Suspension Confusion & Coilovers

[Cooper]

Looking for specific advice from people that have done the work! Tell me as much as you can please!

My suspension is getting bad, real bad! Went to RealOem and get part numbers etc only to find that Ebay sellers of quality stuff often advise the parts aren't suitable. The more I read the harder it gets to make a decision. I will be DIY BTW. It is more challenging because I have the ///M sports suspension. VIN LL33145. Front and rears will be done. Street use only.

So - coilovers or replace parts?

1. If PARTS exactly which parts should I be changing based on my set up?
2. If COILOVERS which ones are quite good around the AUD$1000 or GBP550?

If you can contribute part numbers and names etc it would be awesome. Pitt falls and +'s a bonus.

Personally, I am warming to the idea of COILOVERS because I can adjust the height and the spring tension. They seem to come as a complete unit, just drop the struts and rear springs/shocks and put the coilovers back in. The actual performance of coilovers is harshly debated. On the other hand the BMW technicians are pretty damn good and the car has lasted 16 years already. Still, technology has come a long way.

I will want to use something someone else has already used as there are some horror stories out there! In some cases the rear coilovers have springs sitting next to the shocks which is weird. I have heard of stories of spring issues because of the length of the shock within.

Cheers.

EDIT: Looks like the Bilstein B8 struts and shocks looks suitable, parts 24-026246 and 35-044086

 

[5harp3y]

Decent coilovers are awesome but like you say will be £1000+

Also you cannot really fit rear coilovers so you will still have separate springs and shocks but with adjustable perches for the springs.

I would be more inclined to go for something tried and tested like a bilstein b12 kit which comes with adjustable shocks and eibach springs.

The bilstein b8s are great and I'm tempted to upgrade from my B4s

Another word on coilovers is that even very decent stuff is stiff, or more stiff than shocks and springs which In a floppy car like the z3 isn't great

 

[GazHyde]

Agree on the Bilstein B12 kit, gets great reviews from everyone I know that's fitted the kit. My 2.2 though was running Eibach springs from the B12 kit, with Boge OE quality shocks. Couldn't afford the full kit at the time!

 

[Cooper]

Update:
Looks like the B8s or the Koni Yellow is the way to go. The Koni are adjustable so if I get them they have to come from the USA and I will get the guy to set the adjustment before sending them. I don't have the knowledge to adjust them to the optimal setting. [driving sensitivity to determine what is best].

If I can get the last pair in Imparts stock [Australia wide] for an awesome price I may get them but they only have the fronts.

Confirmed part numbers for the Bilstein B8's for future reference, ///M sports suspension only:
Front right: 35-044031 Front Left: 35-044024 Rears: 24-023863

 

[Nodzed]

B8s and & lowered Spax springs all round on both mine

 

[GazHyde]

The adjustment isn't really that tricky, you get a dial on top of the shocks and try it on one setting and then drive it for a bit. You may well end up having to adjust them from whatever he sets anyway to suit your style. Just make sure with that particular seller that he doesn't sell you stuff you don't need, there are several of us who have had discussions with him over what he wants to sell you, rather than what you need

http://www.koni.uk.com/home/index.p...-do-i-adjust-my-koni-shocks&catid=7&Itemid=25

 

[Cooper]

Well after hours of research and help from others I decided to order some Bilstein B8 [front 35-044031 and 35-044024] and the rears [24-023863]. Mind you this is the sport version [shorted for ///M suspension]. Managed to get them for AUD989 from Clickable Auto in Melbourne. I want to keep it simple and the B8's have a massively good reputation.

I will fit them myself however I will get my local mechanic to swap the springs over in the front struts. I don't have spring compressors and TBH they scare me!

 

[t-tony]

You are wise to be scared of coil springs, I had one in the face in 1992. I don't recommend It, it hurts.

Tony.

 

[GazHyde]

Z3 springs are stupidly long and you will find it difficult to do with those basic spring compressors anyway. We've had lots of fun misery doing them before we bought a proper floor standing spring compressor for the shed.

 

[Cooper]

Failed on this one

Decided I will take it too the mechanics after soaking the 2 x lower strut bolts in WD40 for 36 hours. Everything is in great condition but those bolts are torqued so damn tight that I feel uncomfortable trying to get them out. I know its not a hard job to do [overall] but I really need a 2 foot breaker bar or a torque wrench with plenty of grunt.

 

[t-tony]

That's because they're fitted using some type of thread adhesive. Often the hardest part to getting a strut off.

Tony.

 

[mrscalex]

Failed on this one

Decided I will take it too the mechanics after soaking the 2 x lower strut bolts in WD40 for 36 hours. Everything is in great condition but those bolts are torqued so damn tight that I feel uncomfortable trying to get them out. I know its not a hard job to do [overall] but I really need a 2 foot breaker bar or a torque wrench with plenty of grunt.

Yes you need a 2 foot breaker bar. It will have them off instantly. Trying to do it with a standard wrench is a complete waste of time and you will round the nuts. Unless you are very lucky.

 

[mrscalex]

Z3 springs are stupidly long and you will find it difficult to do with those basic spring compressors anyway. We've had lots of fun misery doing them before we bought a proper floor standing spring compressor for the shed.

Fortunately I'm only an hour away from the Zedshed so I've already been a customer of the Zedshed spring compressor, thankfully done for me by Lee as it needs a bit of experience to use it.

 

[Paul M]

I have just put on the Eibach kit with B12 plus H&R antirollbars front and rear. Plus renewed the suspension bits n bobs. Weichers strutbrace as well. Huge improvement.
Bought in Germany saved $ Drives soo much better.
Next job cold air ducting