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Thread: New Springs Making Ride Height Too High

  1. #1
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    New Springs Making Ride Height Too High

    Had my Front Springs and Front Shocks and related hardware replaced recently. Genuine BMW Shocks and Springs used per my vin. Long overdue. Rides very well now. LF shock was leaking so badly. During the past week the steering wheel would shake aggressively over most bumps. Worst I've ever felt in a car. All other front-end components didn't need replacing.

    When I arrived to pick the car up from the shop, I was shocked to see how high the front-end was sitting. Looked like a 525ix or 325ix. I had no interest in lowering the car, as it's a daily-driver, and comfort and security are key. Poor condition roads where I live.

    The service writer said that it's common for the car to sit high after replacing springs. He says it'll take a few weeks for them too settle. I am skeptical.

    Current Front Ride Height:

    LF = 24 1/16"
    RF = 24"

    Previous Front Ride Height (orig. springs and shocks):
    LF and RF = 23 1/16"

    It's sitting 1" higher now vs. before.

    My earlier thread on Springs: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...eplace-Springs

    Appreciate any information. Thanks.

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    Used the ones I planned on in older thread. 998 Springs. Will upload pics. They have orange markings. The old ones had beige/tan markings. After 26 yrs. they must have faded.

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    It's indeed normal for springs to sit a bit high right after installation, but 1 inch seems extreme. There's not a lot of UV light exposure inside the wheelwells, so I'm skeptical about the fading hypothesis. I've personally experienced BMW sending me wrong parts before (and being total asshats about exchanging them), and that seems a possibility here.

    Do you have the originals? Besides comparing paint markers, you could measure the coil diameter and wire diameter of the old and new. I bet they won't match.

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    It may settle, it may not.
    When I did struts, control arms + tierods and swaybar links at the front of my car it dropped to the regular height when I pulled the jack out.
    When I had rear subframe bushes, adjustable toe/camber RTABs done (and didn't even touch springs and struts) it rode 1" higher than normal for a couple of weeks. Now it's back to normal but I was worried for a while.

    You might have wrong springs like moroza is suggesting, (or even incorrect fitment?), but I'd wait 3 weeks or so
    Last edited by fo3; 03-08-2018 at 08:42 AM.

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    Old spring shave tendency to sag over time, I wouldn't be shocked if that was the issue you're seeing.

    -James

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    As James said your old springs were likely sagging. That mixed with the new ones that probably have to settle , will cause the change in height you see.


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    Moroza, yes you're right, not much UV light in the wheel wells. I thought the same thing. Well, maybe salt, dirt grime, and the surface rust could have lightened the orange to a faded pinkish, orange, beige.

    The springs have the right part number on them.

    I still have the old parts.

    As for other replies, I'll give it some more time. I read up on the web, and heard this is common. Interestingly, the most posts about this are people with vintage American cars (Novas, Crown Vics, Mustangs). Read that it'll take 500-1000 miles of driving. Some cars were sitting 2" higher after installing new springs. The most common was 1-2". Some dropped back to normal height some did not.

    Seems crazy and weird. When these cars were new, BMW didn't say, "hey don't show the cars to buyers, until at least 500-1000 miles is put on them, otherwise they'll sit too high and it may put them off." I do understand how it takes time for them to settle - but why, when the cars were new, it wasn't an issue?

    Yes, the old Springs were sagging very slightly as I observed in my other thread.

    Can someone please verify if this ride height is true for the 525i. This makes it sound like all E34s with normal suspension and same size wheels, 525, 530, 535, 540, have the same ride height. Hope the images show up from this page: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=975031 - note this thread is about how E34s sit higher after installing shocks only - replies say it takes time to settle too.









    Measured the Ride Height a month ago with Full-Tank of Fuel. Stock 15 Wheels. Measured from top wheel-arch to bottom center of wheel:

    No Weight in Trunk, Back Seat or Front-Seats:

    Front = 23 1/16"

    Per BMW Ride Height Requirements.... Added 46 lbs. in trunk, rear center (near seats). Adjusted Front Seats slightly more forward of center position. Worked with a passenger who weighed 129 and added 21 lbs. weight to lap to equal 150 lbs. Measured RF while she was in RF seat.... and LF while she was in LF seat.

    Front = 22 3/4"

    Previous measurements with weight showed the front was slightly sagging by 3/8" or 0.375".

    Since I measured the car recently, with no extra weight and comparing to how the front sat before, with no extra weight.... there was a difference of 1".

    So it needs to drop 1" within a month the next time I measure with no extra weight.
    Last edited by E28E34; 03-08-2018 at 12:55 PM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by E28E34 View Post
    The springs have the right part number on them.
    Is it printed or engraved? Can you get the PN off the old ones?

    Seems crazy and weird. When these cars were new, BMW didn't say, "hey don't show the cars to buyers, until at least 500-1000 miles is put on them, otherwise they'll sit too high and it may put them off." I do understand how it takes time for them to settle - but why, when the cars were new, it wasn't an issue?
    That's a really good question. Maybe they settled during the weeks between leaving the factory line and actually being put up for sale? Cars are strapped down on truck carriers, and probably on ship carriers as well, and the suspensions are cycling somewhat just in transit.

    Can someone please verify if this ride height is true for the 525i. This makes it sound like all E34s with normal suspension and same size wheels, 525, 530, 535, 540, have the same ride height.
    The FSM shows the same specs. The ride height is specced the same for all models with all options (other than suspension-specific options), and the springs are tuned to account for this. That's why there are a couple dozen spring PNs.
    So it needs to drop 1" within a month the next time I measure with no extra weight.[/QUOTE]

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    Quote Originally Posted by moroza View Post
    Is it printed or engraved? Can you get the PN off the old ones?



    That's a really good question. Maybe they settled during the weeks between leaving the factory line and actually being put up for sale? Cars are strapped down on truck carriers, and probably on ship carriers as well, and the suspensions are cycling somewhat just in transit.



    The FSM shows the same specs. The ride height is specced the same for all models with all options (other than suspension-specific options), and the springs are tuned to account for this. That's why there are a couple dozen spring PNs.
    So it needs to drop 1" within a month the next time I measure with no extra weight.
    [/QUOTE]

    What's FSM?

    Yep, part number printed on new springs. Will clean off old springs, maybe there will be a part number on there too. Maybe not.

    Spoke with owner of shop. He doesn't think it'll drop 1" in that time. More like 100,000 mi. Ugh, not good. He says it will come down some but not much. I'm not feeling good about this.

    Only good thing, is it drives almost like a new car. The steering has little less play oddly. Rides much nicer, wheel doesn't shake all over. The rear end is noisy and feels arthritic and clunky. Can't afford to do that for a some months.

    Still really disturbs me how it sits jacked up in the front. The more I read/hear, the more it seems like time is what it takes..... though maybe 25% of info says time and mileage won't do anything. Should I be more optimistic and pray?
    Last edited by E28E34; 03-08-2018 at 03:01 PM.

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    Factory Service Manual, aka The Horse's Mouth.

    I advise giving it a good high-speed thrashing down some undulating highway, an Italian Tuneup for the suspension, not fretting about it for at least 2-3 weeks, and in the meantime comparing spring dimensions and any part numbers you find.

    It rides better because of the shocks, much more than the springs.

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    After 150 miles, no change in ride height. Spoke with a senior tech at BMW specialist shop. He thinks it's likely the upper and lower control arms were tightened while suspension was hanging, causing both the upper and lower control arm bushings to be pre-loaded which could account for some of the increased ride height. Steering does not come back to center from right turns easily anymore. Car was apparently aligned after work was done. However looking at the car from the front from 100+ feet away, it looks like too much negative camber. Odd, as there should be more positive if the ride height is higher.

    Taking car to dealer. Shop Foreman who knows the older cars best is scheduled to work on car. Inspect front end, shocks, springs. Will tell them to measure with Micrometer, old springs in trunk to new springs. Check alignment. Loosen/check uppr. and lwr. cntrl. arm bushings once on alignment rack and torque to spec. Correct alignment and save/print before/after results.

    Looked at old springs and shocks. No part number and markings found after cleaning springs. Apparently when these cars were new, they didn't put BMW logo or part numbers on them -just the painted stripes.... faded orange/beige in my case. The LF shock was red and the RF was black. The red one had a tag US and something in German, but no part # or manufacturer indicated anywhere. The black shock had Boge engraved and a part number different to a BMW part number. The piston would no longer extend in red one. The black one took about 10 seconds to extend from full retraction. Records show the LF was repl. by the dealer in late 90s, and right one at a local gas station. Odd BMW would put a red shock in.

    Also, the senior tech at other shop says the reason why new BMWs don't have springs sitting higher, is because BMW AG puts the suspension for each new car through a drastic simulation, which gives the springs and rest of susp. a big work-out, and parts settle/seat-in. Parts bought later, like springs, do not get simulated as they did like the orig. springs that were installed on car. This is why new springs sit high in general. But 1" is excessive he says. Has to be something else going on.
    Last edited by E28E34; 03-15-2018 at 11:08 AM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by E28E34 View Post
    After 150 miles, no change in ride height. Spoke with a senior tech at BMW specialist shop. He thinks it's likely the upper and lower control arms were tightened while suspension was hanging, causing both the upper and lower control arm bushings to be pre-loaded which could account for some of the increased ride height. Steering does not come back to center from right turns easily anymore. Car was apparently aligned after work was done. However looking at the car from the front from 100+ feet away, it looks like too much negative camber. Odd, as there should be more positive if the ride height is higher.
    If this happened I would bet the bushings are now unusable.
    demet

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    Quote Originally Posted by E28E34 View Post
    After 150 miles, no change in ride height. Spoke with a senior tech at BMW specialist shop. He thinks it's likely the upper and lower control arms were tightened while suspension was hanging, causing both the upper and lower control arm bushings to be pre-loaded which could account for some of the increased ride height. Steering does not come back to center from right turns easily anymore. Car was apparently aligned after work was done. However looking at the car from the front from 100+ feet away, it looks like too much negative camber. Odd, as there should be more positive if the ride height is higher.

    Taking car to dealer. Shop Foreman who knows the older cars best is scheduled to work on car. Inspect front end, shocks, springs. Will tell them to measure with Micrometer, old springs in trunk to new springs. Check alignment. Loosen/check uppr. and lwr. cntrl. arm bushings once on alignment rack and torque to spec. Correct alignment and save/print before/after results.

    Looked at old springs and shocks. No part number and markings found after cleaning springs. Apparently when these cars were new, they didn't put BMW logo or part numbers on them -just the painted stripes.... faded orange/beige in my case. The LF shock was red and the RF was black. The red one had a tag US and something in German, but no part # or manufacturer indicated anywhere. The black shock had Boge engraved and a part number different to a BMW part number. The piston would no longer extend in red one. The black one took about 10 seconds to extend from full retraction. Records show the LF was repl. by the dealer in late 90s, and right one at a local gas station. Odd BMW would put a red shock in.

    Also, the senior tech at other shop says the reason why new BMWs don't have springs sitting higher, is because BMW AG puts the suspension for each new car through a drastic simulation, which gives the springs and rest of susp. a big work-out, and parts settle/seat-in. Parts bought later, like springs, do not get simulated as they did like the orig. springs that were installed on car. This is why new springs sit high in general. But 1" is excessive he says. Has to be something else going on.
    A few thoughts; new springs will sit a bit higher then settle but after 150 miles I'd say they have settled. Old springs could have(likely) been sagging a bit too.
    Comparing old to new is tough, BMW publishes correct ride height.
    The bushing idea makes a lot of sense too. easy enough to correct and the sooner the better. If it hasn't moved the bushes may still be okay.
    Finally, most OE springs will have the PN stamped on the last coil, can't remember if top or bottom, often hard to see. Look carefully at your old ones.
    If BMW has deemed a superceded part of a different # to be "correct" you can expect a fight if wanting to return them.
    Again, BMW publishes correct ride height specs and that is what you may want to rest your case on. Good luck.

    If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue

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    Quote Originally Posted by E28E34 View Post
    After 150 miles, no change in ride height. Spoke with a senior tech at BMW specialist shop. He thinks it's likely the upper and lower control arms were tightened while suspension was hanging, causing both the upper and lower control arm bushings to be pre-loaded which could account for some of the increased ride height. Steering does not come back to center from right turns easily anymore. Car was apparently aligned after work was done. However looking at the car from the front from 100+ feet away, it looks like too much negative camber. Odd, as there should be more positive if the ride height is higher.
    In this context, you're absolutely correct about the camber, and while I doubt that improperly preloaded thrust arm bushings could raise the suspension much, the other things you mention suggest that indeed something went wrong during installation.

    Taking car to dealer. Shop Foreman who knows the older cars best is scheduled to work on car. Inspect front end, shocks, springs. Will tell them to measure with Micrometer, old springs in trunk to new springs. Check alignment. Loosen/check uppr. and lwr. cntrl. arm bushings once on alignment rack and torque to spec. Correct alignment and save/print before/after results.
    Pretty please post the results of that measurement - coil OD and spring wire OD. Also whether there are 7 coils (95% certain they will be) or 6.5.

    Looked at old springs and shocks. No part number and markings found after cleaning springs. Apparently when these cars were new, they didn't put BMW logo or part numbers on them -just the painted stripes.... faded orange/beige in my case. The LF shock was red and the RF was black. The red one had a tag US and something in German, but no part # or manufacturer indicated anywhere. The black shock had Boge engraved and a part number different to a BMW part number. The piston would no longer extend in red one. The black one took about 10 seconds to extend from full retraction. Records show the LF was repl. by the dealer in late 90s, and right one at a local gas station. Odd BMW would put a red shock in.
    Fishy. But by this point, irrelevant. You have OE front shocks now, or at least Sachs/Boge?

    Also, the senior tech at other shop says the reason why new BMWs don't have springs sitting higher, is because BMW AG puts the suspension for each new car through a drastic simulation, which gives the springs and rest of susp. a big work-out, and parts settle/seat-in. Parts bought later, like springs, do not get simulated as they did like the orig. springs that were installed on car. This is why new springs sit high in general. But 1" is excessive he says. Has to be something else going on.
    See previous comment regarding cars not accumulating miles but still getting a suspension workout during shipping. I was on the highway next to a car carrier today that was carrying a newish 3/4-ton pickup. It was strapped down so hard that it looked like a lowrider, but still bounced and swayed some.

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    Quote Originally Posted by ross1 View Post
    A few thoughts; new springs will sit a bit higher then settle but after 150 miles I'd say they have settled. Old springs could have(likely) been sagging a bit too.
    Comparing old to new is tough, BMW publishes correct ride height.
    The bushing idea makes a lot of sense too. easy enough to correct and the sooner the better. If it hasn't moved the bushes may still be okay.
    Finally, most OE springs will have the PN stamped on the last coil, can't remember if top or bottom, often hard to see. Look carefully at your old ones.
    If BMW has deemed a superceded part of a different # to be "correct" you can expect a fight if wanting to return them.
    Again, BMW publishes correct ride height specs and that is what you may want to rest your case on. Good luck.
    Yea, bushings. If the shop did not compress the spring to ride height before torquing the suspension, it would be the problem.

    Also, the 525i has specific springs because of front engine weight, I had an issue when I tried to install M5 springs on mine. Just make sure those are the correct springs.

    02 e39 540i Sport (Son), 01 DINAN 7 (Me), 12 e70 X5 x35i (Mrs), 95 e34 525i (Daughter 2), 01 e46 325Ci vert (Daughter 1)

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    Got the car back from the dealer. Most checked out well.

    Springs and Shocks inspected by foreman. All was installed properly. "The strut is in the housing perfect. Pads are aligned." The advisor doesn't expect it to lower more than 1/8" from his experience. Parts Dept. more optimistic - give a at least a month, "It'll come down. It's normal in the beginning." The advisor says (though I think it's too high) it's acceptable.

    According to the alignment specs, the height is 12mm or 0.48" out of spec. target range. The ride-height is 610mm or 24.01" - exactly what I measured after new springs installed with no addl. weight. The advisor says they added weight - based on this, I doubt it - as it should have dropped some.

    The Lower and Upper Control Arms were loosened. The bushings did not pop or budge - indicating they were not pre-loaded (were torqued fully at ride-height after shocks and springs were installed). Re-torqued on alignment rack.

    Alignment (toe) needed some minor adjusting. Turns out the RF has a little too much positive camber (0.07 out of spec. target range) - most likely due to the increased front ride height - of course camber couldn't be adjusted. The advisor says it's so minor and not to worry.

    As was my case, no markings or part numbers could be found on the springs.

    The new and old springs were measured:

    Old – 13.7-13.8mm (0.54")
    New – 13.35mm (0.53")

    So the new springs were not any thicker/heavier duty.

    I mentioned in passing to advisor and parts if I should put the old springs back. They both said no. Aside from the odd-raised front-end, it rides and turns so much nicer.

    Moroza: I will count old spring coils. Have photos of new springs and shocks. Will post soon. Yes, odd regarding old shocks. Yep, new ones are BMW-Sachs (none left in US). Interesting that truck was strapped down so low. Yes, I have seen cars on carriers getting quite a workout.


  18. #18
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    I hate getting springs just on one end. So much so I'd rather wait to find a car that has already had them done and the job worked out right. Like you said so many people of all marques have has this problem.
    Back in 1992 with my first car I had a shop replace the front springs (going from factory 20 yr old ones to ones that were supposed to be performance and lower). The front was sky high and it never settled. Eventually I gave up and raised the rear to match and added and extra leaf too. I would never have the talent or budget for track racing anyway.
    With the higher clearance I could take my rx3 off road pine forest rallying for fun, and the thicker rear leaf helped at the drag strip for limiting tramp
    It is what it is...

    But yeah, that was my first car, first getting springs changed, and I've avoided it since. Horrible but I just went rallying and drag racing because of it.
    Last edited by fo3; 03-20-2018 at 01:53 PM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by E28E34 View Post
    Old – 13.7-13.8mm (0.54")
    New – 13.35mm (0.53")
    You're in an unexpected and crappy situation, and I'm interested in helping get to the bottom of this, partly because I've been reverse-engineering E34 springs for a couple of months for personal and community purposes, and have compiled a lot of data. Unless you were measuring rusty flaky springs, that first number is almost implausible. I was expecting around 13.0. For context, 518i springs are 12.7mm (best guess from research), 520/525 replacements are 13.0 (ditto), 530iAT are 13.5 (personal measurement), Vogtland and Eibach are 13.4 (ditto), and H&R are 13.75 (some BFc member measured theirs and posted it). There are more variables than that, but the gist is the same.

    Yes, please post photos, along with the coil diameter and free length of the originals. And if you feel up to it, coil diameter of the new installed springs. We're expecting ~145-155mm for coil OD and ~390mm for free length. Coil diameter should be measured in the middle coils, not the ends. Don't bother with inches.
    Last edited by moroza; 03-21-2018 at 06:16 PM.

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    You say you only did the front springs? Did this have an effect on the ride height I the rear? Maybe by not doing the back it added stress/ compressed the rear? Maybe doing the back you’ll find an over all lift but maybe only 1/2” front and back?

    Just a thought

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    f03: Ugh. Yep, mine looks like a 525ix - minus the special 16" wheels.

    moroza: Thanks. I had some hope, but now feel like "there's no easy way out" and I'm at the "point of no return" (80s song references). The tech at the dealer measured the springs. Not sure where on the springs he measured it. Perhaps the extra corrosion and crud added a little extra for the old springs. I didn't count the coils of new springs, but have photos below. I don't have a micrometer. My measuring equipment is in inches. The advisor says they checked the part # for springs, and it's correct. Interesting measurements for the models and spring makers. Remember my 525i is not a US-version. It has the headlamp and foglamp washer system, which adds weight, and requires heavier duty springs as we both discovered weeks back.

    M3NACE46: Funny you say that. Yes, only front done. Rear springs and shocks still original at 170K mi. It looks like the rear is squatting a tad - could be an illusion as the front is raised. But, when accelerating from a stop, it feels like it's squatting a bit more. I would like to have done the rear too, but it's very costly as I wanted Genuine BMW parts. At this rate will have to wait until fall or next winter due to finances. The 2015 alignment specs. from BMW show the rear height was at 556mm (21.9"), and this time in 2018, was 548mm (21.6"). Perhaps the lower 8mm (0.3") is due to the full-tank and 40-55 lbs. of old shocks, springs and hardware in trunk this time, lowering the rear ride height more than 2015. Or the rear springs are sagging more. Or as you suggested, the weight is tilted to the rear more as front is raised, compressing the rear more than it was before. Who knows.

    Photos (Photobucket is a nightmare with invasive ads and extreme slowness)

    Genuine BMW Sachs Shocks ...283 - None in US. Took just over 2 wks. from Germany.











    Genuine BMW Springs ....998














    Springs and Shocks, and new BMW hardware (spring pads, bump stops, mounts, washers, dust-covers, collars) installed. Note better, longer, E32 750iL type (and other models) dust-covers - thanks to one of the members on this forum for recommending them.




    Last edited by E28E34; 03-22-2018 at 01:23 AM.

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by E28E34 View Post
    Got the car back from the dealer. Most checked out well.

    Springs and Shocks inspected by foreman. All was installed properly. "The strut is in the housing perfect. Pads are aligned." The advisor doesn't expect it to lower more than 1/8" from his experience. Parts Dept. more optimistic - give a at least a month, "It'll come down. It's normal in the beginning." The advisor says (though I think it's too high) it's acceptable.

    According to the alignment specs, the height is 12mm or 0.48" out of spec. target range. The ride-height is 610mm or 24.01" - exactly what I measured after new springs installed with no addl. weight. The advisor says they added weight - based on this, I doubt it - as it should have dropped some.

    The Lower and Upper Control Arms were loosened. The bushings did not pop or budge - indicating they were not pre-loaded (were torqued fully at ride-height after shocks and springs were installed). Re-torqued on alignment rack.

    Alignment (toe) needed some minor adjusting. Turns out the RF has a little too much positive camber (0.07 out of spec. target range) - most likely due to the increased front ride height - of course camber couldn't be adjusted. The advisor says it's so minor and not to worry.

    As was my case, no markings or part numbers could be found on the springs.

    The new and old springs were measured:

    Old – 13.7-13.8mm (0.54")
    New – 13.35mm (0.53")

    So the new springs were not any thicker/heavier duty.

    I mentioned in passing to advisor and parts if I should put the old springs back. They both said no. Aside from the odd-raised front-end, it rides and turns so much nicer.

    Moroza: I will count old spring coils. Have photos of new springs and shocks. Will post soon. Yes, odd regarding old shocks. Yep, new ones are BMW-Sachs (none left in US). Interesting that truck was strapped down so low. Yes, I have seen cars on carriers getting quite a workout.

    "The advisor" seems to have all the answers that don't require them to make any corrections.
    I'd give it more time and if ride height doesn't come down within spec than have another chat with the "advisor"*.
    *Just what credentials do these guys have anyway??

    If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue

  23. #23
    moroza's Avatar
    moroza is offline MORΩN ΛABIA BMW CCA Member
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    I wish you were closer. I'd drive over with tools and calipers and get to the bottom of this.

    That's 7 coils, consistent with my research. Wider coil OD in the middle; the ends are all ~144mm to fit the same strut hardware, so coil OD is ~150. Free length unknown but I've never seen a non-sport E34 spring claim to be outside of the 385-400mm range. If the new ones really are 13.35mm wire OD, numbers suggest it should indeed sit roughly 20mm too tall on a 525iA. At 13.0, should be about perfect (that is, as specified, which is still unsightly but I digress).

    Service advisors are required to have mechanical knowledge, if not skill, but their primary qualification is salesmanship. Typically they're paid dirt + commission on repair jobs they sell. AFAIK there's no incentive for them to approve warranty work.

    Who gave the final word on what springs to put in your car - you, or the dealer? You might load your best diplomacy cannon and refer them to page 31-33/2 of the FSM, which details how to correct ride height by swapping springs, normally done after the car has been delivered from the factory to the dealer, optional equipment has been installed or removed - affecting ride height - and before the car is sold. You may be able to talk them into going through that whole procedure and replacing your springs according to official BMW procedure. Success will in part depend on whether you paid for "restore my car's ride height according to specs" or "install 998 springs".

    I also see a ~3% chance that the springs you got are not 998, but mislabeled as such. BMW likes to think they're perfectly fastidious and infallible, but I've seen enough imperfections with their parts business that I wouldn't entirely rule that out.
    Last edited by moroza; 03-22-2018 at 07:34 PM.

  24. #24
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    I'm not happy either. Thank you guys for taking such concern and interest. Just did some random searching, as I did in Jan. and Feb on various sites. Bav. Auto, Real OEM, etc.... and put in my vin. and I see 669 springs come up. No 998s. Also, when I google the full part # for the 998s, no site says what model they are for. Not 1! Mystery.

    I have a good realationship with the parts manager - not so good with the service manager at this dealer (due to scratches on my vehicle almost everytime it's gone in there). I have a feeling the parts manager could be ok, with trying 669s - or whatever spring is most likely the right one. But as for labor. Ugh. That won't be good. In the meantime, a little more research would be good and more driving and hoping maybe it'll lower... if only.

    Interested to know more about the factory service manual and what it states about bringing car back to ride height.

    Parts advised the 998s. Not me. I thought it was the 669s or another one from another site a while back. They said for my vin it's 998s. So they influenced it. And way back in April 2017, I have a quote for front and rear shocks and springs, and the 998's were listed on the quote. And Moroza, on that other thread of mine from Jan. https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...eplace-Springs- we both came to the conclusion from your site, the 998's were correct for a 525i with headlamp washing system. So just before ordering the 998s I confirmed they had to be right.... but they initiated it.

    Before I call the dealer back, I think some more time/driving needs to be done, and research.

    Thank you Moroza, I wish you were closer too.
    Last edited by E28E34; 03-22-2018 at 09:49 PM.

  25. #25
    moroza's Avatar
    moroza is offline MORΩN ΛABIA BMW CCA Member
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    31332226669 appears to be for MTech suspension.

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