susupension question 89 525i - BMW Forum

haggus · 10-16-2009, 09:43 PM

What parts should I change?
If I change the rear shocks and front struts. Is it necessary to change to the strut mounts,shock mounts, bump stop and spring pads plus gaskets. Keeping in mind I don't want to lower the car. All I really want is to have the original stock ride. Right now, I get bounce when going over bumps and look to be sitting lower on the drivers rear side. I have seen complete kits out there for 1200.00. I have just got the engine running smooth again the previous owner was pretty casual about maintennace. I really like this car I just don't want to break the bank getting back to factory ride.

Thanks

marti5 · 10-17-2009, 03:35 AM

If its bouncing a set of rear springs and shocks should sort the issue.

haggus · 10-17-2009, 12:32 PM

I see a lot of places sell boge , bilstein, meyle, kyb, shocks and struts but very few seem to stock springs maybe I'm just looking in the wrong places.

Torque · 10-17-2009, 03:18 PM

Brand new factory springs are going to be jolly expensive; think at least 350 for the set of 4; that + shocks and you're looking at the same cost as some of the best aftermarket setups out there.

haggus · 10-17-2009, 07:03 PM

How do you know if the springs are bad can they be measured? I've done shocks and struts before usually just re-use the springs if they aren't too bad. the other question is the after market parts all seem to be lowering kits and I don't really want to go that route. However if I did what is a good reliable set of springs and shocks to use?

Torque · 10-17-2009, 11:33 PM

download the Bentley manual at the top of the 5 series forum; it has ride height specs - if its out of spec, yep, they're pretty much guaranteed to need replacement.

a bad shock will cause a car to sit a little lower, but it should still be within the side to side variation; anything more is more than likely the spring.

we had a 265k mile 535 and it sat waaaaaaaay lower than any other e34 we've had