Are my new Meyle front strut mounts failing?

[NZ00Z3]

Was under the bonnet of the 2.0 L Mora Z3 today and noticed that the center caps on top of the struts was pocking above the steelwork. Had a look at the 3.0 L Z3 and it is really different.

I replaced the strut mounts on the 2.0 L Mora Z3 in May 2016 with Meyle parts. The car has now done 20,360 miles on the strut mounts. They look to me to be failing. What do you think?

The photos with the black steelwork are the 2.0 L Mora Z3 and the red steel work is the 3.0 L Z3 for comparison. The 3.0 L Z3 has only done 39,800 miles in its 20 year life, so should look brand new.

 

[Eddie Zedder]

I would say so. They look very similar to how my originals were before replacement. You could see a gap between the rubber and metal bush and also looked off centre.

Unfortunately I replaced them with Meyle, so something to keep an eye on for signs of failure.

 

[Synclare]

.

 

[Andyboy]

Meyle = Chinese crap.

Some of it is OK, a lot of it isn't. Stick to Febi or known OE brands like Lemforder.

 

[Dakar Z3]

Hello,

Reference Andyboy's comments and the source of information?

MEYLE = Chinese crap?

I'm interested that you are so well informed regarding the manufacturing origin of MEYLE, Febi and Lemforder and what qualifications you have to comment?

Having worked for MEYLE and ZF Lemforder for over 25years collectively, I think that would qualify me to at least 'comment' on the origin and quality of such parts.

I can advise both MEYLE and also Lemforder have manufacturing facilities in many different countries around the world, whereas Febi DO NOT. They are a boxing company, multi sourcing their range of parts from many sources with a Febi identity, Bilstein the holding company manufacture but not Febi, although credit where due, Febi do have some very good products within their portfolio of available products.

I will however add that ZF Lemforder and also MEYLE do not manufacture everything they sell, they also purchase product from reputable quality approved manufacturers with a ZF or a MEYLE identity, respectively. The strut top in question IS manufactured in a MEYLE owned facility and subject to very high quality standards. I have already been in contact with Murray earlier in the week and forwarded Murray's pictures to our quality engineers advising that one of my 'fellow Z colleagues' may have a problem with a strut top mount, however the specific engineer I need to speak to regarding strut top mounts is on annual leave and returns to work this coming Monday. It is extremely difficult to ascertain if there is a fault and what the exact possible cause of the fault is by looking at pictures, regardless if it's a strut mount or any other part.

I have noticed that there are many other Z members that use MEYLE parts on their car's without problem, I can only assume that you may have had a bad experience in the past?

One thing is for sure Murray's problem will be investigated and resolved.

 

[Andyboy]

Well, I've had issues. Both Meyle ZF 6 speed plastic sumps I've fitted leak from both the gasket and the the plug O ring and genuine ZF ones don't. Similar issues with bushes, anti roll bar drop links and stuff over the last 5-10 years.

febi may well be a boxing company but the stuff they box is good. Most febi and Lemforder stuff is clearly OE with the BMW roundels ground off.

Sorry, not a fan of Meyle stuff. The HD E46 wishbones bushes are quite good though.

 

[Dakar Z3]

`Hi Andy,

Thank you for your response,

Everyone has their favourites, there are many parts I would not fit on my own car supposedly manufactured by so called house hold 'reputable brands'.

I am lucky to have worked in the OE and UK aftermarkets all of my working career (too long) and I regard myself fortunate to have amassed considerable knowledge regarding quality and also manufacturing of automotive parts, I am more than happy to help and advise 'anybody' regarding automotive parts where I can, however which part they choose to fit is down to the individual.

Regarding the removal of the BMW roundal, the VW roundal and the MBZ 3 pointed star etc etc, these are registered trade marks and they have to be removed from the part for a third party to be able to sell the item. I can't advise due to non disclosure restrictions but you would really be surprised who MEYLE actually manufacture parts for, many well known aftermarket brands boxed and identified in the sellers own image.

Reference the ZF HP19 and HP26 6 speed auto box, the gearbox casing and internal components are of ZF manufacture, the plastic sump, mechatronics connector, studs and oil are all non ZF manufacture and are all outsourced, the sump is manufactured by Filtron, I'll let you guess where MEYLE purchase their sump....!!! Yes you guessed.

All suppliers / manufacturers from time to time will inevitably have a warranty returns, just some more than others .

If you have any issue with any MEYLE part, please let me know.

I hope I have been able to instill a little more confidence in the brand.

 

[Andyboy]

Righto.

 

[NZ00Z3]

I have used a lot of Meyle products on my own BMW's and others that I service/repair. These strut mounts are the only parts that have given me concern. I still have great faith in the Meyle products and will continue to keep using them.

@Dakar Z3 has been great to work with on these struts. I have given him lots of information on the issue and he has sent it through to the appropriate Meyle engineer to review. I will be replacing the strut mounts and sending the Meyle ones to Meyle for further analysis. I am very happy with the support that Meyle has given me.