New e34 owner!

[viny7777]

Hi.

I just bought my very first bmw and it is a nice 95 525. I bought the car with 146 000 km(90k miles). I live in Quebec and bought it in Ontario. I will post picts as soon as i get some... and when i'll have the required 20 post...

I Had it inspected before buying it but it looks like the inspection was not very well done. I had to pass an inspection here to get my plates and it showed that my front shocks aren't good anymore... also that I need a couple of lights, 2 exhaust rubber ring, a bracket, and that my reverse lights are screwed. I also need to fix some of the protector around the exhaust... not quite sure what's the name of those piece.

so many of the things stated above aren't much trouble. The shocks are my main concern and since the local shop quoted me around 800$ to have them changed(which I think is way to expansive), I will try to change them myself but since I have absolutely no knowledge or experience in car mechanics it will be hard.

Ok I'm getting to the point. if I do change my shocks my self, can I do more harm than good ? or is it simple enough when you use the bentley and the instructions from bmwe34?

Sorry for the long post and thanks for the answers.

Vince

[DannyH4]

pics! Congratulations!

[viny7777]

pics will be there as soon as I take some and i still need 20 post... getting there

[X Mon]

On the shock change, it's a pretty straight forward procedure, but it requires a number of special tools. If you're a novice, it's something that's likely best achieved under the tutaledge of someone who's been down that road before. You may want to try hopping over to the regional forums, and seeing if anyone would be willing to help out for a case of beer or the like. While not exactly the same as most other models (E32 is the same) the work is similar enough to not be a big issue.

I haven't had a chance to do the touring yet (still waiting for my GD springs) but I'm guessing it should be a 2-3 hour job for BOTH sides. I did just do a Volvo S70 (where the shock/strut housing is all one piece) and it took a little under 2 hours total.

[KDickie]

On the shock change, it's a pretty straight forward procedure, but it requires a number of special tools. If you're a novice, it's something that's likely best achieved under the tutaledge of someone who's been down that road before. You may want to try hopping over to the regional forums, and seeing if anyone would be willing to help out for a case of beer or the like. While not exactly the same as most other models (E32 is the same) the work is similar enough to not be a big issue.

I haven't had a chance to do the touring yet (still waiting for my GD springs) but I'm guessing it should be a 2-3 hour job for BOTH sides. I did just do a Volvo S70 (where the shock/strut housing is all one piece) and it took a little under 2 hours total.

I've never undertaken this project yet myself, though I was considering it on my E30 when it lost it's mind. The advice I received from those who were wiser, was not to try it with out the right tools. You can rent some good ones, rather than buy cheap ones, because compressing the springs can be dangerous. 2-3 hours might be light for a novice, though I'm sure the second one will take about 1/3 the time of the first. Best of luck with your new ride. Look forward to seeing some pictures.

[viny7777]

hay thanks for answering.

I have a friend who has a coil compressor and a couple of air tools. What other special tools would I need?

[viny7777]

oh and I wanted to ask beside the actual shock cartrigde or strut cartridge (any difference?) what parts do i need. can I re use all the stuff thats already there?

[atl530i]

Congrats. Welcome to the e34 club. When I first bought my e34, I had to buy a new transmission cooler for the car and install new bushings in the front. All worth it because e34s are pretty fun to drive.

[RVAE34]

Nothing. Imapct wrench, spring compressor, pipe wrench and a bench vice if ya got it so that you can secure the strut when removing the shock cap.

[Kate525i]

Hey! welcome! I have no clue about struts or anything as I am relatively new here as well, but yeah, +1 on E34's- so much fun to drive....:redspot

[Ristmar]

Welcome, here you can find pretty much any answer you need! ;)

[mainebimmer]

I am currently in the middle of replacing my front struts and like most repair jobs, ive hit some unexpected snags. it seems like every bolt is rusted pretty good and one of the guide supports won't be able to be used again. I also ruined one of the parts the strut cartridge slides into, strut mount i believe. so this has turned into a 2 week project while i wait for that part. im just venting, good luck on your project

[Gunslinger]

oh and I wanted to ask beside the actual shock cartrigde or strut cartridge (any differance?) what parts do i need. can I re use all the stuff thats already there?

Buy new bump stops and the plastic sleeve that goes on the housing body. You can reuse the strut bearings/mounts.

[viny7777]

hey thanks for the info could you please refer those parts with real oem?
I'm having trouble finding what's what.

oh and a very newb question ... can I buy all of the parts i find in realoem.com at my local bmw dealer??

thanks

[Bradams540]

hey thanks for the info could you please refer those parts with real oem?
I'm having trouble finding what's what.

oh and a very newb question ... can I buy all of the parts i find in realoem.com at my local bmw dealer??

thanks

They may not have all of the parts at the dealership, some may have to be ordered. Pelican parts, to the best of my knowledge, has everything on real oem...Don't know how the prices compare, but so far, I haven't been dissapointed.