Newbie

Hey all, new to the forum, BMWs and the UK.  2 weeks ago I bought a 1995 520i and have a few questions about it.  The rear suspension is sagging and I would like to replace the springs/shocks/struts (whatever they are called).  I am not sure where to start as far as buying parts, finding a garage to fit them (if I decide against DIY) etc.  I also don't know what would be best to get. 

 I imagine genuine BMW would be too costly, but I don't know enough about aftermarket BMW suppliers.  I don't want anything radically different, I am not a spirited driver, and I don't want to lower the car into the weeds, but if the stock ride can be improved upon then I would consider that.  

From my online searches I have seen "Bavarian Auto" springs highly recommended, but shipping from the USA and import duty would probably be quite high.  Are there any locally available suspension components that are the match or exceed the Bav auto?.  I checked Eurocarparts and they list "Ventura" springs for a very reasonable price.  Does anyone know if these are worthwhile?, also what shocks would be recommended.  Euro list many different ones which doesn't help as I have no idea how they perform.

Thanks.

 

The rear of the car sits lower than the front.  It would look good if the front was equally as low but it isn't.  The car was fitted with a tow bar (which I have since removed) when I bought it so the cause of the saggy bum is most likely due to towing than the fitment of lowering springs.  I have been under the car for a look around and the rear springs/shocks look to be in the same condition as everything else under there.  Basically, nothing to suggest anything had been replaced. 

 The shocks do not feel worn as the car does not bounce over bumps etc, but to be honest I have never been in an E34 before buying this one so who knows.  What I may consider acceptable shock absorption might feel quite different to someone more knowledgeable about these cars.

Gregory

 

If your car has done a lot of towing the rear suspension will be knackered. If you buy some genuine BMW shocks for both the front and the rear you will transform the car. You are probably looking at about £60 per shock and a new set of springs will be about £200. It's probably no more than four hours work for a garage. If you don't want a sport set up that will make the car quite hard, a genuine BMW setup will give the best ride. I would give andy at Motormec a call who can supply you with some part pricing options on 01502 500590

Thanks for all the suggestions.  Original BMW ride would be ideal but at those prices I will probably lean towards something aftermarket.  I don't necessarily *want* to lower the car, but if lowered sport springs are significantly cheaper than BMW originals then I can live with a lower, stiffer car.

Any recommendations on where to find good aftermarket parts?.  I have visited the Motormec site, but like many other sites (Euro, GSF etc) I can't tell what would be best to get.  Maybe I will try a new post asking for opinions on the various aftermarket brands I have seen advertized.

Gregory

 

e34m5,

Excuse my ignorance but to lower the car is it just the lowering springs that are required? is GSF - German and swedish??

Also, is this something thats easily DIY or a garage job?

Thanks

If that price was for a set of 4, I would be very interested in that option.  I would sooner trust the Boge name than the Ventura set  Euro is advertising for similar money.

Yes that does help, thanks.  Do you have any idea how much it lowers the car?, the cars in your sig look a bit lower than I would like.  My car looks that way with 4 adults and a baby seat in it.  I can't imagine what it would look like with that payload after lowering springs.

e34m5

I must say your 525 looks surperb in my opinion, I might be giving GSF a call this weekend !

I have heard about those before and have been thinking about it, but wasn't sure if they would be a good option for this car.  The car rides fine as it is and I wouldn't want to mess up the handling for the sake of appearance.  £14 sounds high if you are talking about the same things I am.  The ones I have seen were nothing more than hard rubber blocks that wedged inbetween the coils, and went for the equivalent of £3-4 when I saw them in the US.

Edited by Ascotgrun

what you are describing is quite different than what I was thinking of so price comparisons are out the door.  Do you know where would be a good place to look for them?.