nut. We ended up using a combination wrench to tighten those up because I didn't have a socket/wrench combo that would fit. A half inch forward and this wouldn't be a problem.

Another issue is the passenger side exhaust manifold is hitting the top part of the frame side of the motor mount. This could be because the old mount is sagging since they have 70k on them. He's going to order new ones and see if that helps. If not, out comes the grinder.

And when we tried to use the upper holes for the control arms the holes never lined up. This is with their control arms. Obviously we didn't want to grind in that area. I should tell him to reach out to BMR and ask about that. There isn't any mention of it in the instructions. Really, the instructions are pretty basic. Just a little more than "remove old K member and install new one". But they did have more than Viking's instructions.
Overall I'd recommend it to someone that's in the market for a new K. But I don't see me ditching my MM set up anytime soon to switch over.

Edit: My buddy called and only the lower control arm holes are used.
 
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SilverGT1

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Interesting. I am doing this right now along with a few other things while the k-member is out. I installed a Moroso oil pan (was supposed to have a Moroso windage tray but it just plain does not work with the oil pick up tube).

I'm in the process of installing BBK shorty headers. What a horrible design. Forget trying to torque anything equally. Almost every bolt (or stud) has some kind of interference or is completely inaccessible head on. If you enjoy assembling things 1/4 or 1/2 wrench turn at a time, these are for you.

The k-member is up next in all of this. I have new prothane motor mounts so hopefully no clearance issues. Were the clearance issues you saw with LT headers, shorty or stock?

Also, I am going to be really upset if the upper A-arm mounting holes do not accept my MM arms. That was the whole point for getting the BMR for me.
 
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01yellercobra

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The k-member is up next in all of this. I have new prothane motor mounts so hopefully no clearance issues. Were the clearance issues you saw with LT headers, shorty or stock?

Also, I am going to be really upset if the upper A-arm mounting holes do not accept my MM arms. That was the whole point for getting the BMR for me.

The exhaust clearance is with the stock manifold. It could be the motor mount is sagging, but we'll have to get the new ones in to see. I didn't look too hard at them when we had things apart as they weren't on my mind.

In order to use the upper holes something would have to be ground on. Which I don't agree with anyway. And I would double check that your MM arms work with the BMR set up. My understanding is the MM arms only work with the MM K member. They even have their own hardware. I do hope they work for you because then I can use the BMR arms I have sitting in the garage.
 
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SilverGT1

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Edit: My buddy called and only the lower control arm holes are used.

Thanks for the feedback. I saw that you posted the EDIT above. So did BMR tell your buddy that the uppers are not to be used? If so, that directly contradicts what they told me when I spoke with them before placing my order.

Also, regarding MM control arms, I was using these with my stock K-member although it did have to be modified per their instructions. I assume should work with others.
 

01yellercobra

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Thanks for the feedback. I saw that you posted the EDIT above. So did BMR tell your buddy that the uppers are not to be used? If so, that directly contradicts what they told me when I spoke with them before placing my order.

Also, regarding MM control arms, I was using these with my stock K-member although it did have to be modified per their instructions. I assume should work with others.

They told him the upper holes are for cars that are slammed. Granted I don't know what they consider slammed. I would be prepared for having to do some grinding just in case.

I'll have to do some checking then. I have an occasional click from my driver side suspension and I think its a bushing. It would be awesome if I could throw the BMR control arms I have in there.
 

94slowbra1

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I'll join in. I'm in the middle of installing this right now, premium k with out spring perches, a arms with tall ball joint and a arm brace.
Shipped faster than expected. I open the boxes and the k-member is grey and the rest is red. Not a big deal just send me a new one and move on.
I go to install and this is where I ran into issues. They didn't send me the hardware kit with the me k-member. I start install anyway. Old k comes out easy enough, in goes the new. Well I cant even get it close to the frame, pass side motor mount plate is hitting on my bassani mid lengths. Out comes the grinder. After removing about an inch off and welding in a plate and gusset to reinforce im ready to go. I get they can't account for every after market header, so im not upset.
I finally get it to sit and started getting some bolts in. Like stated above there really isn't much "adjustment" that can be made, its either in or its not. Im tightening the bolts and realize the the crusher intake is hitting the strut tower brace. I didn't have much clearance before but I now have zero.
By this time I was tired and frustrated so I called it a day but not before looking at the 4 rear mounts. No way im getting those bolts in. I'm off by about an inch.
BMR has answered all my calls but im not too happy. The hardware kit arrived today and they said it allows for some adjustment. Im not seeing how but I will find out tonight when my kids go to bed.
I'm not bashing yet. Ill see what happens when I go out with a clear mind. Also depends in their approach when/if it doesn't fit. They have been good so far but that can change if I demand my money back on a piece I've cut and welded on. Will update with results.
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01yellercobra

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@94slowbra1 Damn dude. I feel better about the install I did. That sucks about the headers. And aren't Bassanis on the small side? I wonder if Kooks or ARH are better?
 

SilverGT1

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Wow. I have the same K as you. I am at a point right now where I can at least push it into place to see if I get the same thing. As noted earlier, I am putting BBK shorty headers on. I am really concerned now about clearance.
 

94slowbra1

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Yes bassani is a 1 5/8" primary. They did say the the bbk long tube and basssni had clearance issues due to the routing.
Hobestly I'm not even mad about the header clearance. Its the height and rear bolts that are getting me. Im about to go out and see whats up
 

94slowbra1

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Well I just went out and reconfirmed, no go for me.
Not gonna lie, im disappointed right now. I'm 9 days in right now and I dont see this thing fitting.
I'll call BMR again tomorrow and see what the answer is.
I believe I got a faulty piece, no way this is a "build tolerance" thing. Something wasn't built right.
The box it came in is F'ed so I cant ship it back right now. Not sure how they are going to handle this
 

MG0h3

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Ugh. What a drag. Seems like there have been a handful of issues


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Blkkbgt

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I'll join in. I'm in the middle of installing this right now, premium k with out spring perches, a arms with tall ball joint and a arm brace.
Shipped faster than expected. I open the boxes and the k-member is grey and the rest is red. Not a big deal just send me a new one and move on.
I go to install and this is where I ran into issues. They didn't send me the hardware kit with the me k-member. I start install anyway. Old k comes out easy enough, in goes the new. Well I cant even get it close to the frame, pass side motor mount plate is hitting on my bassani mid lengths. Out comes the grinder. After removing about an inch off and welding in a plate and gusset to reinforce im ready to go. I get they can't account for every after market header, so im not upset.
I finally get it to sit and started getting some bolts in. Like stated above there really isn't much "adjustment" that can be made, its either in or its not. Im tightening the bolts and realize the the crusher intake is hitting the strut tower brace. I didn't have much clearance before but I now have zero.
By this time I was tired and frustrated so I called it a day but not before looking at the 4 rear mounts. No way im getting those bolts in. I'm off by about an inch.
BMR has answered all my calls but im not too happy. The hardware kit arrived today and they said it allows for some adjustment. Im not seeing how but I will find out tonight when my kids go to bed.
I'm not bashing yet. Ill see what happens when I go out with a clear mind. Also depends in their approach when/if it doesn't fit. They have been good so far but that can change if I demand my money back on a piece I've cut and welded on. Will update with results.
View attachment 1667944 View attachment 1667945 View attachment 1667946

I am not trying to insult your mechanical abilities but did you try and get all the bolts started before tightening any of them down?

I ask because I've seen a very similar situation where someone bolted the K up to the Frame rails and tightened those 4 bolts with it pushed all the way forward and the same bolt holes in the rear were off and wouldn't accept the bolts.
 

Blkkbgt

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Ugh. What a drag. Seems like there have been a handful of issues


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I think we can agree that things like this are bound to happen especially when dealing with an entirely new product. I just hope BMR takes care of these guys and fixes any issues with the K member so it doesn't keep happening.
 

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