Z3 front struts/brake issue?

[Jodyzuza]

Hey guys,
looking to buy a 2002 z3...test drive it today and noticed that the front struts are shot, the front of the car lifts during hard acceleration and will bounce a little over bumps...the weird thing is that the brake idiot light on the dash is on...and the owner said what happens is that the oil from the struts leaks onto a brake sensor and hence the idiot light....is this true?
and...is it hard for a backyard mechanic (me!) to install new struts?

thanks!!

[ProductUser]

It sounds like the owner hasn't taken care of the Z3. Take the car in for a pre-purchase inspection as there may be other lurking issues.

[328 Power 04]

It better be dirt cheap. Sounds a bit rough. You will likely find many other things wrong after being stuck with it.

[KBH22102]

A thorough PPI is definitely indicated, but it is true that the brake sensors can become dislodged or gummed up with debris and that has been known to throw a code. If the struts are original, they are very likely toast as you have found. Replacement units are not expensive and are not too difficult to install. If you plan to reuse your strut hats, you do need to use a spring compressor so be careful there. If you go with full struts, it is quite easy to do. The rear shocks are very easy to replace. The rear shock mounts however can be a pain if you are getting a coupe as the rear cargo bay trim all has to be removed. It is pretty easy on a roadster as you just have to carefully pull up the carpet in the soft top well.

[Pelican Parts]

+1 on the PPI - this should give you all the info you need to decide if this particular example is worth investing in. If you do pull the trigger on it, take a look at the link below to our site's DIY tech articles on the Z3 platform - there are a lot of very helpful guides to procedures that you'll likely be doing. Hope this helps you a bit and best of luck!

https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tec...ch_main_Z3.htm

[ZGator]

Hey guys,
looking to buy a 2002 z3...test drive it today and noticed that the front struts are shot, the front of the car lifts during hard acceleration and will bounce a little over bumps...the weird thing is that the brake idiot light on the dash is on...and the owner said what happens is that the oil from the struts leaks onto a brake sensor and hence the idiot light....is this true?
and...is it hard for a backyard mechanic (me!) to install new struts?

thanks!!

you could get some diagnostic software such as INPA or ISTA, and monitor the wheel speed sensors. they would also probably have a fault code or two to clue you in.

if the shock is original Sachs - then for sure it's probably shot.

you should probably do all 4 shocks.

is it difficult? - not really - need spring compressors, impact wrench helps.

[bluptgm3]

Definitely have someone who knows Z3’s look at the trunk floor.

Struts are an easy DIY IF you have the tools and have handled a wrench before. There are some specialty tools required.
I have done several of these (including “M” Koni ‘cut-n-gut) and a couple of my own “M” and non-“M” E36’s at least twice now, with hand tools. I own three.


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[Jodyzuza]

Where can I find complete strut assemblies online? All I find is the strut itself; don't wanna even attempt to remove the spring!!

[bluptgm3]

I don’t think you can source a new complete strut assembly (of reasonable quality) for your BMW. All of the struts that I am aware of require assembly.
Perhaps there is a vendor that will collect the required parts and assemble it for you (for a price, heck…let me know what you want, I’ll source the parts and pass the savings to you!!) but I have never seen a new complete BMW Strut assembly for sale.


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[Vintage42]

They are called Quick Struts. Monroe and Detroit Axle make them, for instance.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Both-2-New-...BZoXAP&vxp=mtr
But there is not enough demand for any company to make them for Z3.

[rf900rkw]

Bimmerbum.com will preassemble your choice of struts and springs.

[Vintage42]

That is buying new springs, and probably not the best price on whatever struts.
If there is a cooperative shop nearby, it is probably cheaper to take the old struts with springs to them intact, and let them install the new struts.
I bought a spring compressor for $20, an electric impact wrench for $50, barely got one strut apart and knew I would not get it together. So took all old and new parts to a shop who put everything together for $40.
Shops have upright powered strut compressors that look sort of like drill presses with fingers, and takes a couple of minutes per strut.
Should have done that in the first place.