Suspensions Refresh - Am I Covered?

[Katu]

My ZHP has 76,000 miles on it and it's time to do the suspension! Here is what I am planning, any thoughts/opinions are appreciated!

I've already purchased Koni FSD struts/shocks and Eibach Pro-Kit springs. I also already replaced my CABs about 10,000 miles ago with some generic brand, them seem to be working fine.

Here is what I am also planning to buy:

Front:
Strut mount - Part #31336752735 <- is OEM fine?
Reinforcement plates - Part #51717036781
Bump stop - Part #31306757046 <- do I need these?

Do you guys think I should replace my front control arms at this time? I heard the ZHP control arms are a bit beefier than standard E46, but are they overdue @76,000 miles? I had Meyle HD in mind, should be better than stock ZHP control arms right? (http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Suspension/Refresh_Kits/ES205226/)

Rear:
Shock mount - Rogue Engineering (http://store.bimmerworld.com/rogue-engineering-e30e36e46-3-series-rear-shock-mounts-p747.aspx) <- I believe if I go with the Rogue's I don't need rear reinforcement plates, true?
RTABs - I was going to go with Meyle HD RTABs with limiters.
Bump stop - Part#51718413359 <- do I need these?

I was considering redoing sway bar bushings but I'm not sure if it's in the budget.

Anything I am misssing?

Thanks!

[Oli77]

I hope the pros wake up soon and help you out. Sorry, I know nothing about suspension. Did you double check things here (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?3689-ITT-ZHP-Mafioso-Learn-Everything-There-is-to-Know-About-Coilover-Suspension-Set-ups) and here (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?1830-BMW-E46-ZHP-DIY-and-Preventative-maintenance&highlight=serpentine+belt)?

[danewilson77]

Meyle HD is not better than stock ZHP control arms. Not by a long shot.

Might as well get the bump stops. They should be relatively cheap.

In addition to your list above, I would get endlinks.

Most likely the sway bar bushings are fine. I changed mine out after 100k miles, and the ones I pulled off were 9.9/10 condition wise.

Consider tie rods as well.

OEM is fine...depending on what you mean by OEM.

[JupiterBMW]

Just FYI, March is suspension month at Turner Motorsports... 10% off almost all BMW suspension components...

[Dave1027]

You may want to verify the Konis come with new boots.

[aurelius]

Bavauto has 20% off Koni this month (March, 2013).

One nice thing about the Meyle CA's is that the ball joints are replaceable. The ball joints being what wears out. Have someone who knows what to look for test your current CA's. You may be good for another 20k mis. Mine are fine at 71k.

RTAB's + limiters: see Vorshlag. You want OE MZ4 or E46 M3 RTABs plus their limiters. Beware, replacement involves a lot of labor. Vorshlag sells RTABs plus their own limiters as a kit.

[Katu]

Meyle HD is not better than stock ZHP control arms. Not by a long shot.

Good to know, thanks!


Might as well get the bump stops. They should be relatively cheap.

They are pretty cheap, as I understand it they stop your car from bottoming out right? Any drawbacks to them?

Also I will look into endlinks and tire rods, thanks for the info!

JupiterBMW, thanks for the heads up on the 10% off!

Dave1027, I think the Koni's have new boots, but I will verify.

aurelius, thanks for the specifics on which RTABs to get (OE MZ4 or E46 M3).


You guys are great, any other input is welcome!

[aurelius]

Definitely read Vorshlag's info page. Includes BMW pn's for the RTABs.

Bump stops: to clarify, these are not a mod. You have them in there now but they are so cheap and they get worm down so may as well replace.

If your CA's are good I'd go with end links over and above every part discussed above.

[Junior2552]

Definitely read Vorshlag's info page. Includes BMW pn's for the RTABs.

Bump stops: to clarify, these are not a mod. You have them in there now but they are so cheap and they get worm down so may as well replace.

If your CA's are good I'd go with end links over and above every part discussed above.

This.

[Junior2552]

Meyle HD is not better than stock ZHP control arms. Not by a long shot.

Might as well get the bump stops. They should be relatively cheap.

In addition to your list above, I would get endlinks.

Most likely the sway bar bushings are fine. I changed mine out after 100k miles, and the ones I pulled off were 9.9/10 condition wise.

Consider tie rods as well.

OEM is fine...depending on what you mean by OEM.

This as well. Live by whatever Dane tells you. I've learned this throughout the years of forum jumping. He's everywhere. And right.

[Oli77]

:respect ^ Here here

[Katu]

Any thoughts on the front strut mounts? Just go with OEM?

IE.. http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Strut_Mount/ES50797/

Thanks!

[Dave1027]

Go with the OEMs. They are best quality and the stock bearing caps fit. Oembimmerparts has much better pricing on those.

[danewilson77]

BMW ones are great, but I'm actually going to Sachs-Boge from Autohausaz this go around. They are an affiliate of this site :)

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/Screenshot_2013-03-09-17-54-28.png

I may change my mind about the Meyle HD end links.

While we are talking about Autohausaz, I want to let you know they are great. I had an "issue" and I called them up. Mike answered and fixed my issue immediately. I also love the added benefit of being able to build and save a cart. Can't do that at ECSTuning. And did I mention they are an affiliate?

Sent from the HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA and USA

[nike001]

I'd get different strut mounts. I've heard that oe strut mounts don't like a stiffer suspension. IIRC, quite a few guys go with Z3 mounts

[danewilson77]

I'd get different strut mounts. I've heard that oe strut mounts don't like a stiffer suspension. IIRC, quite a few guys go with Z3 mounts

Ahhh... You are correct. I've read that as well. You're talking specifically about rear, correct?

Sent from the HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA and USA

[nike001]

I've heard that a couple have busted through the towers in the rear, but i'd get front & rear just to be matched up. A good idea, no?

[danewilson77]

I've heard that a couple have busted through the towers in the rear, but i'd get front &amp; rear just to be matched up. A good idea, no?

Wasn't sure z3 FSM's were the same or not. I know they can be used in rear. I think the bust through in the rear is pretty rare.

Sent from the HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA and USA

[nike001]

Better safe than sorry :)

[danewilson77]

Better safe than sorry :)

So... You're confirming they are the same.

Sent from the HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA and USA