front shock absorber leaking

[Dogmatic6]

Hi All,

MOT fail today due to a leaky nearside front shock absorber.
Are the shocks M specific parts and do they need to be replaced in pairs?

Also, any idea of part cost and how long it takes to replace them?

Cheers

Mark

 

[Steve_R1979]

Yes M specific

Yes replace in pairs

I was quoted 700 a pair but have been led to believe we can get them a fair bit cheaper from one of the dealers we get discount with.

If I was in your shoes I'd get some Bilstens.

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/shock-absorbers/car/bmw/z4m/2007/3-2/bilstein-b6-sport-shock-absorber-front-left
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/shock-absorbers/car/bmw/z4m/2007/3-2/bilstein-b6-sport-shock-absorber-front-right
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/shock-absorbers/car/bmw/z4m/2007/3-2/bilstein-b6-sport-shock-absorber-rear

I don't know how much a dealer charges, but I reckon I could do both sides in under an hour and a half now I've done the springs and top mounts recently.

HTH

 

[Dogmatic6]

Yes M specific

Yes replace in pairs

I was quoted 700 a pair but have been led to believe we can get them a fair bit cheaper from one of the dealers we get discount with.

If I was in your shoes I'd get some Bilstens.

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/shock-absorbers/car/bmw/z4m/2007/3-2/bilstein-b6-sport-shock-absorber-front-left
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/shock-absorbers/car/bmw/z4m/2007/3-2/bilstein-b6-sport-shock-absorber-front-right
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/shock-absorbers/car/bmw/z4m/2007/3-2/bilstein-b6-sport-shock-absorber-rear

I don't know how much a dealer charges, but I reckon I could do both sides in under an hour and a half now I've done the springs and top mounts recently.

HTH

Hey Steve,

Thanks for the reply I have eibach springs on the M, would the blistein's be ok with them?
Seems expensively to stay oem. I would be getting a local garage to do the work so not bmw

Is there anything else I should be changing in that area while I'm at it?

Cheers

Mark

 

[Steve_R1979]

Yes M specific

Yes replace in pairs

I was quoted 700 a pair but have been led to believe we can get them a fair bit cheaper from one of the dealers we get discount with.

If I was in your shoes I'd get some Bilstens.

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/shock-absorbers/car/bmw/z4m/2007/3-2/bilstein-b6-sport-shock-absorber-front-left
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/shock-absorbers/car/bmw/z4m/2007/3-2/bilstein-b6-sport-shock-absorber-front-right
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/shock-absorbers/car/bmw/z4m/2007/3-2/bilstein-b6-sport-shock-absorber-rear

I don't know how much a dealer charges, but I reckon I could do both sides in under an hour and a half now I've done the springs and top mounts recently.

HTH

Hey Steve,

Thanks for the reply I have eibach springs on the M, would the blistein's be ok with them?
Seems expensively to stay oem. I would be getting a local garage to do the work so not bmw

Is there anything else I should be changing in that area while I'm at it?

Cheers

Mark

From what I've ready the Bilsteins and Eibachs work fine together, its certainly the setup I'm planning on, once I've had the insp2 done!!

I changed my springs over to Eibachs recently, and at the same time I changed the top mounts simply because they are a known weak point and there is no point in stripping the front end twice. The parts aren't cheap (approx 100 a side from my stealer) but its cheaper than fitting them 6 months down the line and paying a garage to strip the shocks off again.

I'd also replace the bolts that attach the shock to the hub (2 small bolts, 1 larger nut and bolt). Less important but BMW also suggest you replace the lock nut on the top of the strut, but i don't really see the need.

 

[Dogmatic6]

Thanks for the info Steve! It's appreciated. Would it be ok to keep the stock shocks on the rear and have the blistein's on the front?

Guess I will need to get spending lol

 

[Steve_R1979]

I see no reason why not.

The big no no is having un-matched shocks on the same axle.

I guess its no different to having a set of brand spanking new standard shocks on the front and a pair of clapped out standard shocks on the back.