Damper Choice

[AntStark]

Good effort finding them, BMW obviously scoured the warehouses of Europe for them . I think the rears probably fall into the ‘new old stock’ category with that date. Definately worth replacing all the other bits n bobs when you do them..my bump stops had turned to dust.

 

[Peewee]

Yes, I was very surprised when BMW said they were available. I can't image where they found the rears from (back of a cupboard maybe), but I guess I should be grateful all the same. I'm not going to get any better I think, if I want OEM. As for the fronts, I was just as surprised as they were made only just over a year ago, and I believe these are unique to the M52 and M54 Z3 - all credit to BMW for getting some made!!!
I'm just beginning to get all the parts together. Got the front and rear bump stops. Already can't find any OEM rear ARB bushes (rubber ones). No longer available from BMW - you will know that the sport ones are 16mm diameter and non sport 15mm diameter. Can get Powerflex, but want OEM rubber preferably. OEM sport front ARB bushes are 25.5mm diameter and strangely these ARE available from BMW as well as Meyle, Febi etc.
Still got loads of stuff to get yet but good tip on the top mounts - thanks!

 

[Theherbmiester]

I am in the same boat, in that I need replacement front struts and I have the factory sport suspension. I have tried to find OEM Sachs sport shocks, but I can't find them anywhere. Bilstein dont seem to do an OEM B4 sport version, they default to the B8's. In New Zealand, the pricing for OE BMW sport struts are more expensive than B8's. My Z3 is just a fun car, and cost me $2000 NZD, and it's a 2l M52 Auto so it's not quick. As such I am not all that keen on throwing big dollars at it. This thread has been quite thorough, but if anyone has seen a Sachs sport strut I am keen to know.

 

[AntStark]

The normal (non sport) Sachs strut works just as well..the only difference was the internal valves, the size is the same. I just fitted them to my 3.0 sport. I really doubt you’d notice any difference.

 

[Theherbmiester]

The normal (non sport) Sachs strut works just as well..the only difference was the internal valves, the size is the same. I just fitted them to my 3.0 sport. I really doubt you’d notice any difference.

Thanks for that, I was looking to go that way, just needed confirmation, it would work.

 

[AntStark]

Simply not having 20 year old shocks and top mounts has transformed the front of the car... it now goes where you point it

 

[Eddie Zedder]

@Theherbmiester

it's a 2l M52

Are they the original shocks? the 2.0l didn't have sport suspension from factory as far as I'm aware.

 

[Theherbmiester]

Actually it did, RHD cars came with the S704 option on all models. Mine is an M52 not a 4cyl.

 

[Daz7401]

Yes, I was very surprised when BMW said they were available. I can't image where they found the rears from (back of a cupboard maybe), but I guess I should be grateful all the same. I'm not going to get any better I think, if I want OEM. As for the fronts, I was just as surprised as they were made only just over a year ago, and I believe these are unique to the M52 and M54 Z3 - all credit to BMW for getting some made!!!
I'm just beginning to get all the parts together. Got the front and rear bump stops. Already can't find any OEM rear ARB bushes (rubber ones). No longer available from BMW - you will know that the sport ones are 16mm diameter and non sport 15mm diameter. Can get Powerflex, but want OEM rubber preferably. OEM sport front ARB bushes are 25.5mm diameter and strangely these ARE available from BMW as well as Meyle, Febi etc.
Still got loads of stuff to get yet but good tip on the top mounts - thanks!

Hi Peewee,
Just for my education, I have just swapped sport suspension for Koni Sport adjustable and H&R springs and was wondering if the original dampers were shot. I haven’t stripped the front struts yet (replaced everything new). Do the new rears extend by themselves when compressed? Mine (original BMW) don’t but I know not all dampers do.
Thanks Darren

 

[Peewee]

Hi Darren, yes, after being compressed, the rods slowly fully extend again. Same with the fronts. Good luck with the refurb!!

 

[Ade33]

The normal (non sport) Sachs strut works just as well..the only difference was the internal valves, the size is the same. I just fitted them to my 3.0 sport. I really doubt you’d notice any difference.

Are you still running on the original sports springs Ant?

Could you tell me the part number of the Sachs struts you fitted (I have a 3.0 Sport)

 

[AntStark]

Hi..yes running the original sports springs. Part numbers for the struts are - Sachs part numbers 115 689 and 115 690.

 

[Ade33]

Hi..yes running the original sports springs. Part numbers for the struts are - Sachs part numbers 115 689 and 115 690.
View attachment 298197

Many thanks for this very helpful

What about the rear dampers?

 

[AntStark]

Many thanks for this very helpful

What about the rear dampers?

Not done the rear yet .. but it will be the matching ones to the fronts.

 

[board]

B8's fitted now and sorry I wasn't able to get any pictures but I can say they are slightly shorter than stock from the 90's! Ride height is the same using the OEM springs.

 

[PYX]

Hi all,
Apologies for jumping in on this. I was about to push the button on new springs and shocks for my 98 M Roadster.
Bilstein B6’s front / rear and a set of H&R springs (29520).
I’ve read through the above and I’m now thinking I possibly should be going B8’s.

A steer on this would be appreciated.
I’m not overly concerned about slightly lowering the car as I think it rides a little high as it is.

Would the B8’s be a better fit with the H&R springs or am I correct with the B6’s or completely off track and need a re think.

Cheers
Neil

 

[Nodzed]

Hi, yes. The B8 are a shorter stroke designed for lower cars. The M is already 15mm lower than a stock Z3 and with H&Rs will be lower again, the performance of the B6 and B8 are the same it's just the length. Both my Ms have had B8s. The HRs won't over lower it.

 

[PYX]

Hi, yes. The B8 are a shorter stroke designed for lower cars. The M is already 15mm lower than a stock Z3 and with H&Rs will be lower again, the performance of the B6 and B8 are the same it's just the length. Both my Ms have had B8s. The HRs won't over lower it.
View attachment 321489

Thanks for the reply, mind made up, I’ll switch to the B8’s and keep my original spring choice. Best price I’ve found is direct from Bilstein.
Price difference between the two is negligible.
Cheers
Neil

 

[PYX]

Slight update, managed to get a price match from Larkspeed in Leeds £688.78 for the full B8 set front and rears.
Think that’s a decent price if anyone else is after set.

 

[Nodzed]

Slight update, managed to get a price match from Larkspeed in Leeds £688.78 for the full B8 set front and rears.
Think that’s a decent price if anyone else is after set.

Very good price, paid that 4 years ago.