Struts/Springs Swapout

[Straycatgeo]

Hey gang, first time posting into the e39 forum, so go easy on the noob. Been the proud owner of an ultra clean non-sport package 2002 530i with 112k on the clock since 2004. I just can't seem to let go of it since I only drive it 12-15 miles per day. It's been needing new struts, so I bought a set of Bilstein Sport struts from ECS and figured while the shop had it torn apart they could swap the springs as well, so I bought a set of H&R's. I want to say the advertised drop is 3/4" in the front and 1/2" in the back. A few years back I found a set of the 17" wheels that came on the sport package and that is what is currently on the car.

I've got a shop quoting me 9 hours of labor which sound a little suspect. I did this same mod to my old 94 325is years ago and don't remember it taking near this long. Anybody have any experience with this repair/mod?

Thanks in advance,

Geo

[Pelican Parts]

Hi Geo,

Based on the below tech articles that I'm linking you to, the struts are about a 6 hour job; so 9 hours of labor seems a bit much; but it's too excessive if adding the shocks as well. Other members will likely chime in with their own experience.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/BMW-5-Series-E39/69-SUSPEN-Front_Strut_Replacement/69-SUSPEN-Front_Strut_Replacement.htm

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/BMW-5-Series-E39/71-SUSPEN-Rear_Strut_Replacement/71-SUSPEN-Rear_Strut_Replacement.htm

[geargrinder]

FYI, you put this in the 'hangout' which is supposed to be off-topic chitter chat, should have been in the main forum, but... no big deal.

Yeah sounds like a little but much to me. I think Pelican means to say NOT too excessive.

If you go by their DIY's they say 6hrs each Front and Rear, so actually that'd be 12hrs but honestly that sounds crazy to me. OK so maybe it's being somewhat generous for a n00b DIY'er estimate but its way generous for a pro shop who'll be doing this on a lift. All 4 corners should easily be doable by a BMW pro shop in less than a full day. Maybe they are adding some cushion for an old car with rusty stuff, though you say uber clean and TX so I'm guessing your car should come apart with less drama than say a 200k example that wintered in Ohio or something.

[Straycatgeo]

Thank you very much for the replies.