I've read a lot and seen in the mot history of these cars that the suspension seems to need rebuilding after 30/40k miles and as a non mechanic l was wondering how easy it it so spot cracked or broken springs and how to spot if a suspension refresh is due ? Thanks again in advance for any useful advice.
Cracked springs/ worn suspension bushes
- Thread starter TOMGREEN413
- Start date
Broken springs can give a drop in ride height and/or the sound of cutlery rattling about. Visual inspection needed (or have a look!)
Worn bushes are just a thing. They're designed to be compliant and allow movement (to reduce NVH) so will wear in time. MoTs turn up the majority. The driveshaft centre bearing web and guibo are hidden and for the conscientious owner to check (tho they last huge mileages.)
Worn bushes are just a thing. They're designed to be compliant and allow movement (to reduce NVH) so will wear in time. MoTs turn up the majority. The driveshaft centre bearing web and guibo are hidden and for the conscientious owner to check (tho they last huge mileages.)
Citizen-Erased
Member
Also no hard and fast rule about they fail at "X miles". Anyone ever saying that knows nothing about mechanics and should be avoided.
For context my original front springs, mounts and shocks lasted 144,000 miles.
Wear is different in town vs smooth motorways so components will wear differently.
If it tracks fine on a motorway at speed without wandering, sits level and brakes evenly you don't have an issue.
Cracked springs tend to creak or squeak. Lower the roof, stand on the door sill and bounce up and down - you will hear anything untoward easily enough.
For context my original front springs, mounts and shocks lasted 144,000 miles.
Wear is different in town vs smooth motorways so components will wear differently.
If it tracks fine on a motorway at speed without wandering, sits level and brakes evenly you don't have an issue.
Cracked springs tend to creak or squeak. Lower the roof, stand on the door sill and bounce up and down - you will hear anything untoward easily enough.
TOMGREEN413 said:
Would doubt there's been any e85 that hasn't had the broken spring problem although originally BMW denied there was any issue with the springs.
View the springs as consumables as they can break at any time or replace them with better springs or replace the springs and shocks with better ones.
Most folk on here have replaced the bushes with acrylic ones. Powerflex purple ones are probably the best option.
You'll know when it's time for a suspension refresh. Front spring goes and the wheel arch will be sitting on top of the tyre.
I replaced the entire suspension at around 60k miles. Blistein B12 Pro Kit. Well worth the money.
Brilliant information, thank you 