What do you think of my suspension refresh parts list?

[CoconutPete]

2000 Z3 with 145K.

Front:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...31351091764kt/


Rear:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...3329061945kt6/

and

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-uro-part...171090950~uro/

and

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ft-psb318ti95a






Front AND rear:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bilstein...t/22-158819kt/

[zellamay]

My impression from reading here is that most prefer Koni shocks. I bought them and like them. I don't see poly subframe bushings on your list: an absolute "must" in my opinion.

[ihm96]

I haven't tried Konis, but my car came with H&R lowering springs paired with bilsteins and the ride is pretty atrocious. Definitely going to swap out soon

My impression from reading here is that most prefer Koni shocks. I bought them and like them. I don't see poly subframe bushings on your list: an absolute "must" in my opinion.

[zellamay]

I suggest adjusting the Koni's per some instructions on this site. As I remember, they say about 1/3 up from softest, for street use, (don't take my poor memory, research it). I set mine a little stiffer, and wish I hadn't. My ride is very slightly firmer than perfect, but not (yet) enough to get me to do the work to change it.

[JRowe]

The B4 shocks are great for a stock replacement. It’s the b6 and b8 shocks that stiffen things up a bit too much.

[rasmuw]

I have Konis with stock springs and really like them, having switched from H&R lowering springs and Bilstein Sport. Before I began the job, Randy W wrote: "...the adjustment on the Koni has nothing to do with ride; it's a tuning device for transient handling. For a street car with no track or autocross, half a turn from full soft is a good place to be." I didn't follow his advice and set the rears as soft as possible. With Rogue shock mounts, I knew it wouldn't be too hard to take the shocks back out to make them stiffer. I haven't found it necessary for my driving style. The fronts are also as soft as possible.

[bluptgm3]

I would recommend BMW or Lemforder for most suspension components such Tie Rods and FLCA Bushings, sway bar end links.


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[solimans]

I’m doing this soon also...

How about some h&r sway bars. I found a set at bavauto, good price

Also pulled up realoem.com and ordered all new bolts, nuts, links, brackets etc

In the front, maybe the engine mounts and the M control arm bushings

Also strut tower reinforcements


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[zellamay]

I know a little about handling, but .... does anybody know what this means?: "...the adjustment on the Koni has nothing to do with ride; it's a tuning device for transient handling."

[bluptgm3]

Single adjustable Koni’s - the adjustment is changing the rebound dampening or how quickly the spring is rebounding (transient handling.)
The adjustment has nothing to do with compression dampening (stiffness.)


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[CoconutPete]

I would recommend BMW or Lemforder for most suspension components such Tie Rods and FLCA Bushings, sway bar end links.
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Any particular reason?
No love for Meyle?


I should also add: I do have poly sub frame bushings on that list.

I am looking to restore some "former glory" to the ride here. Frankly I'd prefer shocks that are not adjustable as I don't want the "responsibility" of dialing it in. I'd rather focus my efforts on replacing worn out parts.

[CoconutPete]

The B4 shocks are great for a stock replacement. It’s the b6 and b8 shocks that stiffen things up a bit too much.

Ding! This is what I'm looking for!

[zellamay]

Single adjustable Koni’s - the adjustment is changing the rebound dampening or how quickly the spring is rebounding (transient handling.)
The adjustment has nothing to do with compression dampening (stiffness.)


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Thanks, I learned something, and you saved me making unnecessary adjustments. In the sense of rebound, they are fine as-is.

[CoconutPete]

Front:
------------------------------------
FCP: 4-piece kit (control arms w/ balljoints and sway bar end links)
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...6-e364piecekit


FCP: Control arm bushing kit:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...30-e36brackets


2 Strut mount gaskets (FCP)
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...38-31331094288


2 strut mounts (FCP)
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...13-31336779615


Right strut:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...y-z3-22-158826


Left Strut:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...y-z3-22-158819


2 self locking hex nuts
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...14-31321139422




2 strut mount reinforcement plates (ECS)
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...e/31312489795/




Rear:
-------------------------------------------
Subframe bushing kit:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ft-psb318ti95a


2 rear shocks:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...r-z3-19-158839




ECS Tuning rear suspension refresh kit - level 1
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...3329061945kt6/


ECS: rear diff. bushing (1)
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/33171090950/

[JRowe]

Good list. Just an FYI. You can get those parts a bit cheaper via ebay, and if you order through the app before 7:00 pm PT today, you can get an additional 15% off. I just ordered close to $600 of parts for my suspension refresh today (about $500 after coupon code). I'm also going with the Bilstein B4 shocks/struts as I've used them on several other bimmers. IMO,they are the best replacement shock for a slightly improved ride over stock without being harsh or stiff. I'm also going with Lemforder strut mounts, OEM strut reinforcement plates, Lemforder fcabs, JT design rear shock mounts, rear shock reinforcement plates and gaskets. I'll do the subframe bushings and rear cabs later this summer.

Best of luck to you with your suspension refresh.

[solimans]

Front:
------------------------------------
FCP: 4-piece kit (control arms w/ balljoints and sway bar end links)
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...6-e364piecekit


FCP: Control arm bushing kit:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...30-e36brackets


2 Strut mount gaskets (FCP)
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...38-31331094288


2 strut mounts (FCP)
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...13-31336779615


Right strut:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...y-z3-22-158826


Left Strut:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...y-z3-22-158819


2 self locking hex nuts
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...14-31321139422




2 strut mount reinforcement plates (ECS)
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...e/31312489795/




Rear:
-------------------------------------------
Subframe bushing kit:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ft-psb318ti95a


2 rear shocks:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...r-z3-19-158839




ECS Tuning rear suspension refresh kit - level 1
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...3329061945kt6/


ECS: rear diff. bushing (1)
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/33171090950/

some ideas...go with the solid M front control arm bushings. I'm told they fit. Same story on the diff mount bushing. The M version fits. It is more expensive.

[bluptgm3]

some ideas...go with the solid M front control arm bushings. I'm told they fit. Same story on the diff mount bushing. The M version fits. It is more expensive.

Good point on FLCABushings. 1995M3 has a nearly solid offset FLCAB (adds caster), the 1996+M3 has a nearly solid centered FLCAB.
Meyle makes a FLCAs with a solid outer ball joint that helps firm up the feel and steering.
However I do not promote or endorse Meyle Products generally.
It appears that MTC and Dorman also offer a low cost solid outer ball joint FLCAs.

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[CoconutPete]

I hadn't looked at the M bushings for control arms due to thinking they were sort of down the same avenue as the poly control arm bushings. I did those in one of my e46's and did not necessarily dig the difference in the daily driver.

[bluptgm3]

I hadn't looked at the M bushings for control arms due to thinking they were sort of down the same avenue as the poly control arm bushings. I did those in one of my e46's and did not necessarily dig the difference in the daily driver.

The ‘solid’ rubber FLCABs are nowhere near the same experience as polyurethane bushings.


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[solimans]

I hadn't looked at the M bushings for control arms due to thinking they were sort of down the same avenue as the poly control arm bushings. I did those in one of my e46's and did not necessarily dig the difference in the daily driver.

the M bushings might be a good "in-between". not as firm as the poly but more firm then the stock z3. i'm feeling like the poly might be to firm for my taste as well...

[ihm96]

Poly on stuff like motor and trans mounts is super harsh for daily drivers, I've made that mistake before. I did the poly offset bushings from revshift on my Z3 and it totally eliminated the huge amounts of bumpsteer I would get on the rough philly roads and didn't add any noticeable harshness

the M bushings might be a good "in-between". not as firm as the poly but more firm then the stock z3. i'm feeling like the poly might be to firm for my taste as well...

[CoconutPete]

Good suggestion on the M bushings for CA's and diff. I am happy to hear it's not quite as stiff as the poly bushings.

[CoconutPete]

Front is done!
Took longer than planned because it was basically all evening work around 9-10PM after the wife and kids were asleep, but done it is!
Alignment tomorrow AM.

Going to order the supplies for the rear so I Have it for when it gets colder out.

Rear:
-------------------------------------------
Subframe bushing kit:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ft-psb318ti95a


2 rear shocks:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...r-z3-19-158839




ECS Tuning rear suspension refresh kit - level 1
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...3329061945kt6/


ECS: rear diff. bushing (1)
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/33171090950/

[bluptgm3]

You should do rear shocks now along with the front. Hour-and-half job.


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[solimans]

On the diff bushing get the M version. Fits and is beefier

Bit more expensive but u might find a sale / cheaper deal...


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