Help Please - Z4 Coupe 3.0si suspension question

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nj325ci
Posts: 170
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 9:38 am

Help Please - Z4 Coupe 3.0si suspension question

Post by nj325ci »

Help Please! I'm two weeks away from the HPDE at NJMP and I'm stuck

I ordered a set of Bilstien HD shocks/struts and am in process of installing them on my E86. Rear shocks went in with no problem of course. I took must struts off and took them down to a local independent BMW shop here in Hunterdon County to have the new cartridges installed. He's telling me that they are about an inch too long. I called Turner Motorsport (where I purchased them) and Bilstein directly to see if the factory sport suspension required the short Bilstein Sport strut and they both said no. The Bilstein rep said their shock will be longer when you line it up with the stock unit and the Sport shock is much shorter and won't work with any stock springs.

I called the shop and he insists that the strut cartridges are too long and the spring won't sit properly.

So I'm $600 out of pocket, I replaced the rears and discarded the original shocks and my car is up on jackstands with no struts.

Does anyone have any info on who is correct here and where i can turn?

Thanks, Bill

jnscaldwell
Posts: 1102
Joined: Mon Oct 29, 2007 2:53 pm
Location: Millstone Twp., NJ

Post by jnscaldwell »

Check your PM and also give me your cell number in the reply.

Thanks
Jeff C.
17 F15 X5 40e
17 F25 X3 28i MSport
11 E92 M3 ZCP
04 E46 325cic
93 E36 325is - JS #172
12 Ford F350 King Ranch dually

nj325ci
Posts: 170
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 9:38 am

Post by nj325ci »

Jeff, I replyed but I think my replys get hung up sometimes and arent delivered. my cell is 908 296 1115 in case you dont get my reply.

victory1auto
Posts: 643
Joined: Wed Nov 10, 2004 1:37 pm

Post by victory1auto »

If I understand you correctly, the extended shock shaft [not the cartridge] is about an inch longer on the new fronts. I have seen this before when installing Bilsteins. Provided the spring is still under slight compression when installed [shaft nut tightened], you should be OK. If the spring is loose in the perch when the shaft nut is tightened, then I think something is wrong.

nj325ci
Posts: 170
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 9:38 am

Post by nj325ci »

Vic, you're correct, my terminology was off and your interpretation is right on. Thanks!

jhm5
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Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2004 6:46 pm

annual bmwna meeting

Post by jhm5 »

Please sign both my son and I up

john hulbrock
mark hulbrock

thanks

jh

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