ZHP Struts

[Fried_Chicken]

I need to do all four struts on the ZHP, and I'm thinking of going with OEM struts. My question is, does the ZHP have special struts? Is there a P/N for this? Are there aftermarket struts that match the quality of OEMs (i.e. Lemfoerder)?

It's starting to get bad, all four struts are starting to squeak, and I plan on doing the struts in conjunction with all the control arms, bushings, etc.

[ELCID86]

Just to clarify struts on the front and shocks on the rear. I don't have them p/n handy but go ahead and do the strut bearings (top hats), rear shock mounts, and all the other soft components (print pads, bump stops, etc). I think ECS has a kit.


Thumbs, iPhone, TaT.

[Just_George]

My opinion, there are several aftermarket brands that will exceed the quality of the OEM Sachs units. I'm partial to Konis (put the Koni Sports, i.e. 'yellows' on my 330ci and like them a lot, bought a set of FSD's for the ZHP but have not yet installed them) Unfortunately, the big Koni sale just ended. Bilstein also makes very nice shocks/struts.

[BMWCurves]

Yup. Here's my thread on my suspension refresh that includes part numbers for most ancillary parts:

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?16182-Help-with-Suspension-Refresh-at-50k-miles-10-years

I have not yet installed my Z4M FCABs and RTABs, but I'll have them installed in about 10 days and can report back then.

I agree with the other guys that aftermarket struts/shocks might be a better option than the OE Sachs parts. I just put in Koni Sports (yellows) and like them a lot so far. Plus they have the added benefit of being adjustable (although the rears are more of a pain to adjust).

That said, here are the Sachs part numbers (according to here, also a helpful guide - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=932561):

Front left strut: 31312282459
Front right strut: 31312282460
Rear shocks (2x): 33522282461

[Fried_Chicken]

TIL struts and shocks aren't the same thing (http://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/differenceshocksstruts.cfm).

I'm partial to OEM parts. They made the vehicle, they knew what they were doing, anyone else is typically trying to replicate OE parts.
(although I do see the need to save money!)

Mr. Curves, that's an excellent thread, thanks for that!
How long can I sit on the struts I currently have installed? What are the symptoms of the strut going, and more importantly what are the consequences of not fixing them?

[BMWCurves]

Yup, I used the two terms interchangeably until I got schooled on the difference a few years ago. And I agree, I try and keep the car as stock as possible with OEM parts, but sometimes other companies can do it better like Rogue Engineering's rear shock mounts. I think they're better designed than the OE ones that came with our cars.

As far as the struts go, if they're the original ones that came with the car, I'd wager they're pretty degraded by now. My rear shocks would not rebound at all. I compressed them and the piston just stopped where I left it. The front struts were a little better, but definitely not as good as new. I've read around on forums that the Sachs that came with our cars are only good for 40-50k miles. Age is also a factor. Struts and shocks that are shot can lead to uneven tire wear because it doesn't properly damp the springs:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sgOf3js2FY

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/Justrolledintotheshop/comments/30t0mf/you_see_those_tire_wear_examples_put_out_by_shock/

It can also adversely affect the ride and handling. Now that I've replaced my old shocks and struts, the ride is noticeably comfier. I still notice the bumps, but they aren't jarring like they used to be, even though the Konis are probably stiffer than the original Sachs shocks and struts. Handling issues you probably won't notice as much because our cars are sprung pretty stiffly. I haven't noticed too much difference yet because I haven't gotten an alignment or had my new FCABs and RTABs installed yet, but they should improve the handling a bit as well.

Hope that helps!