Front suspension

[Jim Ramsay]

Hi all, I have a Z3 2.2i Jap import with M-sport suspension that requires new front shock absorbers. Where can I find correct part numbers to check what is required?
I have a spring part number still attached, 3133 1092662. Is it just the spring that differs to standard suspension? Thanks for any help on this subject.

 

[NZ00Z3]

Hi Jim

The difference between the standard suspension and the Jap import M Sport suspension is a 15 mm drop from standard to M Sport. When I had to replace the struts on a Jap Import Z3, I used the standard struts. The 15 mm drop does not impact the performance of the struts. Plus the standard struts are a whole lot cheaper than the proper M Sport struts, if you can find them at all.

 

[Jim Ramsay]

Hi Jim

The difference between the standard suspension and the Jap import M Sport suspension is a 15 mm drop from standard to M Sport. When I had to replace the struts on a Jap Import Z3, I used the standard struts. The 15 mm drop does not impact the performance of the struts. Plus the standard struts are a whole lot cheaper than the proper M Sport struts, if you can find them at all.

Thanks for the info., can I use the old springs or do i need standard springs?

 

[Jim Ramsay]

Thanks Murray, if I fit standard struts can I use the sports springs or should I fit standard springs?

 

[Dakar Z3]

Hi Jim,

the difference between the sport strut and the standard strut is the oil pressure flow valve inside the strut, the external dimensions are exactly the same. You can fit sport springs no problem.
the strut cushions and absorbs the bumps and the springs Determine the ride height of the body.
the original struts were Sachs but they stopped manufacturing them years ago, MEYLE is a great alternative, 2 year unlimited mileage guarantee, I’ll get the part number for you if you want it?

 

[Dakar Z3]

I should have said you can fit sport or standard springs okay, you will have no problem with either, a recommendation is also to fit new strut tops at the same time!

let me know if you need any part numbers, I just fitted MEYLE struts and strut tops in the last weeks.

 

[NZ00Z3]

Yes use the M Sport springs.

I also use Meyle struts/shocks and top hats as they are cheap and good quality.

 

[Dakar Z3]

Hi Murray,

where do you source your MEYLE parts?
john

 

[Jim Ramsay]

Hi Dakar Z3, thanks for that, Meyle part no. for strut and top hats would be appreciated.

 

[Dakar Z3]

Hello Jim,

i will send you the part numbers tomorrow, I will also send you the name of a MEYLE parts distributor who will discount for you if you mention the Z3 owners and that I told you to call him,

I’m actually the MEYLE UK Sales Manager, so I’ll help you best I can.

kind Regards

John

 

[Jim Ramsay]

Thanks John, I look forward to your reply,
Many thanks
jim

 

[NZ00Z3]

Hi Murray,

where do you source your MEYLE parts?
john

Arrh, so you the Meyle UK Sales Manger, I'll have to be careful here.

I get my Meyle products through a business in Dunedin, New Zealand called MillAnd. Great service and sharp pricing compared to other BMW parts sources in New Zealand.

 

[Dakar Z3]

Thanks John, I look forward to your reply,
Many thanks
jim

Good Morning Jim,

The part numbers you need are,
Front struts
326 623 0052 LH
326 623 0053 RH

Strut Tops
314 641 0001 x2

Strut piston protector
314 640 0001 this is a full kit both sides,,
this will look different to the short protectors on the car, it is a much better solution than what is fitted. I have them on my car.

contact ‘Asam’ at AtoZ in Halifax, 01422 321000 mobile 07707 164642 tell him John recommended you from MEYLE, HE WILL DISCOUNT FOR YOU.

your springs are the sport springs -15mm compared to standard, you cannot buy these anymore from anywhere, only second hand. If your car is not your everyday car, get the springs powder coated it will protect them and make them last longer.

are you doing the job yourself?

Let me know if you have any problems

John

 

[Jim Ramsay]

Good Morning Jim,

The part numbers you need are,
Front struts
326 623 0052 LH
326 623 0053 RH

Strut Tops
314 641 0001 x2

Strut piston protector
314 640 0001 this is a full kit both sides,,
this will look different to the short protectors on the car, it is a much better solution than what is fitted. I have them on my car.

contact ‘Asam’ at AtoZ in Halifax, 01422 321000 mobile 07707 164642 tell him John recommended you from MEYLE, HE WILL DISCOUNT FOR YOU.

your springs are the sport springs -15mm compared to standard, you cannot buy these anymore from anywhere, only second hand. If your car is not your everyday car, get the springs powder coated it will protect them and make them last longer.

are you doing the job yourself?

Let me know if you have any problems

John

Hi John, thanks for all your help. Yes its time to get the spanners out but no problem as this is purely a summer fun car. Will also need a plastic wheel arch as the tyre has worn it through on drivers side. Ride height 20mm down and shock absorber knocking so time to get on with it.
Kind regards
Jim Ramsay

 

[Dakar Z3]

I also have a friend in Fleetwood Lancashire, he breaks Z3’s I’m sure he will have plenty of good second hand arch liners,
his name is Greig his number 07973 186399, very friendly, very helpful guy!

A tip for your struts, the springs are a nightmare to compress, once you get all of the new parts, find a local garage with a spring compressor and get them changed on the machine, a lot less dangerous and it takes approx 10 mins per side to disassemble the old one removing the springs and washers transferring them to tHe new one if your not going to bother getting the springs powder coated.

if I can help in any other way please ask, always here to Help or advise where I can.

have a great day

john

 

[Jim Ramsay]

I also have a friend in Fleetwood Lancashire, he breaks Z3’s I’m sure he will have plenty of good second hand arch liners,
his name is Greig his number 07973 186399, very friendly, very helpful guy!

A tip for your struts, the springs are a nightmare to compress, once you get all of the new parts, find a local garage with a spring compressor and get them changed on the machine, a lot less dangerous and it takes approx 10 mins per side to disassemble the old one removing the springs and washers transferring them to tHe new one if your not going to bother getting the springs powder coated.

if I can help in any other way please ask, always here to Help or advise where I can.

have a great day

john

Once again, many thanks for the help.
Kind regards.
Jim.

 

[Dakar Z3]

Arrh, so you the Meyle UK Sales Manger, I'll have to be careful here.

I get my Meyle products through a business in Dunedin, New Zealand called MillAnd. Great service and sharp pricing compared to other BMW parts sources in New Zealand.

Hi Murray

Once again, many thanks for the help.
Kind regards.
Jim.

no Problem Jim,
I have already advised that you may be contacting him sometime in the next days, he has sold 2 sets of struts to Z3 members recently and is waiting new stock to arrive from Germany.
he will get them in a few days, Covid permitting.........!!!!

 

[Dakar Z3]

Arrh, so you the Meyle UK Sales Manger, I'll have to be careful here.

I get my Meyle products through a business in Dunedin, New Zealand called MillAnd. Great service and sharp pricing compared to other BMW parts sources in New Zealand.

Hi Murray,

looks like a good parts distributor, they have many OE brands.

check out MEYLE.com online catalogue, it’s easy to use, make sure you change it to English, you just identify your car by a selection process, then it tells you all parts available For your car from MEYLE.
john

john