Front Struts - Replacement Options?

[IAmOrion]

I posted this Q to a Facebook group also, but wanted to get some info and hopefully some links from some people here too...
So basically, this happened today.....



It's not supposed to be that low - my spring snapped

Mines a 03/2003 E85 3.0i. It came from factory with the "M-Sport Suspension" package. I personally don't care about fancy coil overs, lowering it, adjustable etc... I'm simply looking for a budget friendly, as close to "like for like" as I can get and was hoping some people had suggestions and links.

A few have already pointed out it would be more ideal to get a set eg, the strut AND the springs as it's much easier to swap them over as a "unit" than it is to try and replace the spring only.
I'm also aware ideally they should be done in axle pairs.

Many thanks in advance

 

[CrazyBaptie]

I personally just replaces mine in all 4 corners and used the Bilsten B12 kit which is slightly lower then the M suspension I think. Were very easy to fit however as I was able to compress them by hand enough to get the top nut on.

 

[Wookster78]

You could maybe replace the front rotors at the same time :wink:
I replaced mine with a set of adjustable coilovers and the ride is so much more comfortable, can also replace super easy with no compression and good price for them on eBay, been on for a couple of years now no issues whatsoever and much better than the stock m sport suspension I had originally. The kit is the Stance + £230, which is cheap but they are not cheap at all and perform superbly plus adjustable

 

[IAmOrion]

You could maybe replace the front rotors at the same time :wink:
I replaced mine with a set of adjustable coilovers and the ride is so much more comfortable, can also replace super easy with no compression and good price for them on eBay, been on for a couple of years now no issues whatsoever and much better than the stock m sport suspension I had originally. The kit is the Stance + £230, which is cheap but they are not cheap at all and perform superbly plus adjustable

I did actually see those "Stance+" ones on eBay:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182949081402
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293560516861

I presume they're both the same kit, just different sellers.

The only thing that makes me question those is this text on their listings...

"Height adjustable front and rear. Adjustable drop links may required if going lower than 40mm.
Top mounts not included, uses existing top mounts. Bump stops may need to be shortened. Front wheel spacers may be required in some cases."

Another listing for same item says "Stance+ DL1 shortened drop links required" - did you get them too?

Did you shorten your bump stops? Did you need spacers? That all sounds like added annoyances to do that I'd rather not have to do haha

 

[Wookster78]

Actually yes did use the shortened drop links but bolt on part and new lemforder top mounts which was standard fitment on the front and you can use your standard bump stops for the rear if they are in good condition, mine is only just lower than standard suspension and all works fine, no spacers and no rubbing anywhere

I bought mine from the official seller in the second link

 

[IAmOrion]

Actually yes did use the shortened drop links but bolt on part and new lemforder top mounts which was standard fitment on the front and you can use your standard bump stops for the rear if they are in good condition, mine is only just lower than standard suspension and all works fine, no spacers and no rubbing anywhere

I bought mine from the official seller in the second link

Ahh, ok, thanks.

I've also found this link: https://www.stanceduk.com from a post here on the forum (https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=107381)

For the most part, others are suggesting they're good. The odd mention of a click/clunk concerns me slightly coz knowing my luck I'll do something wrong! ha

Think I'll order a set though. I'm trying see if they have a kit that has everything I need (inc drop links)

Many thanks for all your help

 

[Wookster78]

Pic of the front with the shorter drop link

 

[Wookster78]

No clunking from mine, super smooth, you can order a kit with it all, I did and customer support is good, might have actually ordered direct from the uk distributer and they provided the drop links with the kit

 

[IAmOrion]

No clunking from mine, super smooth, you can order a kit with it all, I did and customer support is good, might have actually ordered direct from the uk distributer and they provided the drop links with the kit

Thanks for the pic - super handy! Was just watching a few vids on YT and seems they're actually pretty easy to do!

Do you happen to have links or the website of where you ordered your from?

 

[Wookster78]

Give us a shout when you set them up as I can give you the ride height I used which works well, slightly lower in the front than the rear which seems to give improved handling out of bends. After struggling the first time to compress the oem spring and swap them out this was super easy to do. Will check if I have the invoice and let you know

 

[IAmOrion]

Give us a shout when you set them up as I can give you the ride height I used which works well, slightly lower in the front than the rear which seems to give improved handling out of bends. After struggling the first time to compress the oem spring and swap them out this was super easy to do. Will check if I have the invoice and let you know

Sounds great, many thanks again for your help

 

[Wookster78]

Just checked and can’t seem to find the paperwork but I think one of the eBay sellers was a Uk distributer and there was a number for them on one of the adverts

 

[IAmOrion]

Just checked and can’t seem to find the paperwork but I think one of the eBay sellers was a Uk distributer and there was a number for them on one of the adverts

No problem, one (hopefully last :rofl: ) question.... I don't seem to be able to find the drop links for the Z4, although others said the E46 ones are the same - 160mm (M10x1.5) DL1 does that sound right?

Oh, and did you replace any bolts? Should I have new bolts ready to go?

 

[Wookster78]

I got the distributor to sell the drop links with the kit, these are designed for the this kit so would recommend using them as I have, might be able to google Uk distributer number and call them to get them to add it to the kit, rears no bolts needed as it’s drop in by pushing down on rear axel, fronts I used the original nuts for the top mounts to the strut housing, new nut for the spring to top strut mount and existing on the nut on the lower control arm

If I get a chance I will measure my drop links for you

 

[IAmOrion]

I got the distributor to sell the drop links with the kit, these are designed for the this kit so would recommend using them as I have, might be able to google Uk distributer number and call them to get them to add it to the kit, rears no bolts needed as it’s drop in by pushing down on rear axel, fronts I used the original nuts for the top mounts to the strut housing, new nut for the spring to top strut mount and existing on the nut on the lower control arm

If I get a chance I will measure my drop links for you

Thanks - I've ordered the stance+ street kit and the 160mm DL1 drop links from Venom Motorsport (That's the company that make them, Venom and the official https://www.stanceplus.com are one and the same company basically)

 

[Wookster78]

That’s the one, I got them from there too

 

[IAmOrion]

Ok, so I’m doing my rears - the adjuster is supposed to go at the bottom according to venom/stanced but the adjuster thing doesn’t fit over the rubberised centering piece





Should I have ordered something else? Did they send me the wrong ones??

 

[Wookster78]

Think mine was like that a but tight but as soon as you put the car down it goes on fine, see attached mine

 

[JDavis21]

Ok, so I’m doing my rears - the adjuster is supposed to go at the bottom according to venom/stanced but the adjuster thing doesn’t fit over the rubberised centering piece

image.jpg

image.jpg

Should I have ordered something else? Did they send me the wrong ones??

That's odd, all suspension options I've seen on E46's and Z4's have the adjuster mounted at the top.



Image attached for reference, even though it's not the same kit.

 

[IAmOrion]

That's odd, all suspension options I've seen on E46's and Z4's have the adjuster mounted at the top.

IMG_20200612_162541.jpg

Image attached for reference, even though it's not the same kit.

The venom & stance+ websites both state adjuster should be at the BOTTOM - how ever I can see from [ref]Wookster78[/ref], his too are at the top.

https://www.venommotorsport.com/product/suspension/SU55012/

This is so confusing



“ Rear height adjuster to be mounted below the rear springs.”