Next Tale in the Saga.. Springs!
- Thread starter Seb.F
- Start date
Z4M-2006 said:
Depends what model. There are many variants.
Z4M-2006 said:
Doesn't mean that a sports spring from the Z4M roadster will be suitable for a 2005 3.0i roadster that has M Sport suspension.
Z4M-2006 said:
According to the Suplex catalogue, that I've already passed to the OP, there are three different rear coil springs for the E85 roadster and E86 Coupe. The reason is that each Z4 model has a different dead weight, therefore there is different compression required for each spring notwithstanding that the length may be the same.
Z4M-2006 said:
No problem. I've been down this road a couple of months ago. I think that a few folk have fitted the wrong springs and havn't realised until they notice there is a large gap between the rear wheel and underside of the arch. The OP needs Suplex ref 06231 for his model.
Z4M-2006 said:
They may well fit but for peace of mind it is best to get the spring recommended by the manufacturer for the particular Z4 model so that ride and road holding are not comprimised.
Z4M-2006 said:
Many people are annoyed that OEM rear coil springs on the Z4 start to fail from around 25,000 miles and have opted for an alternative. Suplex are a German company and apparently the largest supplier of aftermarket coil springs and most people think that they are superior to BMW OEM. Time will tell I suppose but it's interesting to see that their catalogue covering most car makes and models runs to 688 pages!
Z4M-2006 said:
Maybe it's the quality of steel and manufacture. When I looked at the difference between the rear coil springs on standard factory suspension and M sport suspension for my 2.0i model the height of the spring was identical, there were small differences on the thickness of steel at various points and the overall diameter between the two variants. I've also read on this forum that some people think the BMW OEM springs look flimsy in comparison with aftermarket ones.
Just buy them from BMW, it saves a lot of headache. Iirc they are relatively cheap at BMW too...
I'd say they will be a better quality than ECP or equivalent too.
Usually after-market OEM parts, to make financial sense, are designed/made to try fit as many models as possible, so don't expect even the specific part you buy to be exact for you car, perhaps more a 'range' of car models.
Iirc, all UK 3.0i were the M-sport suspension spec. Only on the facelift models did you get a choice by having Si or non-Si model.
Dave
I'd say they will be a better quality than ECP or equivalent too.
Usually after-market OEM parts, to make financial sense, are designed/made to try fit as many models as possible, so don't expect even the specific part you buy to be exact for you car, perhaps more a 'range' of car models.
Iirc, all UK 3.0i were the M-sport suspension spec. Only on the facelift models did you get a choice by having Si or non-Si model.
Dave
Mr Whippy said:
That certainly is not the case with 'Suplex' as an inspection of their catalogue will testify.
Anyway, I'm pleased that the OP has managed to obtain the springs for his car. :wink:
Lillywhite said:
Until someone does a check that the springs are unique and match the OEM spec for that specific spring, I'd be suspect.
Just because they list it as suitable for the car listed, doesn't mean it is OEM spec. Even with many part numbers they might just do that for some other reason, they might be several same design springs stored under different numbers?!
Not saying they are or are not, just curious.
I'd hate to say they were exact match for OEM without having checked specifically. The amount of 'OEM' spec stuff I've bought that is far from OEM spec hehe!
Dave