Suspension rebuild

[moroza]

I'm contemplating rebuilding my suspension/steering, replacing all bushings and potentially whatever else needs replacing. I'm getting a mild 50-60mph vibration, and some inconsistent wander on the highway, but my main motivation is reading that replacing all the bushings basically makes the car ride like new again, and after 17 years and 160k+ miles, it can make a huge difference. I'm not looking to replace my shocks or springs yet, since that's pretty far out of budget and I still don't know what springs to put in (no two sources can agree on much of anything other than Bavautos sagging after use).

I can live with my suspension the way it is, so my first question is - is it worth doing? From what I gather, it's a DIY, so I'd only be paying for parts. Which leads to my next question - what should I replace? Should I take a brute-force approach and just replace all bushings whether they look like they need it or not? Or would visual examination tell me what needs replacement and what's just fine?

[unesential]

Suspension is something that can taken in many ways. this is why there is such difference of opinion. If you want to return to a new like ride everthing needs to be replaced including shocks and springs. When cost is a factor then I would suggest replacing only those items which are worn. This method turns into a continuos replacement/repair cycle as when new parts are added older parts wear faster. you could try and do 1 end at a time and do the complete job in 2 stages.

[CAPEBOY]

I just bought everything to replace my suspension front and rear including shocks and springs. I went with OEM M Technic springs and Bilsteins. All front end components were sourced from BMA. In my opinion the one place you should not try to save money is with your suspension, tires or brakes. These are the parts that you notice the most, no matter your driving style.

[moroza]

Thanks for the feedback. So you suggest waiting until I can do everything, including shock/spring replacement?

[CAPEBOY]

I would do it all at the same time, just so I won't have to go back and do the rest later. It all depends on how much you value your time, I guess.

[BimmerMeUp]

I just bought everything to replace my suspension front and rear including shocks and springs. I went with OEM M Technic springs and Bilsteins. All front end components were sourced from BMA. In my opinion the one place you should not try to save money is with your suspension, tires or brakes. These are the parts that you notice the most, no matter your driving style.

How much does all that cost these days?

[CAPEBOY]

As for cost. The control arms, thrust arms, tie rod ends, center link and associated parts was around $700 from BMA. I bought the shocks and springs along with a SLS delete kit from Maximillian Imports for $1100. (The wife thinks I'm crazy) In my mind it is money well spent as long as the rest of the car is decent. I am also doing a manual tranny swap next month. So basically for $10000 which includes the price of the car which I have owned for 5 years plus the suspension rebuild and the tranny swap I will have a car rivalling almost any newer cars costing twice as much, plus I can work on it myself. Now if only I had some throwing stars......

[moroza]

I imagine it'd be substantially less if I'm only replacing bushings.