Don N
Dedicated Member
My next long-term project will be rebuilding the suspension in my 80,000 mile Z3 2.8. This is a weekend car, and will not go on the track (nor could it, as a soft-top car). I want it to stay stock, but upgraded. Based on the wheels, I think it may have the sport package option.
One (reliable) mechanic says it's going to need new ball joints in the next year. So, that's a package of new control arms, centered polyurethane control arm bushings, sway bar links and tie rods. Roughly $400 in parts, plus labour.
The trouble is, I really don't notice loose steering, steering wheel shake or tramlining. The car drives rock-solid at high speeds. Further, what I read tells me that replacing the control arms and bushings is an 80-100,000 mile maintenance item.
What I DO notice is the wheels fluttering over small bumps in the road, and soft responses over larger lumps and humps. I also notice some vague responses from the rear of the car, such as a very quick transition from understeer to oversteer.
It seems to me that I should start by replacing the rear shocks, then the struts, all with new mounting hardware, before investing in the control arms and bushings. While it would be great to do it all at once, finances require a staged process.
Your thoughts?
One (reliable) mechanic says it's going to need new ball joints in the next year. So, that's a package of new control arms, centered polyurethane control arm bushings, sway bar links and tie rods. Roughly $400 in parts, plus labour.
The trouble is, I really don't notice loose steering, steering wheel shake or tramlining. The car drives rock-solid at high speeds. Further, what I read tells me that replacing the control arms and bushings is an 80-100,000 mile maintenance item.
What I DO notice is the wheels fluttering over small bumps in the road, and soft responses over larger lumps and humps. I also notice some vague responses from the rear of the car, such as a very quick transition from understeer to oversteer.
It seems to me that I should start by replacing the rear shocks, then the struts, all with new mounting hardware, before investing in the control arms and bushings. While it would be great to do it all at once, finances require a staged process.
Your thoughts?
