I have a 03 Z4 3.0l with option S704A, M Sports suspension. The car just turned 50,000 miles on it. I had a loud noise on the passenger side after hitting a bump. Got home and it looks like the strut mount is cracked. It seems to be starting to "mushroom" as well.
Question is should I replace the strut as well as they seem to be fine. They are OEM and I doubt ever replaced. The drivers side looks fine but when I replace the mount on the passenger side I will replace the drivers side as well for safety. Also would it be a good idea to get the reinforcement plates? Where can I find them for the Z4? I have included pictures of the passenger side strut top. Both looking straight down and from the front of the car.
Thanks
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Last edited by B328iC; 04-05-2020 at 04:15 PM. Reason: added pictures
17YO at 50,000miles?
I would say it's time for a suspension refresh.
At the very least replace shocks/struts along with mounts.
Don't forget to check for cracked/broken springs at the rear, I'm sure you'll find one.
I have a bad feeling this may have been started due to an undocumented accident from a previous owner. I have found tel tail signs that it was wrecked on the passenger side.
Strut mount is definitely broken. At that age I would replace the struts, regardless of how they look, along with the mounts. I did mine a few months ago and could not find reinforcement plates. Please follow up here if you find them.
I did a google search on z4 reinforcement plates and a bunch of vendors popped up selling them. Did your Google search yield nothing?
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...BoCNPAQAvD_BwE
Check the fine print, you must have missed where it says "This part does not fit"
On a google search you will get a bunch of plates. They are all for an E46. Nothing for the Z4.
I should have taken the advise given. I was going to just replace the mounts and that's all I purchased. Yesterday I started to replace the mounts. Found out the strut was shot. Today I ordered a full set of Bilstein B8's. Needed the B8's as I have the M Sport suspension and it's lowered from the factory. Now we sit some more waiting to get my parts.
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