Struts and Springs

[zayd55]

I am very upset to find that my off side suspension has dropped in height at both the front and rear wheels by approx 2". Am I looking at just the springs that have become damaged and compressed or will the struts(shocks) also be at fault.

The car is a year 2000, 530i Sport Auto and has covered 99,000 miles. Thanks for any replies.

[zayd55]

I believe that I have read in the ETK service manual on CD that you can change single shock absorbers on BMW E39 vehicles. By this I mean not having to change a front or rear pair.

Has anyone also come accross this.

[Torque]

A Sport car will have a sport suspension, and will therefore ride lower; at 99k miles, I am having a hard time believing they got worn to that point, unless all you drive over is dirt, unpaved roads.

As for the shocks ... yes, you can buy them for each corner separatelly, but it is highly recommended that you replace them in pairs (pair = both on the same axle), unless you want one side to ride higher, thus screwing up the whole suspension geometry, and possibly killing yourself.

Hope that helps.

[superdeadman]

also, i believe that in all the e39 5-series models, shocks are made to last about 60k miles, so at 99k if you haven't changed them yet, you got lucky they lasted you that long.
yoyu should change them in pairs just like torque said

[Torque]

Originally Posted by superdeadman

also, i believe that in all the e39 5-series models, shocks are made to last about 60k miles, so at 99k if you haven't changed them yet, you got lucky they lasted you that long.
yoyu should change them in pairs just like torque said

Wow, only 60k? I had 155k before one rusted through and started leaking and freezing up on my e34. Was still riding like a champ.

I replaced that with some shitty shocks, and now I am back to OEM with 91 complete struts, springs and control arms. Rides like a champ once again.