Dreaming of a touring...

[marks525]

Ok, so I've got my eyes on a touring after 12 years of E34 sedans. Never had SLS before. Here's the question: After SLS is deleted, can I use any spring/shock combo?

[AHenry014]

yessir, sedan suspension fits right on there.

[ShapeShifter]

Buy a '95. No SLS.

[AHenry014]

my 5/93 had no SLS. i just swapped suspension right from my sedan, and vis versa. both cars just fine.

[Layne]

None of the US model 530iT's have it either. The only place you'll find it is '94 and earlier 525iT's, and most any euro models. (Come to think of it...do any other US members have a euro touring besides me?)

[Melchoir]

None of the US model 530iT's have it either. The only place you'll find it is '94 and earlier 525iT's, and most any euro models. (Come to think of it...do any other US members have a euro touring besides me?)

I do, but i'm a canuck. 94 euro 530T

[Tj Hunter]

None of the US model 530iT's have it either. The only place you'll find it is '94 and earlier 525iT's, and most any euro models. (Come to think of it...do any other US members have a euro touring besides me?)

My 1994 540iT/6 (was 530iTA) had SLS and was deleted by PO...so false...

[gtopaul]

Ok, so I've got my eyes on a touring after 12 years of E34 sedans. Never had SLS before. Here's the question: After SLS is deleted, can I use any spring/shock combo?

Sure but why? The SLS system is much better than any standard shock system I've got 214k on my M5 and have only replaced the power steering hoses. The rear shocks are still original. Handles better than my sons 93 M5 with the SLS removed. Have 203k on my Touring and only changed the rear shocks and brake bombs to M5 SLS pieces last year. The originals were still working fine. I really think maintaining the SLS is the way to go on these cars. So you have to throw some money at it every 200k miles.

[Elekta]

Sure but why? The SLS system is much better than any standard shock system I've got 214k on my M5 and have only replaced the power steering hoses. The rear shocks are still original. Handles better than my sons 93 M5 with the SLS removed. Have 203k on my Touring and only changed the rear shocks and brake bombs to M5 SLS pieces last year. The originals were still working fine. I really think maintaining the SLS is the way to go on these cars. So you have to throw some money at it every 200k miles.

Can't get any better defense of SLS than that. EDC is $$$, SLS is just maintenance IMO

[HE53]

Very interesting... a buddy just picked up a 93, so I'll probably be helping him decide what to do with his. I guess its time I learn about the SLS system.

[Layne]

My 1994 540iT/6 (was 530iTA) had SLS and was deleted by PO...so false...

I only know what realoem tells me. :dunno


Sure but why? The SLS system is much better than any standard shock system I've got 214k on my M5 and have only replaced the power steering hoses. The rear shocks are still original. Handles better than my sons 93 M5 with the SLS removed. Have 203k on my Touring and only changed the rear shocks and brake bombs to M5 SLS pieces last year. The originals were still working fine. I really think maintaining the SLS is the way to go on these cars. So you have to throw some money at it every 200k miles.

I totally agree, but I'm tired of trying to convince people. I think it was Lincoln's that actually gave self-leveling a bad name.

[marks525]

Thanks guys. Simple and cheap works for me. I am looking at a '93 today.

[sfgearhead]

IIRC there is one o-ring that goes bad on the SLS shocks. I would have loved to have it, and our new e39 has it and I wanted it this time.

[Layne]

IIRC there is one o-ring that goes bad on the SLS shocks. I would have loved to have it, and our new e39 has it and I wanted it this time.

Not an O-ring really. (I only know E32's so far... I'm assuming E34's are the same) Early ones have a quad-ring (a square version of an O-ring that is equally cheap and easy to source) and later ones have this interesting little dude shown below. It's not actually designed to be a seal at all, it's a wiper for a hydraulic piston. Cost about $15 each and fixed my E32 shocks beautifully. I saved the part number if anyone ever needs it.

http://inlinethumb53.webshots.com/34164/2205851550101597211S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2205851550101597211mTgGMz)

[marks525]

Bah. Apparetly "no rust" means swiss cheese rocker panels in some language.

[moroza]

Yes and no.

Yes, sedan parts will fit just fine.

No, most aftermarket sedan suspensions aren't quite right for the wagons, which have an extra 250 pounds or so over the rear axle. Bilstein HD's, for instance, stiffen up the front more than the rear, resulting in a bit more bounce in the back than the stock suspension, which bounces more evenly.

It depends on how fussy you are, really. Eibachs lower *and* have lower rear spring rates, but some folks get away with a full set of those on a Touring.

The stiffer the shocks and springs, the less difference it makes.

[e34moneypit]

Running sedan suspension (racing dynamics shocks/springs [revalved Billy Sports]) in the touring, and two previous tourings (same suspension, 3 tourings) and never a problem. SLS was deleted. Had to swap out rear strut mounts once, but oh well