3.0 sport suspension refresh

[Cabrioman]

Probably been done before but I need the advice of people that have been there.

Wanting to replace the aged front struts and rear shocks on my 2002 3.0 Sport Auto which has the m-sport 704 option.

I am assuming the existing is original, so has the 15mm lowered springs. Most of the usual suspects list their suspension offerings as non compatible I assume because of the fact it's the "3.0 sport" suspension.

Criteria is for a good quality brand replacement that delivers as new OEM levels of comfort, happy to change springs as well if needed. The car is used for road jaunts not race so do not want to lower or stiffen the existing setup.

If anyone has done a similar replacement on a 3.0 Sport I would be interested to know what you used and where in the UK you sourced it.

Any help appreciated.

 

[t-tony]

If the springs are good keep them. Monroe shocks get a good write up on here but Sachs are also good.

Tony.

 

[Woodsta888]

As Tony said don't get rid of the springs if they are sport springs as you can't get them so are worth a pretty penny. If anything get them shot blasted and powder coated if they are rusty.

I've used this company for parts - https://www.onlinecarparts.co.uk/car-brands/spare-parts-bmw/z3-e36/14924/10221/shock-absorber.html?brand[0]=16&brand[1]=37&brand[2]=18&brand[3]=152&pg=1

Shipped from Germany, but here in a week - cheaper than the UK suppliers and pay an extra £4 - if you change your mind they'll pick it up again for 100 days.

 

[Cabrioman]

Thanks for the advice and link, hadn’t seen that German site, looks good on price and range.

I was intending to keep the springs if possible, dependant on condition when I get them out. I know the last MOT advised the rear springs were rusty but what that means in real terms is anyones guess, I would be a bit rusty if I had been strapped to the underside of a Z3 for 18 years.

It may be just surface rust or they could be knackered, I tell when I get them off the car.

 

[Woodsta888]

I imagine they'll be fine as springs are either broken or not. So a spruce up with a grinder and wire wheel then some paint or full powder coat. Don't chuck the lowered sports springs what ever you do as they are hens teeth and worth £££'s

I guess this is where the forum takes you off down the slippery slope of what else to update whilst you are back there.

So I'd look at all the rubber mounts and bushings.

This diagram (click to enlarge) https://www.powerflex.co.uk/products/Z3+(1994+-+2002)-603/1.html is useful to identify where the bushings are on the car, but not necessarily for purchase as they will firm up the ride and poly bushes are expensive.

Popular Manufacturers for rubber bushes to OEM BMW are;

Meyle
Lemforder
Febi

Apologies if I've just given you the 'do I need to do that too' headache. But whilst you are under there and if they look perished then may as well.

 

[Cabrioman]

Yep starting at the front, just ordered a full set of Meyle HD TCA, Lolipops, trackrods etc and will be doing similar at the back.

Got a slight leak on the PS, not sure where from looks like reservoir feed hose to pump connection but not a lot of room there to see for sure. Intending to replace most of it, reservoir and associated pipework. Also going to replace the power steering cooling loop as it is in a bad way, had to take a deep breath and buy a new one from the local stealers.

Want to source a replacement for the return pipe that goes from the cooling loop across the width of the rack, the rubber and metal one. Mines not leaking but the exposed metal section dosen’t look great. Not available anywhere from what I can see and crazy money from BMW when it was considering its actually a low pressure hose.

Going to see if I can get a local hydraulics outfit to make me one up unless someone knows of a secret stash.

The cars new to me as are Z3’s but coming from a kit car building past I prefer to start with the important stuff steering, brakes, suspension before I start on the polishing bits.

 

[Woodsta888]

Hi,

Couple of Z3 breakers on here;

spursfaninacoupe
mrscalex

PM them and see what they have

 

[Dakar Z3]

Hi,

I'm pleased to see that you have gone for the MEYLE parts, regarding springs, you can't buy the original -15mm sport springs anymore, they literally are like hens teeth, also do not angle grind them otherwise you will create a weak spot in the spring, as previously advised by take them to a bead blaster who will clean the springs then have them powder coated to protect them from stone chipping and salt.

Regarding the struts and shocks the outer tube dimensions are the same as the original sport shocks (no longer available), the difference is in the pressure valve inside the shock which controls the flow of oil when you hit a bump etc, I have fitted standard MEYLE shocks front and rear, all 6 cylinder shocks are the same front and rear except Z3M, unless you intend to do some track days MEYLE, Sachs. etc are all suitable, (MEYLE offer 24 months unlimited mileage guarantee). I also work for MEYLE so I'm a bit bias.

Make sure you replace the drop links with MEYLE HD as well, MEYLE also do a P/S reservoir.