Suspension advice

Mus Musculus

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British Zeds
The M44 Massive
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Ramsey, Huntingdonshire
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1.9 M44
I am after some advice regarding shock absorbers for my 1998 Z3.

Both rear springs are corroded, so I am looking at the best option without spending a ton of cash. Actually, I am starting to believe (know) that I should have researched more before my purchase of the car, and gone for something a little bit perkier (2.8 or 3.0).

So, the question is: Should I invest any more money than just replacing the springs, I mean, a full set of dumpers and springs? That will run from anything like £700 to £1000, depending on quality/sportiness from what I can see.

Then, I have the following laundry list to fix:
  • Front steering arms inner joints worn
  • NSF lower suspension ball joint worn
  • OSR break disk worn and corroded
  • Soft coolant hoses
  • Rear subframe mounting bushes worn
  • Rear trailing arm bushes perished
  • Rear diff mounting splitting
With all of the above, I am thinking that it might be better to cut my losses and just look for another Z3 (or Z4). I paid £2,600 for the car, and off course wasn't expecting not to spend more money fixing issues, but… I think I would be happier to spend that money on something a little more performant… Thoughts from the peanut gallery?

Note: I can wield the spanners, but to be frank, I can't be arsed now. I've done a lot of that on my Spitfire and my motorbikes. I just got to the point now that paying someone else to do the work is a better bet. Having said that, I do not want to sink more money on a car that might never be what I really expected it to be.
 

Mus Musculus

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Just to add to my previous post: I've already spent on a new soft-top, front disk brakes and callipers, and front lower arm bushes.
 

t-tony

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Thing is, no matter how much more you throw at this car it sounds to me like you wish you'd bought a 2.8 or a 3.0. Sounds familiar to me, I went the E85 3.0 Z4 direction. Do the least expensive option and move the car along, get what you should've bought and start again.
Been there, done that.

Tony.
 

Mus Musculus

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Yeah, I hear what you say. But, do I fix the issues I know of before parting with the car, or just break it to see what I can recover?

I think you are right (just confirming what I thought), but perhaps I am being a bit too harsh? I do like the car — I just am not sure if it's a sound idea to sink more money on this particular car. I still prefer an oldish car rather than something new(er).

I think, meanwhile, I will just sit and wait for one of the cars being sold by one of the members here to come along...
 

t-tony

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You can fix issues with any car without going to extremes, just spend as little as you need to replace parts. That way it won't be so painful when the time comes to let it go.

Tony.
 

Andyboy

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It's a 1998 1.9 so you are already into it for more than it's worth.

Just use it and replace stuff when it breaks.
 

Mus Musculus

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It's a 1998 1.9 so you are already into it for more than it's worth.

Just use it and replace stuff when it breaks.
Yes, you are absolutely right.

I just got annoyed after taking the car to a BMW specialist who highlighted the issues I mentioned before. You see, I bought the car just a few months after an MOT at 71,910 miles, and there was not a single advisory. However, I got the car with about 72,000 and it is now at 72,195 miles. There's no way most of the issues highlighted, including the corroded rear springs, wouldn't have been an issue at the time the MOT was carried out.

Anyway, the problem is not spending money on the car—I've spent a mountain of cash on my Spitfire—but it is the feeling of being conned. If I new the problem upfront it is likely I would still buy the car (due to my lack of research), but it would feel much less like a surprise.

It's likely I will keep this car as a run-about, but get something in better condition for keeps. ;)
 

Witchsilver

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Cambridge
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1998 z3 1.9 M44 B19 (194S1)
I have the 1998 1.9 too - mine is the auto version.

I love it!
I don't need to race boy-racers, or go drifting etc, but switch into sports mode and I get pushed back into that seat fairly nicely thank you! I can throw this car around corners and it like its stuck on rails... in other words it is great fun & I think I will keep my licence! :cool:
I have had bikes all my life and had my speed kicks when I needed them so I am fine.

On the last MOT I had advisory of a couple of minor oil leaks, and the front and rear roll bar bushes were a bit worn.

So I am going to swap out all of the bushes and the rear springs, (and maybe swap front ones too if I can afford them... but not yet).

I just bought some rear springs £88, some front bushes £12, and a set of drop link stabilisers - front and rear £60.

I have a couple of panels that need de-rusting and repainting too. I'll probably buy a complete set of tyres soon too.

I don't care! I love this little car - It's not about the money - it's so damn pretty!! :cool::cool::D:D

Oh yes, I also have the other car too!!
 

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Mus Musculus

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I have had bikes all my life and had my speed kicks when I needed them so I am fine.
And so have I. I think bikes are much better at scratching my itch for speed….

I don't care! I love this little car - It's not about the money - it's so damn pretty!! :cool::cool::D:D
The car does look pretty, and that's the whole reason I/the wife went head on with the purchase. The wife never ever sat on my Spitfire, but she proclaimed the Z3 fine. ;)
 

Witchsilver

Dedicated Member
British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Jul 17, 2022
Points
41
Location
Cambridge
Model of Z
1998 z3 1.9 M44 B19 (194S1)
I am after some advice regarding shock absorbers for my 1998 Z3.

Both rear springs are corroded, so I am looking at the best option without spending a ton of cash. Actually, I am starting to believe (know) that I should have researched more before my purchase of the car, and gone for something a little bit perkier (2.8 or 3.0).

So, the question is: Should I invest any more money than just replacing the springs, I mean, a full set of dumpers and springs? That will run from anything like £700 to £1000, depending on quality/sportiness from what I can see.

Then, I have the following laundry list to fix:
  • Front steering arms inner joints worn
  • NSF lower suspension ball joint worn
  • OSR break disk worn and corroded
  • Soft coolant hoses
  • Rear subframe mounting bushes worn
  • Rear trailing arm bushes perished
  • Rear diff mounting splitting
With all of the above, I am thinking that it might be better to cut my losses and just look for another Z3 (or Z4). I paid £2,600 for the car, and off course wasn't expecting not to spend more money fixing issues, but… I think I would be happier to spend that money on something a little more performant… Thoughts from the peanut gallery?

Note: I can wield the spanners, but to be frank, I can't be arsed now. I've done a lot of that on my Spitfire and my motorbikes. I just got to the point now that paying someone else to do the work is a better bet. Having said that, I do not want to sink more money on a car that might never be what I really expected it to be.

You can get a complete POLYbush set for the entire car for about £250, but some of them are a pain to do on your own... there are videos in the articles section on here (Top row) and also loads on you tube.
You can get a brake disk set from someone on here for not a great deal

Rear springs - I just bought a standard set off ebay for £88... an easy swap over.

Hoses can go at any time - they are on my list to do too... at some stage.

Rear diff mount - depends which side needs welding - you can replace it with one already welded.

Take it a bit at a time and enjoy learning about it. :). Loads of people on here who are guru status and can help! (Not me obv!! :rolleyes: )
 

Zephyr

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I bought my Z3 for Z4 money. Maybe even for Boxster money.
my decision was based purely on my total lack of need for speed, the immaculate condition of the body, interior and zero rust and my ability to work on simple engines.
so far I have spent many hours and money in order to replace everything that could go bad for a 22 years old car (even if it was stored for half its life) and never gave it a second thought. Frustrated sometimes? Yes I was. Happy? Absolutely in love with it.
my Z is a keeper. I also have a Range Rover, an 118i, a Vitara and an E21 that I sold with no regrets in order to save money on the Z, and I feel sad every time I am leaving the garage in one of them and not taking the little silver roadster. i will spend as much as I can to make it “mine” and totally perfect.
if you do not feel like I do, sell it and get another one. If what I said makes sense, go full throttle on it and give it what it deserves.
 

MartinJ

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Joined
Sep 30, 2020
Points
48
Mmmm I have a 1.9 1997. Bought for £1.2k only item on mot list was a rear blown box. Currently have spent a small kings ransom on completely sorting the rear end. Moving though car have replaced springs, rear discs-Brembo, blasted and replaced rear trailing arms - replaced all the bushes.. replaced rear shocks with yellow Konis’ about to sort callipers, had new exhaust. Has developed a parasitic electrical fairly, runs snd puras like a kitten when I run it. Need to sort front with new discs, replaced the strange cross member on underside. Am in the process of about to replace fron n/s mirror. Managed to get a z3 that was breaking and got a new roof and the trailing arm from it. Will clean up outer sills. It was meant to be a small Covid hobby. When it is finished I will drive it with love and a great feeling of satisfaction. Could have probably been better of buying a Z3. As they say a journey of a thousand miles… do what your heart and soul are telling you. That’s where you’ll be most happy…
 

Andybpowell

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British Zeds
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Southend-On-Sea, essex
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105Kw ev
I am after some advice regarding shock absorbers for my 1998 Z3.

Both rear springs are corroded, so I am looking at the best option without spending a ton of cash. Actually, I am starting to believe (know) that I should have researched more before my purchase of the car, and gone for something a little bit perkier (2.8 or 3.0).

So, the question is: Should I invest any more money than just replacing the springs, I mean, a full set of dumpers and springs? That will run from anything like £700 to £1000, depending on quality/sportiness from what I can see.

Then, I have the following laundry list to fix:
  • Front steering arms inner joints worn
  • NSF lower suspension ball joint worn
  • OSR break disk worn and corroded
  • Soft coolant hoses
  • Rear subframe mounting bushes worn
  • Rear trailing arm bushes perished
  • Rear diff mounting splitting
With all of the above, I am thinking that it might be better to cut my losses and just look for another Z3 (or Z4). I paid £2,600 for the car, and off course wasn't expecting not to spend more money fixing issues, but… I think I would be happier to spend that money on something a little more performant… Thoughts from the peanut gallery?

Note: I can wield the spanners, but to be frank, I can't be arsed now. I've done a lot of that on my Spitfire and my motorbikes. I just got to the point now that paying someone else to do the work is a better bet. Having said that, I do not want to sink more money on a car that might never be what I really expected it to be.
I've just bought
front and rear springs, front and rear shocks, new spring cups, front upper and lower spring pads, new dust covers and new bump stops all new some of it from BMW £400 and you can get strongflex poly bush set for £200 but it'll all be new unlike the suspension on another second hand car
I prefer to look at it as adding value and I've added a lot of value to a lot of cars over the years 🤣 🤣🤣
 

Rafaelbrs

Newbie
Joined
Mar 11, 2023
Points
4
Hey guys!! Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the front shock absorbers on the e36 to the z3.
at my work I have a big discount on purchase koni Suspension but they stopped making them for the Z3.
 

DrWong

Zorg Guru (III)
Joined
May 8, 2017
Points
125
Model of Z
3.0i
Hey guys!! Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the front shock absorbers on the e36 to the z3.
at my work I have a big discount on purchase koni Suspension but they stopped making them for the Z3.
To the best of my knowledge, e36 and Z3 front suspension are the same (apart from M parts - although I believe e36 M3 concentric solid lollipop bushings fit, which I'm tempted to do in the future).

Z3 is the same as e36 compact - e36 suspension at the front, and e30 semi-trailing arms at the back. Someone will be along to correct me if I'm mistaken!
 

Andybpowell

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105Kw ev
To the best of my knowledge, e36 and Z3 front suspension are the same (apart from M parts - although I believe e36 M3 concentric solid lollipop bushings fit, which I'm tempted to do in the future).

Z3 is the same as e36 compact - e36 suspension at the front, and e30 semi-trailing arms at the back. Someone will be along to correct me if I'm mistaken!
As far as I know you're right I think the non compact E36 rear shocks are slightly longer but that's the only difference I'm aware of
 

Robert Hill

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Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Points
125
I am after some advice regarding shock absorbers for my 1998 Z3.

Both rear springs are corroded, so I am looking at the best option without spending a ton of cash. Actually, I am starting to believe (know) that I should have researched more before my purchase of the car, and gone for something a little bit perkier (2.8 or 3.0).

So, the question is: Should I invest any more money than just replacing the springs, I mean, a full set of dumpers and springs? That will run from anything like £700 to £1000, depending on quality/sportiness from what I can see.

Then, I have the following laundry list to fix:
  • Front steering arms inner joints worn
  • NSF lower suspension ball joint worn
  • OSR break disk worn and corroded
  • Soft coolant hoses
  • Rear subframe mounting bushes worn
  • Rear trailing arm bushes perished
  • Rear diff mounting splitting
With all of the above, I am thinking that it might be better to cut my losses and just look for another Z3 (or Z4). I paid £2,600 for the car, and off course wasn't expecting not to spend more money fixing issues, but… I think I would be happier to spend that money on something a little more performant… Thoughts from the peanut gallery?

Note: I can wield the spanners, but to be frank, I can't be arsed now. I've done a lot of that on my Spitfire and my motorbikes. I just got to the point now that paying someone else to do the work is a better bet. Having said that, I do not want to sink more money on a car that might never be what I really expected it to be.
look at
I am after some advice regarding shock absorbers for my 1998 Z3.

Both rear springs are corroded, so I am looking at the best option without spending a ton of cash. Actually, I am starting to believe (know) that I should have researched more before my purchase of the car, and gone for something a little bit perkier (2.8 or 3.0).

So, the question is: Should I invest any more money than just replacing the springs, I mean, a full set of dumpers and springs? That will run from anything like £700 to £1000, depending on quality/sportiness from what I can see.

Then, I have the following laundry list to fix:
  • Front steering arms inner joints worn
  • NSF lower suspension ball joint worn
  • OSR break disk worn and corroded
  • Soft coolant hoses
  • Rear subframe mounting bushes worn
  • Rear trailing arm bushes perished
  • Rear diff mounting splitting
With all of the above, I am thinking that it might be better to cut my losses and just look for another Z3 (or Z4). I paid £2,600 for the car, and off course wasn't expecting not to spend more money fixing issues, but… I think I would be happier to spend that money on something a little more performant… Thoughts from the peanut gallery?

Note: I can wield the spanners, but to be frank, I can't be arsed now. I've done a lot of that on my Spitfire and my motorbikes. I just got to the point now that paying someone else to do the work is a better bet. Having said that, I do not want to sink more money on a car that might never be what I really expected it to be.
its not that expensive to refurb the rear subframe its a lot of time i used rubber bushes as its softer on the car look up D3Sshooter on Youtube this guy is Exellent on Z3 subframe refurb
 

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