Edumacate me on suspensions...

[ryankokesh]

Thinking it's probably about time to do a suspension refresh. I admittedly don't know a whole lot about the subject, other than I'm at 145k on the original struts and springs and I can't imagine they'll last a whole lot longer.

I commute about 100 miles a day, so comfort is a factor. The road isn't too bad, but still. I also like being able to get up my driveway, so I'm not going to slam it or anything. I'd obviously like how it looks a little lower, but yeah, practicality.

I don't track the car, but like all of us things can get 'spirited'. Considering taking it to a track day once or twice just for fun.

Finally, TireRack has to carry whatever I get, and I'd prefer it be made by Koni or Bilstein.

Anyone have any thoughts/recommendations?

[bshovers]

I'm in your boat as far as I don't know much about suspension. But what I can tell from reading various forums including this one it seems that koni yellows are good bet.


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[slater]

sounds to me like new bushings (FCABs, RTABs, optionally the upper and lower rear control arm bushings, and front and rear swaybar bushings), new front control arms, new strut + shock mounts, and new shocks + struts. keep the stock springs. perhaps the koni FSDs would be a good choice for you (i am looking at them as well).

this would give you a factory fresh feel with potentially better overall damping with the FSDs.

peter

[Just_George]

I chose to stick with the stock springs on my 330Ci, not wanting to lower it (anybody who's driven Michigan roads knows why!) Sounds like that might be best for you as well. I went with the Koni Sports (aka 'yellows') - they're expensive, but the fronts are easily adjusted for rebound, which might be handy for the occasional track day. If you have 145 on your original struts/shocks, I'd guess that you are long overdue. FYI, when I changed them on the Ci, it wasn't really apparent how bad they were until I took them off the car and realized that they were completely toast, so don't be surprised if you find the same thing. Control arms and bushings really depends on when they were done last - might not be a bad idea to do them anyway, then you'll know that everything is up to date.

I installed the reinforcement plates on the front struts and rear shocks - they're cheap, and I found that I did have some 'mushrooming' on the right front strut tower, so hoping to prevent any further damage.

[ELCID86]

... new front control arms...

peter

Why do the control arms need to be replaced? I can see the bushings, but to the arms wear? Develop stress fractures??

[TWong1200]

I recently installed KW V1 Coilover, replaced Z4M FCAB and RTABs with limiters, Front and Rear top mounts and am very happy with the results. Handles amazingly well and is very composed. I'll look into my sway bar bushings next. Probably should have done them at the same time. Something I overlooked.

[Just_George]

Why do the control arms need to be replaced? I can see the bushings, but to the arms wear? Develop stress fractures??

If they're original, the ball joints wear out and can not be replaced. The Meyle control arms have ball joints that can be replaced, well worth buying.

[mbeckel]

I'm going with BC Coilovers and changing all bushings to polyurethane

Sent from in the bushes

[Hermes]

FSD's sound like the answer here

[KevinC]

sounds to me like new bushings (FCABs, RTABs, optionally the upper and lower rear control arm bushings, and front and rear swaybar bushings), new front control arms, new strut + shock mounts, and new shocks + struts. keep the stock springs. perhaps the koni FSDs would be a good choice for you (i am looking at them as well).

I think this is great advice. Other shock options: stock-equivalent Sachs/Boge (the route I chose, plus all the other stuff above). I did mine at 53k miles. The FCABs were toast, and the shocks were done too. The stock shocks are probably good for 30-40k miles before they're significantly worn. Koni Yellows will last much longer, perhaps 100k, and Bilstein HDs (another good option) are guaranteed for life (same owner) and are easily good for well beyond 100k. But 145k on stock suspension? Dude, you're not driving a car, you're captaining a ship! You won't believe the difference if you do the full refresh. Good luck!