Suspension Q: Replace entire thing or just the shocks?

[motosport3]

My sis's 328i has the H&R sport/Koni or Bilstein shock setup on her 328i.

The ride has gone to crap, and I believe she has about maybe 40k - 50k miles or so on it.

The car is fairly low and driven on the streets of San Francisco, I'm not surprised. So question is should she get a whole new suspension (shocks & springs) or just replace the shocks?

What do you guys recommend?

[M Rob]

Depends on what she is looking to gain. If she just wants the ride back, then I'd just replace the shocks.

But if she would like to take this opportunity to improve the handling, then there will be no better time to do a complete refresh.

[motosport3]

I'm guessing the ride would be what she wants most...

So what is the usual lifespan of springs?

I guess Konis would be the way to go?

BTW, she is running the M3 spec'd spring/shock combo...

[M Rob]

Most high-quality springs (H&R/Eibach) should be good for at least 100k miles of street use.

Koni's seem to work best without all the travel issues that Bilstein Sports have. If you want to get something trick we can get you some GC shortys that will give her even more travel. Or even some rear externally adjustables.

[motosport3]

Hmm, how much can you get Konis for that work w/ H&R sports?

Also, how much do you charge for installs? You can PM the info if you want. Thanks!

[Loud_TIGER]

are u saying the current koni/h&r sport setup only lasted 40-50k miles?

[hal9000]

Originally posted by motosport3
My sis's 328i has the H&R sport/Koni or Bilstein shock setup on her 328i.

The ride has gone to crap, and I believe she has about maybe 40k - 50k miles or so on it.

The car is fairly low and driven on the streets of San Francisco, I'm not surprised. So question is should she get a whole new suspension (shocks & springs) or just replace the shocks?

What do you guys recommend?

If they're Koni's or Bilsteins, they should be under lifetime warranty unless they're bent or something. You should be able to get them revalved. She'll just have to pay labor for the install and shipping.

[Armo95]

Originally posted by Loud_TIGER
are u saying the current koni/h&r sport setup only lasted 40-50k miles?

Highly doubt it. Besides, Konis have a lifetime warranty...

[motosport3]

Originally posted by Loud_TIGER
are u saying the current koni/h&r sport setup only lasted 40-50k miles?

The car rides like crap right now. The suspension has deteriorated to the point where its guaranteed to be a not so comfy ride everytime.

[paul e]

>>The car is fairly low and driven on the streets of San Francisco, I'm not surprised. So question is should she get a whole new suspension (shocks & springs) or just replace the shocks<<

I dont know how different this is from the oe M3, but I found my stock shots were toast by around 35k miles! AT 36k mi I went to a Dinan stage I suspension, which features use of the Koni DA shocks.

Now what surprised me is that you say she only got about 40-50k miles out of the upgraded koni or bilstein setup? But arent both of those suppose to be essentially 'lifetime' shocks'? When you upgrade oe to a set of Konis, I think most folks would be rather upset if after 40 or 50k miles, they were toast also. I dont think its supposed to be that way. Besides I thought the Konis carry a lifetime warranty anyway!

[motosport3]

Well I'll verify later what shocks they are....if they are Koni then thats cool about the lifetime warranty thing and hopefully can get them replaced.

[egreaves20]

with the work involved, replace springs and shocks together.

[lovesm3s]

wow that's fast...i had the impression they would last longer? how long have they been lasting everyone else that has the same set up?

[indicaM3]

>>with the work involved, replace springs and shocks together.

why? with the $$ involved why make it 2-3 hundred more? don't springs last a long time? aftermarket springs of course.

[egreaves20]

you'd hate to find out it was the springs, after you just replaced the shocks. whats a few hundred in the grand scheme?? the suspension is part of what makes these cars great.

[Def]

Springs last a VERY long time, especially given the materials and methods used for producing automotive type springs.

Besides, a "rough" ride would imply an increase in the spring rate of the springs, while the opposite usually happens to a "worn out" spring. The free length of the spring can also significantly compress, but this is very rare.