Hey all. In the process of doing a complete refresh on my '04 ZHP coupe, nearing 200k miles.
Thanks for bearing through another refresh thread. I've been researching for the past couple weeks on the best routes to refresh the suspension. I've researched quite a bit, but there is so much info out there on what to do and not to do, what's important and what's not, it gets a little crazy. I've checked Mango E46's list, BMWCurves, and this random google doc I found on one of the forums.
EDIT: Thanks Fredo for your list as well (located here)
My chief goal is to achieve a smoother ride, and I've set my eyes on the next generation of FSD's that launched in 2018, the "Special Active". I haven't done suspension things in quite some time, except for a front lower control arm bushing set with brackets (P/N: 31126757623)
My biggest question is; are springs recommended in a refresh? Or do people only change springs when necessary? I have not noticed any real concern in my regular driving, other than a rough ride, probably due to shot shocks/struts.
EDIT***
Here is what I ended up on. Thanks again to everyone for their help. These are parts I thought were most important for my suspension refresh. You may need a few other parts, like front control arm bushings (FCABs) which I got replaced not too long ago, so I opted not do it again here. Any extra nuts and bolts I'll get from my independent repair shop. I was able to find the Koni Special Actives with Sport Suspension from eEuroParts.com
QTY • PART NAME • PART NUMBER • VENDOR
x2 | Strut Bump Stop - Front (w/ Boot) • 31302290313 (EE)
x2 | Bump Stop - Rear (w/ Dust Boot) • 33502290347 (EE)
x2 | Sway Bar End Link - Front • 31351095694 (EE)
x2 | Koni Special Active Rear Shocks - Sport Susp • 82451024 (EE)
x1 | Koni Special Active Strut - Front Passenger • 87451022R (EBAY) sold out everywhere?
x1 | Koni Special Active Strut - Front Drivers Side • 87451022L (EBAY) sold out everywhere?
x2 | Front Shock Mount Kit • 31352241448 (ECS)
x2 | Sway Bar Bushing • 33556751269 (ECS)
x1 | Lemfoerder Control Arm & Ball Joint Assembly Front Left Lower • 31122282121 (AZ)
x1 | Lemfoerder Control Arm & Ball Joint Assembly Front Right Lower • 31122282122 (AZ)
x2 | Lemfoerder Trailing Arm Bushing Rear Arms Front Position; M3 Upgrade • 33326770817 (AZ)
x2 | Genuine BMW Coil Spring Seat/Insulator - Front Lower • 31331096664 (AZ)
x2 | Genuine BMW Coil Spring Insulator - Front Upper • 31331091867 (AZ)
x2 | Lemfoerder Shock Absorber Mount - Rear Upper • 802177 (AZ)
x2 | Genuine BMW Strut Mount; Reinforce Plate - Front • 51717036781 (AZ)
x2 | Genuine BMW Coil Spring Seat/Insulator - Rear Upper • 33531136385 (AZ)
x2 | Genuine BMW Coil Spring Seat/Insulator - Rear Lower • 33531094518 (AZ)
x2 | Genuine BMW Nut; Lock Nut; M14-1.5 • 31121095420 (AZ)
x1 | Genuine BMW Nut; Lock Nut; M12-1.5 • 32211095267 (AZ)
x2 | ElringKlinger Shock Mount Gasket - Rear Shock Mounts to Body • 33521128734 (AZ)
***OLD LIST, DISREGARD UNLESS YOU NEED A PART ***
Koni - Sepcial Active Shock/Strut Set - P/N: 87451022lKT
Lemfoerder Control Arm & Ball Joint Assembly; Front Left Lower - P/N: 31122282121
Lemfoerder Control Arm & Ball Joint Assembly; Front Right Lower - P/N: 31122282122
(x2) Rein Automotive Strut Bumper; Front Upper - P/N: 31306757046
(x6) Genuine Nut; M8-8 Collar Nut - P/N: 31316769731
(x2) Genuine BMW Coil Spring Seat/Insulator; Front Lower - P/N: 31331096664
(x2) Lemfoerder Trailing Arm Bushing; Rear Arms; Front Position; M3 Upgrade - P/N: 33326770817
(x2) Vaico Shock Bumper; Rear Upper - P/N: 33506757047
(x2) Shock Mount Gasket; Rear Shock Mounts to Body - P/N: 33521128734
(x2) Genuine BMW Coil Spring Seat/Insulator; Rear Lower - P/N: 33531094518
(x2) Genuine BMW Coil Spring Insulator Front Upper - P/N: BM-31331091867
(x2) Genuine BMW Strut Mount; Reinforcement Plate; Front - P/N: 51717036781
(x2) Lemfoerder Strut Mount; Front Upper - P/N: 802186
(x8) Genuine BMW Bolt; M10x35mm; 17mm Hex Head - P/N: BM-31106772199
(x4) Genuine BMW - Mini Nut; 10mm - P/N: BM-33306760587
(x2) Genuine BMW Shock Absorber Nut; Rear - P/N: BM-33526773882
Thanks again.