no man the rsm is what holds your rear shock in place at the top. But yes I would assume that tracking would affect the wear and tear. I also would guess that a stiffer suspension over stock regardless would wear out the stock components faster.

RSM failure and Subframe failure
 

Like I was reading up and it said RSM failure is very common, What signs are of RSM failure?
and is it as common as everyone says. like how many of U have experienced it. and I dont track or anything, what can I keep my eye or ear out for as signs of RSM failure and Rear Subframe failure?

and around how much are the bushings that are needed to be replaced for the rear shock mounts (it is the bushings right)?

Edge Motorworks has some good info about this on their e36 checklist.

http://www.edgemotorworks.com/sindex.htm
Edit: I can't get the right link up, just click and go to 'checklists' at the top of the page.

I just changed my rear shock mounts to the ones from Rogue Engineering. (About $100) It's cheap insurance as far as I'm concerned as if they get really bad, your shock can tear through your trunk. They're really easy to replace, too.

Ground Control also sells some nice replacements, and I think you can also use Z3 ones.

you replace the shock mounts as a whole.

Rear shock mount failure is a very common problem, and can occur in as little as 20k miles. The symptoms begin with a dull clunking noise in the rear over bumps or rough roads, indicating that the shock piston rod has separated from the bushing mount. This can progress into metallic noises as the mount bolts shear off if not replaced in a timely fashion. The broken mounts eventually damage and tear the rear shock towers. But all this is can be avoided if you just inspect the towers and mounts periodically. Stronger E46 mounts along with Z3 reinforcement plates are recommended for replacement, and even better aftermarket parts are available from outfits such as Rogue Engineering and Ground Control. I used the standard E36 mounts, and have had no problems yet in 1yr/8k mi. Like I said, just check every so often.

http://files.unitedbimmer.com/ub.c/D...sm_failure.jpg

is the rsm only if U track ur car, and how do i check the mounts?
cause I dont really hear any noises, but mines an auto

^^^ it does not matter what type of tranny the car has. the suspension is all the same.

to check the mounts, go to your trunk and move plastic shroud away from the walls of the trunk. on the left and right sides you will see the shock mounts on the wheel wells.

i guess if their shredded metal ill know, but since Ihaventr heard many noises........but how do i know if the bushings themselves are bad, or just kinda listen to them?

I lifted up the carpeting, and nothing seemed torn or anything? maybe for my b-day ill get them replaced, im guessing theirs 2, around costwise what would it be?

wait, what are you replacing? is there a problem or are you just doing preventative maintenance?

preventative......Btw I noticed today when it was cold, my rear was like squeaking, like a sqeaky bed, but I figured my struts are worn out, or would the RTABS be making that sound, i mean it sounds EXACTLY like a squeaky bed?
any ideas
and it did it today alot but today it was real cold?

Could be your parking brake.

parking brake, while Im driving, ?
It's just like squeaky when i go over bumps?
like an old bed or something, but i was asking if thats the sound RTABS make when their about to go, thats all

So I checked my RSM's they didnt seem cracked or anything, but the rear still like...makes a vibraty noise when i go over bumps. but I figure my struts could cause that.....or something just loose back there, it's been doing it for awhile......well that and my DAMN SUNROOF RATTLING god I hate it