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Front suspension rebuild?

Printed From: Bavarian-Board.co.uk - BMW Owners Discussion Forum
Category: Regional & Specific Forums
Forum Name: Irish Forum
Forum Discription: where Irish members can discuss upcoming events, etc.
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=43236
Printed Date: 03-May-2024 at 05:38


Topic: Front suspension rebuild?
Posted By: larzyh
Subject: Front suspension rebuild?
Date Posted: 25-November-2008 at 21:16

Time to replace bushings and ball-joints on the E46 and I am seeking some insight and advice.

I recently put H&R Sport springs (1.2" drop on standard suspension), should I buy lower wishbones for sport suspension?

My instinct is to replace all parts with original parts but since I am unlikely to own the car for its next 115.000 miles I am considering the possibility of using some pattern parts, so:

Who are reliable sources of pattern parts?

Which brands of pattern parts are the best quality and/or value?

I am planning to replace lower wishbone with balljoints, wishbone bushing, anti roll bar droplinks and bushings. Anything else I should replace while I'm at it?

I am also considering replacing the dampers; who is the best supplier of Bilstein in Ireland (any other manufacturers worth considering?)?

Input appreciated!



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Larzyh.
Previously or currently, in the family: '77 E21 320, '78 E21 320, '79 E21 320, '87 E28 520i, '88 E30 325iC, '95 E34 525i, '98 E39 528i, '98 Z3 2.5, '98 E38 740iL, '95 E36 Compact, '99 E36 318iT, '02 E46 318iT, '96 E34 525tdsT, '98 E38 740iL...


Replies:
Posted By: damen
Date Posted: 25-November-2008 at 21:31
hi,firstly i wouldnt lower on standard shocks,my 318is had lowering springs on std shocks on it when i bought it and the ball jts and front bushing were pulled out of it especially on larger wheels so go for the full coilovers id say if you want to spend money and get a good result i guess?...

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dam.318is.

Posted By: larzyh
Date Posted: 25-November-2008 at 22:42

Thanks damen, Coilovers were never really part of the plan!

I appreciate your point about the lower springs on standard dampers. The H&R Sport springs are designed to be used with the standard dampers and the drop is quite modest, but I am considering changing for something like Bilstein (dampers only rather than coilovers).



-------------
Larzyh.
Previously or currently, in the family: '77 E21 320, '78 E21 320, '79 E21 320, '87 E28 520i, '88 E30 325iC, '95 E34 525i, '98 E39 528i, '98 Z3 2.5, '98 E38 740iL, '95 E36 Compact, '99 E36 318iT, '02 E46 318iT, '96 E34 525tdsT, '98 E38 740iL...


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