Broken Spring and Anti-Rollbar Link

M

Marco

Member
 Hampshire
Took my car to this chap today:

http://www.chrisplummerautomobiles.co.uk/

He put it up on the ramp and it appears I have one broken rear spring and one worn front anti-rollbar link (this would explain the front and rear noise I was hearing).
He is going to charge £70 plus VAT to replace the rollbar link and £130 plus VAT to replace the rear spring. He claims the rear spring is an hour and a half job, but from reading on the forum - this is perhaps not really the case.

When I told him I found him on a forum, he rolled his eyes and said he hates forums! So I asked him why, and he claims that people read these forums and then they are experts and know exactly whats wrong with their car. I then gently reminded him that he may be getting business from me (thanks to a forum recommendation), at which point he changed his idea somewhat! :wink:

Anyway, how do these prices sound?
 
Replacing the spring is a 5minute job and very easy. You can get them from sopers for 86.63 delivered.

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Thanks Ste, unfortunately I dont have the tools or the space to do it.........and I think "easy" is all relative, and with my engineering expertise......probably less so! :oops:
 
You wouldn't believe how easy the rears are honestly ... You do need a jack, axle stand and a socket set. That's it. There are some good how it's ... Just type it in on Google and it will link to here and a few other forums.

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After reading "PawnSacrifices" write up on the Springs (thanks mate):
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=27124

Along with a mate of mine, I am going to attempt replacing both of them myself! I am also going to have a go at replacing the anti-rollbar link (anyone have any experience in doing this themselves)?

Just spoke to Barons BMW, they want £109 per spring, this includes "pads" they claim you need to change too when changing the Springs, and
£35 for the anti-rollbar link.

Anyone recommendations on rear springs (perhaps non-OEM ones)?

Thanks....
 
Marco ring Sopers BMW, they give free delivery and a discount to Z4-Forum members you'll get them for £86.63 each.

01522 690000 ask for Neil or Jamie in parts.
 
Those labour prices are just silly.
Even if you don't fancy doing it yourself just pop around to a local garage and ask how much to fit if you supply. I'd reckon on £50 for both.

BTW it would be best to replace both springs and both drop links at the same time. If one is gone the other will be worn on the dro links and although springs don't sag noticably on the Z4 they do break.
 
Thanks Ste, sent him an email for a quote.
Thanks cj10jeeper, yeah I did decide to do both sides of the springs and links while I'm sweating and swearing! :D

Few questions:

-BMW were saying I should replace the "pads" when replacing the springs, anyone else done this when replacing springs?

-Anyone recommend non OEM links or springs? Basically I'm happy to get something which is better quality or produces a better ride, but I don't want to lower the car any more than it already is, and from what I can see, all after market springs are lower.
 
Got a quote back from Sopers:

About £80 per Spring (including Spring Pads)
About £25 per rollbar link (including Nuts)
 
Result :) did you mention the forum?

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I replaced the link arm myself (well my dad did). Took him 5 minutes once the wheel was off.

I replaced my springs and it took me 10 minutes.

The guy who quoted those labour costs must be on some (il)legal high.
 
Hi Ste, yes I did, and they provided a discount, Jamie was on leave but another chap helped.

Yes ben g, I agree, and that's what p*sses me off with mechanics these days, a big majority are out to crook you. It has been such a mission getting anyone to do the work, so in a way that's why I have decided to do it myself.

The previous person I went to didn't even put it on a ramp, he drove it and said the control arm bushes and uplink bushes need replacing. He seemed a decent chap, and did seem knoweldgeable on the car, and came recommended from someone on this forum. Despite trying to get hold of him via email about 4 times and leaving voicemail messages for him, he never came back to me and after about 3 weeks I came to the conlcusion he doesn't really want the business.

I guess it was a blessing in disguise as none of the bushes need doing from what I saw up on the ramp and so he would have charged me for bushes, and then also for the real problem i.e spring and link! :evil:
 
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