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Thread: Need guidance for a Z3 suspension upgrade.

  1. #1
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    Need guidance for a Z3 suspension upgrade.

    I thing about refreshing my 2001 Z3 3.0 Roadster suspension. 65,000 original miles (M sport option package ie wheels, trim....is not a M car)

    I for a resonably compliant road suspension that will absorb or Vt roads frost heaves...for brisk riding in the Mountains..I do not want a "race" suspension.

    What do I need to do? Shocks/struts, bushings(which ones), springs( do they sag a lot over time?)

    What about the Pelican Part Stage 2 kit? anyone with experience?

    Any comments , ideas welcome

  2. #2
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    No experience. Springs don't sag but can break. Do you suspect that?
    At your miles the original struts and shocks are worn out.
    The Stage 2 kit's struts and shocks are Bilstein Touring, says slightly stiffer ride. Looks like a good value and what you would want.
    https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog...SUSSHK_pg1.htm
    You could just replace the struts and shocks for less, using the Bilsteins, or KYB for even less.

    Edit: You say you want a "resonably compliant road suspension that will absorb or Vt roads frost heaves". Bilstein Touring though softer than the unbearable Sports, are likely to be harder than your present shocks. My choice on your rough roads would be KYB at the low end, or Koni at the high end per Post #3. They are not in Pelican's kits but maybe you could ask them to substitute and adjust the price..
    Last edited by Vintage42; 12-30-2017 at 07:30 AM.
    BMW MOA 696, BMW CCA 1405

  3. #3
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    For the best street ride buy a set of adjustable Koni's and set them one turn from full soft; the improvement will surprise you.

    Marty

  4. #4
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    First mod should be to replace the subframe bushings with poly. From what you say, I think most will opine: subframe bushings, Koni shocks, Conti or Michelin tires, new rubber bushings as needed. Here's one, of many, discussion on it: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...Z-3-M-Roadster

  5. #5
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    Have a word with this company.

    https://shop.bimmerbum.com/t/z3-30i-roadster-2001-2002

    Ed has all you need and great advice


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  6. #6
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    Second talking to Ed--you can't go wrong.

  7. #7
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    yes, Bimmerbum would be the one to speak about this question.

  8. #8
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    Thanks for the great advice. I will take a look at the subframe mount and existing bushings. That is a new issue for me. Hope I do not need that.$$$$

    On your advice I will definitely go with the Koni shocks.

    FYIW I put on Conti tires a couple of years ago and handling, noise and road harshness greatly improved. The rear insides are wearing down noticeable at about 15k miles.

  9. #9
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    I put Conti's on my stock height M Coupe (with Koni's), and while the wear on the rear tires is actually pretty even across the full width, I am on my second set of rears while the fronts are still going. It seems like the rears last 15-16K, while the fronts have 31K on them with usable tread left.

    Marty

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by vtbob View Post
    .. I put on Conti tires a couple of years ago... The rear insides are wearing down noticeable at about 15k miles.
    Which is supposedly normal, from negative rear camber. But I put on new tires 15k miles ago, too, and don't notice it happening yet.
    BMW MOA 696, BMW CCA 1405

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by vtbob View Post
    Thanks for the great advice. I will take a look at the subframe mount and existing bushings. That is a new issue for me. Hope I do not need that.$$$$

    On your advice I will definitely go with the Koni shocks.

    FYIW I put on Conti tires a couple of years ago and handling, noise and road harshness greatly improved. The rear insides are wearing down noticeable at about 15k miles.
    Tire friendly (camber & toe) settings can help to diminish wear issues.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by vtbob View Post
    Thanks for the great advice. I will take a look at the subframe mount and existing bushings. That is a new issue for me. Hope I do not need that.$$$$

    On your advice I will definitely go with the Koni shocks.

    FYIW I put on Conti tires a couple of years ago and handling, noise and road harshness greatly improved. The rear insides are wearing down noticeable at about 15k miles.
    You can buy offset subframe bushings, to take out some of that camber that is wearing out the inside of your rear tires. https://www.akgmotorsport.com/produc...-poly-75d-e30/

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by MIKYZZ4 View Post
    Tire friendly (camber & toe) settings can help to diminish wear issues.
    BMW made the Z3 with fixed negative rear camber, and I don't think there are any settings to adjust. Changes to rear camber or toe must be done with hardware.
    BMW MOA 696, BMW CCA 1405

  14. #14
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    Begun the libations early, sorry for the erroneous information.
    I must have had my thoughts on a z4 instead of z3.
    You are correct, rear camber & toe are fixed and normally non-adjustable on a z3,
    whereas on a z4, rear camber and toe adjustments are possible.

  15. #15
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    Now that I come to think about it, my z3 never had tire wear issues,
    however the z4 is another matter!

  16. #16
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    I'm not concerned about rear inside tire wear at 15k miles. I'll get this summer, 4-5k miles on these and get a new set in the fall..or sooner if needed.

  17. #17
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    Hi Bob, I too own a 01, 3.0 Roadster. What did you end up doing ? Care to share your experience and some advice maybe ?

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