Rear Suspension Help!

[Z4JB]

I have recently bought a 2004 3.0i - currently sitting on 108’s and Goodyear Eagle F1’s with 74k on the clock.

The car doesn’t sit unevenly however I have noticed the shocks at the rear sitting differently. Could one be collapsed?

 

[Zulu4]

Are sure a spring hasn't snapped ? (It's the spring rather than the shock absorber that determines the ride height)

 

[bigwinn]

its also possible if a spring hasnt cracked that its not seated correctly

 

[Z4JB]

Are sure a spring hasn't snapped ?

It's in for a water pump replacement tomorrow so I will get them to check the springs, I wouldn't be surprised if that's what it was. Are they mega money to replace? Might as well get both sides done whilst I am at it.

 

[Zulu4]

The rears are very straightforward to replace

 

[Rockhopper]

Easier to replace but strangely more expensive to buy than the fronts.

 

[Z4JB]

Thanks all for the info, it's almost like the car knows I am happy to give it some TLC so it's throwing as many issues as it can my way all at once!!

 

[Zedebee]

If you have a jack and are capable of taking a wheel off, then inspecting and changing the rear springs is one of the easiest DIY jobs to do on a Z4. No tools required.

 

[patriot66]

Hi there Z4JB. There's a lot of corrosion on those top caps and the top of the piston in the first photo. The dust cover is split in the lower photo. I would hazard a guess from this that these are the original '04 Sachs dampers and almost certainly they (and the fronts also ! ) will be shall we say WELL past their best with little or NO damping at all Bin 'em and fit new. It will transform the ride and handling

 

[Z4JB]

Hi there Z4JB. There's a lot of corrosion on those top caps and the top of the piston in the first photo. The dust cover is split in the lower photo. I would hazard a guess from this that these are the original '04 Sachs dampers and almost certainly they (and the fronts also ! ) will be shall we say WELL past their best with little or NO damping at all Bin 'em and fit new. It will transform the ride and handling

Yeah I’ve definitely decided to switch them all out. I’m pretty confident the N/S/R spring has snapped upon inspection. Hoping it’s not going to burn a hole in the wallet too much!!

 

[bigwinn]

where you based bud- I've got a couple of used springs- think they are slightly lowered (they aren't standard) with surface rust that you can have

 

[Z4JB]

where you based bud- I've got a couple of used springs- think they are slightly lowered (they aren't standard) with surface rust that you can have

Thanks bigwinn, I really appreciate the offer! I’m in derbyshire, but I think I’m going to want to keep the standard ride height though, I already have trouble clearing some speed bumps as it is! Am I right in thinking the 3.0i was slightly lower as standard or have I got that wrong?

 

[jamie_z4]

where you based bud- I've got a couple of used springs- think they are slightly lowered (they aren't standard) with surface rust that you can have

Thanks bigwinn, I really appreciate the offer! I’m in derbyshire, but I think I’m going to want to keep the standard ride height though, I already have trouble clearing some speed bumps as it is! Am I right in thinking the 3.0i was slightly lower as standard or have I got that wrong?

Yes, all 3.0 cars were fitted with M sport suspension as standard, unless specified without. (prefacelift only) the facelift cars had a dedicated Sport and SE where the SE had the higher springs fitted.

 

[enuff_zed]

Agree with all the above but I will point out that the only issue you can see is the bump stop has slipped down the shock a bit, so nothing is about to break.

 

[Z4JB]

Thanks all, I’m definitely going to get them refreshed. Can’t wait to see how it feels after they’ve been replaced!

 

[Zedebee]

If one of your springs is snapped, you’ll definitely notice a difference!