Suspension refresh

[DivideBYZero]

First, my car is a 2002 Z3, 2.2i Sport. I’m going through most maintenance items during lockdown, I’ve done the oil, spark plugs, front brakes, brake fluid and while going over the car I’m noticing what in need to do next.

This leads me to suspension. The rear springs have some corrosion that’s leading to the plastic coating cracking. This only means they’ll snap at some point. I’ve had it before on BMWs. So, if I’m doing springs, I may as well do dampers, too.

So, what I need is recommendations for replacement. Happy to go OEM, or decent brand replacement, such as Bilstein, etc, but want to keep it stock, in as much as I like the way it sits and rides. The Springs are marked AF, the sport suspension pack is listed on the build data.

thanks.

 

[t-tony]

If you have "Sport" springs they're only available through BMW (and that's IF they are). Remove the springs and clean them and paint them, just because the coating is coming off does not mean that they're ready for breaking. Dampers are readily available, quite a few members are using Monroe shocks but Sachs are OE and you can get them. The springs are the main issue, availability and price!

Tony.

 

[Mario]

I have had both Bilstein shocks black and yellow version both very good. you can keep those springs if they are in good condition you can take them to some powder coating company that does wheels, they did mine for a tenner each spring and the finish is factory like very durable.

 

[mrscalex]

Agree nothing wrong with those springs if it's only flakey paint. Sport springs are a precious commodity as you can only get them from BMW so don't junk them just for that.

Sachs are indeed the OEM supplier and if you go to BMW now they will still sell you a Sachs shock with the BMW name on it. But Sport shocks are out of production now (Sachs Advanced) and the word is that BMW will sell you a non-Sport Sachs (Super Touring) albeit with different part numbers whether you ask for non-Sport or Sport. Nothing wrong with using a non-Sport Sachs btw. But it won't get you any further than a Monroe Reflex will to original Sport spec. The Monroe Reflex are indeed also very good. I have them on my 3.0 Sport and I've been giving that a bit of welly lately to test my engine refurbishments out. They are very competent. I'm starting to wonder why I lined up a set of yellow Bilsteins (B8) for it. Lots of good feedback on here for the black Bilstein (B4) too.