Chasing E34 540i parts - BMW Forum

Ruff Dimond · 06-03-2012, 08:03 AM

G'day all. I'm new to this site so just discovering how valuable it is. I've recently acquired a 1994 540i with 360000km on it. It needs work and I'm wondering where are the best places to get parts in AUS and also US? I'm looking at OEM parts and even used. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Lord Vader · 06-03-2012, 09:18 AM

I'm not sure what's available in Australia but their are lots of excellent retailers in the US.

Pelican Parts
BavAuto
ECS Tuning
BimmerSpecialist
Bimmerworld
Turner Motorsports.
TheBMWPartStore
GetBMWparts.com

Ruff Dimond · 06-04-2012, 06:16 AM

Thanks Vader, I'm struggling to find OEM parts in Aus that don't have a 24k price tag so now I'll try the US. My first priority is a pair of rear struts, the self-leveling kind. Do you know if Bilstein make any that replace the originals?

brettski · 06-04-2012, 06:30 AM

Welcome to the Werkz. Always good to have another Aussie onboard.

Where abouts in Australia are you? I usually buy parts from Pelican Parts or Volvo Parts, BMW Parts, European Car Parts | FCPGroton.com
Another good resource if you are in Melbourne is Welch Auto Parts in Collingwood (Vic).

Also bookmark http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do...one=ECE&arch=1

Ruff Dimond · 06-04-2012, 09:51 PM

Thanks for that, I'll give them all a try. I didn't think it would be this hard to get self leveling rear struts for my beast...

brettski · 06-05-2012, 04:43 AM

It might be worth looking at removing the SLS and replacing it with a more traditional suspension configuration.
Self Leveling Suspension - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Ruff Dimond · 06-05-2012, 04:55 AM

Yeah I've looked into that as well, not all that simple to do either. The SLS works off the power steering pump so that also has to be replaced if I change from original specs. Although that's not completely out of the question my first option is to try and replace (or repair?) the faulty struts. Thanks for your input though, much appreciated

brettski · 06-05-2012, 08:06 AM

Is there more to it than plugging the hydraulic lines that feed the suspension? I don't know the answer to this question.

Ruff Dimond · 06-06-2012, 08:27 AM

Unfortunately there is. The hydraulic lines for the SLS are under a lot of pressure and when crimped or sealed have failed enough times for this not to be an option. When this happens the power steering goes as well.

brettski · 06-07-2012, 04:22 AM

Is there a return line from the suspension to the power steering reservior?

Penngwyne · 06-09-2012, 09:55 AM

Got most of my bits from Pelican Parts. Great place to deal with, good search system especially if you know the part number

Be careful some bits are for LH drive cars.

Just once it was cheaper to get them locally because of freight

Be sure to keep your order below $1000 (including freight) or you will pay GST and import duty (and may have some paperwork too)

This is an alternate to real OEM. I like it better.

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