m sport suspension ?

[rally-chris]

Does the old pre-mot shock test still work - basically pushing all your weight down on each corner to see how much movement there is?

Not really as a reliable way of determining if the damper is any good - it will only induce a low frequency response from the shock absorber (relevant for handling) and tells you little about how it will behave to a high frequency input (relevant to ride comfort).

 

[road warrior]

Does the old pre-mot shock test still work - basically pushing all your weight down on each corner to see how much movement there is?

not seen that in 30 years, i think thay look for the tell tale oil leak, joke is of course if its empty no fluid to be seen - they will pass it

 

[Marlon]

Does the old pre-mot shock test still work - basically pushing all your weight down on each corner to see how much movement there is?

not seen that in 30 years . . . .

Thinking about it that time frame sounds about right - my old man showing me the pre-mot ropes back in the day

 

[DaveD]

I’m on SE springs with B6 dampers. Is definitely firmer than standard set shocks but control is much better. I do find it’s a bit floaty at speed over bumpy roads, particularly the rear of the car so Ive put M sport springs on the rear (just rears as it was easy for me to do and I needed to fix a broken drop link). I do find this a more controlled set up and even with the SE front springs it does handle better in my opinion. It’s a little firmer but the change to B6s was a greater impact on ride firmness.

I am going to get m sport springs put on the front in the new year. I’m slightly nervous of losing front travel but my original SE springs seem to sit pretty low now, so I suspect it wouldnt drop the full 15mm. I’m hoping it gives a bit more control at the front but if it’s too firm, I might go back to SEs on the front as this combination seems to eat bumps but also be more controlled.

[awaits stick for mixing springs]

 

[DOOM]

As earlier mentioned I'm about to buy Bilstein B4 shocks. Is it me or are there more than one Bilstein B4 for our Zeds (E85/E86)?
Does any of you know the exact Bilstein B4 part number for the Z4C?

 

[MACK]

so what do we recommend for shock absorbers ?

Bilstein B4. I got mine from Balance Motorsport, they were cheaper than anywhere else inc Ebay etc

Swap to SE springs, providing you're not bothered about the aesthetics of a bigger arch gap - you could swap tyres for higher sidewalls too but that gets expensive.

+1
I've gone down this route on mine as well as fitting SE springs I fitted new B4 shocks. I run the bigger M spec tyre sizes too and that does add a bit more comfort. Overall the cars is miles more comfy, but no E85 is ever going to be great in this regard.
I initially fitted the B4s with eibachs and this was a big improvement over my existing knackered m sport shocks and springs. I wasn't launched out of my seat on every bump. Yes you could feel them but the new dampeners did their job. Ride was still a bit harsh for my liking and it bottomed out along a lot of the twisties in the Pennines near me.
I thought Id try the SE springs to see what difference they made and I'm glad I did. The ride is definitely loads better and the car is more usable on bad roads/twisties as it doesn't bottom out at all really.

When you say bottom out mack, do you mean hitting the bump stops? If so does that mean the b4s don't have sufficient travel and damping to cope when paired with eibachs? I ask only because this combo is one I'm considering. Bottoming out isn't something others have mentioned, but I also enjoy pennine roads, so don't want the same issue....

Sorry I should have been a bit clearer. When I said bottoming out I actually meant the tyres catching the wheel liners (predominately the front ones).