How to tell if you need struts?

[jb325]

I have about 130K on the original struts and have developed a clunk in the front end when i go over bumps. the car doesn't seem to have loose steering and holds the road okay, but the ride is harsh - especially over sharp bumps. This is my first BMW so I have no idead what to expect. If I bounce my knee on the corners of the car the car stabilizes withing a bounce (appears normal). So, I figured the strtus are fine. Is harsh ride on a 1992 325i acceptable? When do fronts and rear struts/shocks generally get replaced. Recommendations?

[Rick325i]

When you bounce the corner, are you bouncing it several times to get it moving, making sure you bottom out the sturt on the last bounce?
I'm sure your due, but may not be "Bad".
I have 101k on the originals, most people will claim they are worn at 75k. I received my Bilsteins yesterday.
Clunk is not normal, and I would say harsh ride is not normal - firm, yes, harsh, no.

[jb325]

Yeah, I'm bouncing it a bit, but maybe not enough to bottom out. I am doing tie rods and control arm bushing and where I'm going to need an alignment anyway, i figure now is a good time to change them - especially if there is a question about their integrity. Do you agree? The previous owner never replaced them...

[318tiRocket]

You might want to check your lower ball joints. I was experiencing the same bounce and clunk. I took it in and i needed new lower ball joints. I have 92,000 on my TI and they said it was normal for them to wear out!!

[Stockman]

1992 + 130k?

if they are original shocks/struts.. they are shot..

that "bounce" test really is not a good indicator of problems

I would recommend new shocks/struts and springs.. but your money situation will have to decide what you do

[jb325]

I guess the previous owner did ball joints on it around 75k miles. But, I am going to replace the control arms, bushings, tie rods (those are shot) and struts while i'm at it. unfortunately i'll have to pass on the springs for now i think. For bushings should i use urethane or stay with the factory rubber mounts? pros and cons? The urethane look stronger, so i was leaning towards that.

[E36Eric]

130k? just go change em. You'll have to change em sooner or later. Check out bimmerparts.com, $121 each for Bilstein sports. Free shipping if you buy the complete set of 4 and no tax.

[BMWDRIVEN]

Eric, do you have to call bimmerparts.com to get that price? I just priced it up and it came to 690 for the whole set. I am in the process of ordering as well so I am trying to get the best price.
I had shox.com quote me 396 for the complete twin tube set and 205 for Eibach Pro Kit. Is there any lower out there?

[jb325]

Thanks guys. I'll be replacing them this week probably. Bilstein Sport over Boge (stock)? Is the ride really hard or is it bearable? This is my daily driver....

[bungy42]

Originally posted by jb325
Thanks guys. I'll be replacing them this week probably. Bilstein Sport over Boge (stock)? Is the ride really hard or is it bearable? This is my daily driver....

I put Bilstein Heavy Duty on my car. The ride isn't too stiff at all. Rumor has it that the HDs were stock on some of the later models anyway.

[Rick325i]

Bilstein sports are for when you have lowered the car. They are shorter than the HDs. They are also firmer, but I think the HD will be sufficient for most people.
I just bought HDs from MacNeil Automotive (the WeatherTech mat people). They had the best prices I could find. - Talk to Carol at 800-313-7601.
If you have 130k, I'd buy new rear mounts also - mine were in bad shape at 101k.