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Is this a MAJOR problem or just cosmetic?
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- Lifer
- Posts: 4143
- Joined: Sat Oct 27, 2007 11:54 pm
Is this a MAJOR problem or just cosmetic?
I was out under my hood (bonnet for you Brits) and I found that the upper strut assemblies are cracked.
Looking at my manual I think that number 1 is the culprit.
I am thinking that this is a cosmetic issue (still must be fixed) and the load bearing assembly is number seven and eight in the drawing..
Am I correct or is this a REAL issue??
Looking at my manual I think that number 1 is the culprit.
I am thinking that this is a cosmetic issue (still must be fixed) and the load bearing assembly is number seven and eight in the drawing..
Am I correct or is this a REAL issue??
Drives 2008 Z4MC (His) & 2003 Z4 Roadster (Her's)
- Lotus1
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- Location: Cheshire
Re: Is this a MAJOR problem or just cosmetic?
Item one is the shock-absorber mount - would make a mess of your bonnet (hood to you non-Brits) if it were to fail but I think that's very unlikely.
Steve
Steve
3.0i Roadster, M Sport Suspension, AC Schnitzer Type 4 reps, Xenons, 6 Speed Manual, Satnav, Carver Hi-fi
- ay8306
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Re: Is this a MAJOR problem or just cosmetic?
I agree that Item 1 is the structural member in this. You can see the three studs which attach the mount to the strut tower. In order to withstand the suspension loads, I would assume that this (item 1) is a steel part. It is hard to tell from the photo, but it appears that the crack is in a plastic part (i.e.; most likely non-structural). I would still have it checked out right away.
2006 Z4 3.0si Sapphire Black/Dream Red
- Aebous
- Lifer
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Re: Is this a MAJOR problem or just cosmetic?
I concur, get it checked. Where's NDI when you need them?
'03 Z4 3.0i manual transmission w/ sports package, interior xenons, wind deflector, Michelin Sport PS3's, cheap big brake upgrade, headlights with black internals and clear lenses, Alutech braces inc horizontal strut bar.
ZEEEE 4
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- Lifer
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Re: Is this a MAJOR problem or just cosmetic?
Whats NDI?
Drives 2008 Z4MC (His) & 2003 Z4 Roadster (Her's)
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- Lifer
- Posts: 4143
- Joined: Sat Oct 27, 2007 11:54 pm
Re: Is this a MAJOR problem or just cosmetic?
After lots of internet/forum searches, this is a big problem on E46, Z3 and Z4's.
BMW has a fix you can get a Turner: http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/de ... 1717036781
that bolts in between the strut and the car body.
After looking at it again, the piece (number one on the drawing) is heavy rubber with an aluminum insert.
It is an easy fix, but will take a little time. Get the new strut piece, use spring clamps, remove the strut. Replace part, reinstall...
The new parts are approx. $45.00 each. Not sure what the steelers want for it.
I don't think I am in any real danger in the short term unless I track the car or drive it hard (me not drive hard ).... Most owners don't even know they have a problem until they start to hear a knocking noise from up front...
If I get time on Monday, I am going to take it up to one of the local dealers and see what they say. If they want an 'arm and a leg' for the repair , I will order the parts and do it myself.
Guess I will have to get a four wheel alignment after all.....
Update, After looking at my techmanuals, the part no. for cars built before 03/03 is 31 33 6 759 871
after that date they changed something and issued a new part number: 31 33 6 764 947
BMW has a fix you can get a Turner: http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/de ... 1717036781
that bolts in between the strut and the car body.
After looking at it again, the piece (number one on the drawing) is heavy rubber with an aluminum insert.
It is an easy fix, but will take a little time. Get the new strut piece, use spring clamps, remove the strut. Replace part, reinstall...
The new parts are approx. $45.00 each. Not sure what the steelers want for it.
I don't think I am in any real danger in the short term unless I track the car or drive it hard (me not drive hard ).... Most owners don't even know they have a problem until they start to hear a knocking noise from up front...
If I get time on Monday, I am going to take it up to one of the local dealers and see what they say. If they want an 'arm and a leg' for the repair , I will order the parts and do it myself.
Guess I will have to get a four wheel alignment after all.....
Update, After looking at my techmanuals, the part no. for cars built before 03/03 is 31 33 6 759 871
after that date they changed something and issued a new part number: 31 33 6 764 947
Drives 2008 Z4MC (His) & 2003 Z4 Roadster (Her's)
- Rick Hunter
- Lifer
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- Lifer
- Posts: 4143
- Joined: Sat Oct 27, 2007 11:54 pm
Re: Is this a MAJOR problem or just cosmetic?
My wife says I act like I lost my best friend................
Drives 2008 Z4MC (His) & 2003 Z4 Roadster (Her's)
- ovrkll
- Lifer
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Re: Is this a MAJOR problem or just cosmetic?
Ooooh, wow, sorry to hear that it happened to you! I mentioned a long time ago in a previous thread about strut towers mushrooming (never thought to see one crack), and that is a major reason I bought my strut brace. It prevents exactly what you have experienced.
'06 Interlagos Blue Z4M
- inTgr8r
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Re: Is this a MAJOR problem or just cosmetic?
Yes... one advantage of the STB that isn't often mentioned.ovrkll wrote:Ooooh, wow, sorry to hear that it happened to you! I mentioned a long time ago in a previous thread about strut towers mushrooming (never thought to see one crack), and that is a major reason I bought my strut brace. It prevents exactly what you have experienced.
SK, if the top piece is cracked like that,
wouldn't that lead you to suspect part #7 as well?
.......
BTW, hands up; who ran out & checked their shock towers????
- Rick Hunter
- Lifer
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Re: Is this a MAJOR problem or just cosmetic?
I knew it was a good idea to get an STB...
'07 Imola Red Coupé
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- Lifer
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Re: Is this a MAJOR problem or just cosmetic?
Won't know until I get in there. I don't think so. This is due to the fact that number 7 is the Upper Spring Plate.
What 'I think' is happening is that the whole shock assembly is being stressed farther in the X & Y axises more than the Guide Support (No. 1) is able to take over the long term. The Guide Support is made of Rubber and a relatively soft Aluminum center core/sleeve. The Upper Spring Plate (No. 7) does not see that shearing force because it is attached as a unit and only sees the X axis forces...
I think BMW figured this out and updated the Guide Support, hence the new part number.
I still am undecided if I should drive the car or not.
What 'I think' is happening is that the whole shock assembly is being stressed farther in the X & Y axises more than the Guide Support (No. 1) is able to take over the long term. The Guide Support is made of Rubber and a relatively soft Aluminum center core/sleeve. The Upper Spring Plate (No. 7) does not see that shearing force because it is attached as a unit and only sees the X axis forces...
I think BMW figured this out and updated the Guide Support, hence the new part number.
I still am undecided if I should drive the car or not.
Drives 2008 Z4MC (His) & 2003 Z4 Roadster (Her's)
- Aebous
- Lifer
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Re: Is this a MAJOR problem or just cosmetic?
NDI is Non Destructive Inspection....various ways to do it, BUT chances are unless you have the equipment it would probably be major $$$
'03 Z4 3.0i manual transmission w/ sports package, interior xenons, wind deflector, Michelin Sport PS3's, cheap big brake upgrade, headlights with black internals and clear lenses, Alutech braces inc horizontal strut bar.
ZEEEE 4
ZEEEE 4
- cj10jeeper
- Lifer
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Re: Is this a MAJOR problem or just cosmetic?
IMHO if one part is cracking, albeit plastic then the underlying structural parts are pushing up to create that. Personally I'd nto drive it until I'd stripped and was sure.
Seen far too many struts pop through front bonnets on off roaders and it's very messy
Seen far too many struts pop through front bonnets on off roaders and it's very messy
Jaguar F-Type 3.0 Supercharged V6 S, Stratus Grey, LSD, Active Exhaust, CF wheels, Performance brakes, Sports seats and mods ongoing
Gone but not forgotten Z4 3.0i SE Roadster ///M front, Red ///M leather seats, Aero sills
Gone but not forgotten Z4 3.0i SE Roadster ///M front, Red ///M leather seats, Aero sills
- Wondermike
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Re: Is this a MAJOR problem or just cosmetic?
Looks pretty serious to me, no? Did [b/]curtis[/b] not have trouble with the bulkhead welds on his car, or something like that?