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

And another option, if you can find a good mechanic, they can "repair" your suspension(springs cant be ofcourse). Yes,in my country you can repair them, I did so and I am very happy with it. It costs just 80 euro for 4 shocks. When your country is poor, people are starting to be more creative,right?

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

i dont wanna sound like a cheap skate but if its only the ride height ur worried about then the very cheapest option is buy a set of coil spring asistors which simply slide around your coils to stop them from compressing as much . they were designed to aid in towing caravans but they will be perfect for you , if your thinking that they will fall out then dont worry because when the car` is off the jack the springs  compress and hold the assistors  in tightly .  they only cost about £14  and take 5 minits to fit .
   if you cant find any , get back to me cos ive got two sets in my garage  (i had to use them in my last stereo demo car cos of the weight , they raised it up by at least one and a half inches , and the thing weighd nearly 3 tonn )

these arent blocks ! they wind round the coil and are made of heavy duty rubber , and things arent as cheap in blighty as they are in the u,s.

  and if you want to raise the height of the car then you are gna effect the handling  no matter how you do it ! a lower car will allways handle better than a high one !!

my ones are made by Grayston who make allsorts of odd bits for cars , a good alladins cave type accesory shop will probably stock them ! if not they can probably get them for you !

  Where abouts are you in the uk ?

they have good points and bad points the same as everything

 Good points are they will raise the car up when empty , stop it from sagging as much when loaded and of course they are cheap !

  Bad points are  they arent permanent,  they will stiffen the ride when loaded up because it will shorten the amount of movement available in the spring ( not terrible tho )

 if you were closer to me i would have let you try one of my sets . but theres a couple of hundred miles between us .

Miles,

I think it looks spot on. Those wheels look great. You need a bit more clearance on the front of a car than the back anyway. Looking at the photos if the front was as low as the back you wouldn't be able to turn the wheels.

Miles,

I recon it looks spot on mate, welldone!

Miles

I have an E34 525i the same colour as yours, but mines an early one, 1988.

Whilst I was helping my mate rub it down to respray it we found that the bumpers and sills were body coloured (the bottom bits of the bumpers), and then painted black, must just be how bm do it.

So I have left them silver, sills stone chipped finish of course, but still silver.

I notice on your car the rubber trim along the bottom of the doors, and the matching bits on the front wing and rear wheel arch are also silver, mine of course are black...I think your looks better as mine now has two black lines.

Did you buy these ? or as its a sport is that how it comes ?

Thanks to e34m5/Miles I now have a pic to post.