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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis > High mileage suspension question



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      11-11-2012, 10:03 PM   #1
GAM
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High mileage suspension question

I've driven my friend 335 sedan tonight, he has just over 30k miles and I've to say the car feels much tighter than mine, the way it turns, the way it behaves on the road, over bumps, it simply feels newer. Mine has close to 80k miles and is a coupe. What are the suspension parts I should change to get that new, tight feeling from the suspension and the steering wheel?
Thanks for your input. Sorry if this has been mentioned in the past
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      11-11-2012, 10:19 PM   #2
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Bushings and springs probably going soft
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      11-12-2012, 01:27 AM   #3
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im getting the same response with m car as well, need inputs, dnt knw much about suspension work
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      11-12-2012, 06:22 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hooy
Bushings and springs probably going soft
Thanks I've H&R springs that will be mounted this coming weekend but maybe the shocks are not far from being done, I'll report back soon. Maybe I'll go w new bushings too
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      11-12-2012, 07:49 AM   #5
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Suspension parts are wear and tear items. The dampers especially tend to wear out after a certain number of miles. I'm selling an entire E92 sport suspension; PM me if you're interested.
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      11-12-2012, 12:54 PM   #6
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If you noticed it just driving around it's the front control arms/tension arms and probably the tie rod ends.

Our control arm/tension arms have bushings that are fluid filled and when they leak (which they all do eventually) they get really sloppy. The tie rods just wear like any other car.

The M3 arms are a great upgrade that just bolts on if you want a sharper setup. Several vendors sell the replacement parts and the M3 upgrades. Just do a search and you'll see plenty on them.

The easiest way to check the arms to to stop quickly from a low speed (15mph) and if the car jerks forward and aft instead of a single motion your arm bushings are shot.

For a like new feeling I'd replace the parts in this order:

Control arms/tension arms (M3 parts)
Tie rod ends
Sway bar end links
Strut top bearing/bushings

Of course if your car is overly "bouncy" or wallows your shocks may be worn out or well on their way at 80K

I just saw that you are going to install H&R springs on the factory shocks that have 80K on them? I highly recommend you do not do that unless you are just going for the look and ride be damned. If your shocks are not gone springs will finish them off in no time. It will be painful to drive as the car bounces all over the place. I would hold off and get some shocks with them. If you are on a budget go with the koni yellows.

Last edited by Myaddiction; 11-12-2012 at 12:59 PM.. Reason: update
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      11-12-2012, 07:42 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gfabry View Post
I've driven my friend 335 sedan tonight, he has just over 30k miles and I've to say the car feels much tighter than mine, the way it turns, the way it behaves on the road, over bumps, it simply feels newer. Mine has close to 80k miles and is a coupe. What are the suspension parts I should change to get that new, tight feeling from the suspension and the steering wheel?
Thanks for your input. Sorry if this has been mentioned in the past

Do you mean your shocks are 80k mi old? Prob done.

Rubber parts maybe too.

Now is an excellent time for that new suspension! Better'n new.
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      11-12-2012, 09:25 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gfabry View Post
I've driven my friend 335 sedan tonight, he has just over 30k miles and I've to say the car feels much tighter than mine, the way it turns, the way it behaves on the road, over bumps, it simply feels newer. Mine has close to 80k miles and is a coupe. What are the suspension parts I should change to get that new, tight feeling from the suspension and the steering wheel?
Thanks for your input. Sorry if this has been mentioned in the past
Front tension arm bushings, front upper strut mounts and a complete set of struts and shocks should be all you need. Front anti roll bar endlinks should be inspected as well for wear and tear.
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      11-14-2012, 09:58 PM   #9
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Thanks guys, very much
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