How Hard Is It To Install New Springs And Shocks? - BMW Forum

chr328is · 03-08-2005, 12:06 PM

I tried the search and I cant get any DIY or anything. Can someone please clear this up, or send a link. I am getting Bilstein sport shocks and H & R springs, and I want to save money on the install.

bad man working · 03-08-2005, 12:18 PM

The rear springs and shocks are easy and you don't need a compressor the fronts are McPherson and you do need a good compressor e-mail me if you need more help. (be careful spring can beDangerous)

victorgallas · 03-08-2005, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chr328is@Mar 8 2005, 01:06 PM
I tried the search and I cant get any DIY or anything. Can someone please clear this up, or send a link. I am getting Bilstein sport shocks and H & R springs, and I want to save money on the install.

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I rebuilted the whole suspension on my car myself,, i know what you need to look for.. I wrote a long description on what i did, its under products evaluation or reviews on a part of the forum, look for bavarian autosport springs and biltein shocks, installation under my name..

hope it gives you some idea.

e30fanm3 · 03-08-2005, 02:38 PM

do not try them without a compressor! unless, of course, you want to die

thekid · 03-08-2005, 03:13 PM

http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/inde...howtopic=10053

This details the process for the struts front and back and the front springs. For the back springs they bascially just fall out once you disconnect the brake/wheel hub thingy (not sure the technical term).

If you have any questions I'll do my best to answer them, I've not gone through the process since when ever I wrote that thread (linked above), but I'll do my best.

chr328is · 03-09-2005, 12:24 AM

Thanks to: thekid, bad man working, and victorgallas. Thanks for all your advice and links etc. But are you guys saying If I am replacing my shocks and springs (with bilstein sport shocks, and h & r sport/lowering springs *NOT COIL OVERS*) then I DO NOT NEED A SPRING COMPRESSOR??????????

or are you guys saying that either way, I WILL NEED A SPRING COMPRESSOR for the front struts and springs REGARDLESS?????????

Thanks for the clarifacation, links, and all the help.

p.s. I have a guy on my block who is an import tuner. He did the spring installation for my freinds rsx type s, and 2004 accord coupe. And his own civic type R. He says he could do mine too (probably for like only 50 bucks or so, hes cool) do you guys think he would have any problems with an e36 shock spring installation? are our suspension setups similar to any of those cars???? just wondering? I dont want him to F up my car, hes a great mechanic though.

bigred318 · 03-09-2005, 12:30 AM

you will be able to do it yourself, save the 50$ or if hes a cool dude have him cover over and help and give him beer and pizza! most will work for that!

David

e30fanm3 · 03-09-2005, 03:36 PM

yea they are all pretty similar, and yes you need a compressor no matter what! dont listen to anyone that tells you not to use one

NeverLeaned · 03-09-2005, 03:40 PM

Pizza and beer gets me under the hood all the time! ROFL!

thekid · 03-09-2005, 03:47 PM

You need spring compressor for the front. For the back it helps to have a jack or a tranny support thing (this thing with a U looking thing at the top that telescopes) you use it to hold up/support the wheel hub. But no spring compressor required for the rear.

Cruzin 323is · 03-09-2005, 07:59 PM

u WILL Die, if u don't have a compressor!! lol!! hope this helps!

benji84 · 03-09-2005, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cruzin 323is@Mar 9 2005, 05:59 PM
u WILL Die, if u don't have a compressor!! lol!! hope this helps!

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From what i have read the back is as simple as about 5 bolts to completly remove one of the back struts, is this true? It seems real simple but i have not actually looked under my car yet to see it is that simple. Im going to be replaceing my back struts here shortly also. Any ideas on what i should get fro struts? I have not bough anyparts for a bmw yet so this is some what new for me. would ecisbmw.com or turnermotorsport.com be a good place to start?

benji84 · 03-09-2005, 10:31 PM

Im thinking of replacing my back shocks also, these are the ones im looking at right now CLICK ME!!. I dont plan on lowering the car because its already low enough for me. Later down the road i would get the fronts but im doing the back right now because there is some shock noise and i think there ready to go. I will be getting the replacement shock mounts with this also. Will this effect driving at all, being that they will be different from the front struts? Will i feel much of a handling change if i only change the rear shocks? From what i hear is that these are good bmw shocks, what do you guys think?

kyle_baker · 03-09-2005, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by benji84@Mar 9 2005, 10:31 PM
Im thinking of replacing my back shocks also, these are the ones im looking at right now CLICK ME!!.* I dont plan on lowering the car because its already low enough for me.* * Later down the road i would get the fronts but im doing the back right now because there is some shock noise and i think there ready to go.* I will be getting the replacement shock mounts with this also.* Will this effect driving at all, being that they will be different from the front struts? Will i feel much of a handling change if i only change the rear shocks?* From what i hear is that these are good bmw shocks, what do you guys think?

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hey benji84, remember this when considering replacing only 2 shocks at a time...

...Hydraulic and gas shocks should not be combined on the same vehicle.

also, i'm thinking about replacing my shocks for the same reason (noises), what do your shocks sound like? I live on a gravel road and when i hit the littlist bump or hole i hear a short raddle or loose sound or maybe something like that. Has anyone else ever had this problem? and is it a problem with the shocks?

chr328is · 03-09-2005, 11:08 PM

When shopping for bilstein shocks, Depending on where you are located (for shipping reasons) BAVAUTO.com and TURNERMOTORSPORT.com are the best places pricewise to get your shocks. 499.99 + ship

For springs, TIRERACK.com beats both of those guys (220 + ship), yeah I know, it suprised the hell out of me. But GRAND TOTAL with shipping I am getting Bilstein sport shocks from bavauto, and h&R springs from tirerack for 754.00 grand total shipping and all.

p.s. The only reason I am rushing my lowering of my car is beacuse of you guys. I am getting 18's and this is all I have heard. "Your going to look like you are 4x4ing." "Suspension before wheels" "Etc etc." But maxed out credit cards and all, I am gonna do it. Thanks for all the advice guys, but look out... APRIL will be my month for the featured car. hahahahahahahahah cough cough. aaahhemm. hahahahahah ahahhah