540i M Sport II - Suspension Update

[bimmergeek]

Wow what a coincidence. I haven't logged in here for a few years until today. Was just revisiting this thread. I think the part number for the strut is 31312229612, but I can't find the equiv sachs part. I am NOT going to spend $270 per strut. Gonna leave the springs etc.

I didn't realize this was the same as the M5. Will make it easier to find

[MotorMouth93]

There are no equivalent sachs parts for the M5/mtech 2 struts. I've spent a lot of time looking and they just don't exist, the general consensus on the M5 forums is that if you dont want to keep an OEMish ride and don't want to drop $2000 on OEM struts then aftermarket Koni (don't remember which one) is the way to go.

[Jason5driver]

There are no equivalent sachs parts for the M5/mtech 2 struts. I've spent a lot of time looking and they just don't exist, the general consensus on the M5 forums is that if you dont want to keep an OEMish ride and don't want to drop $2000 on OEM struts then aftermarket Koni (don't remember which one) is the way to go.

https://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...3&autoModClar=

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-koni-par...11372sportkt1/

[Pond Drive BMW]

Newbie on the forum. Thanks to the thread for helping me with figuring out options and parts for a complete front/rear suspension overhaul for a 2003 540i with M Sport II Suspension. I decided to go all OEM to maintain stock feel and have attached the parts list for all required components with the verified OEM part numbers. All items have been cross-checked with the BMW Techs and a couple of vendors. I went with ECSTuning for the parts. Hope this list helps someone else.

2003 BMW e39 540i M-Sport II Suspension - S7505A
Front Struts/Springs + Rear Shocks/ Springs
Complete Refresh - Parts List
VIN # : XX - GF71552
Front Struts/Springs - Parts
Item	BMW Mfg Part #	Qty
Front Coil Spring	31332229070	2
Front Strut Assembly	31312229612	2
Front Struts - Suspension Kit Components
Item	BMW Mfg Part #	Qty
Upper Front Strut Mount	31331091708	2
Self-locking collar nut	7119905374	6
Strut Support Plate	31331096068	2
Upper Strut Bearing	31331090613	2
Upper Spring Pad	31331091233	2
Bump Stop Support	31321139423	2
Bump Stop	31332226674	2
Rubber Boot	31331093344	2
Lower Spring Pad	31331096664	2
Spindle Pinch - Securing Bolt	31306779823	2
Strut Locking Nut	31106774714	2
Front Flat Washer	31336776760	2
Self Locking Hex Nut	33526773882	2
Rear Shocks/Springs - Parts
Item	BMW Mfg Part #	Qty
Rear Coil Spring	33532229176	2
Shock Absorber M-Technic II	33522229126	2
Rear Shocks - Suspension Kit Components
Item	BMW Mfg Part #	Qty
Shock Absorber Mounting - Hex Bolt	33521092072	2
Lower Spring Pad	33532229913	2
Bump Stop Sleeve	31331137932	2
Bump Stop	33532228904	2
Shock Mount Washer	33521090282	2
Rear Shock Mount	33521094091	2
Self-locking Hex Nut	7119905374	6
Shock Mount Plate	33521092986	2
Rear Subframe Nut	33326760374	2

[JME39]

Newbie on the forum. Thanks to the thread for helping me with figuring out options and parts for a complete front/rear suspension overhaul for a 2003 540i with M Sport II Suspension. I decided to go all OEM to maintain stock feel and have attached the parts list for all required components with the verified OEM part numbers. All items have been cross-checked with the BMW Techs and a couple of vendors. I went with ECSTuning for the parts. Hope this list helps someone else.

2003 BMW e39 540i M-Sport II Suspension - S7505A
Front Struts/Springs + Rear Shocks/ Springs
Complete Refresh - Parts List
VIN # : XX - GF71552
Front Struts/Springs - Parts
Item	BMW Mfg Part #	Qty
Front Coil Spring	31332229070	2
Front Strut Assembly	31312229612	2
Front Struts - Suspension Kit Components
Item	BMW Mfg Part #	Qty
Upper Front Strut Mount	31331091708	2
Self-locking collar nut	7119905374	6
Strut Support Plate	31331096068	2
Upper Strut Bearing	31331090613	2
Upper Spring Pad	31331091233	2
Bump Stop Support	31321139423	2
Bump Stop	31332226674	2
Rubber Boot	31331093344	2
Lower Spring Pad	31331096664	2
Spindle Pinch - Securing Bolt	31306779823	2
Strut Locking Nut	31106774714	2
Front Flat Washer	31336776760	2
Self Locking Hex Nut	33526773882	2
Rear Shocks/Springs - Parts
Item	BMW Mfg Part #	Qty
Rear Coil Spring	33532229176	2
Shock Absorber M-Technic II	33522229126	2
Rear Shocks - Suspension Kit Components
Item	BMW Mfg Part #	Qty
Shock Absorber Mounting - Hex Bolt	33521092072	2
Lower Spring Pad	33532229913	2
Bump Stop Sleeve	31331137932	2
Bump Stop	33532228904	2
Shock Mount Washer	33521090282	2
Rear Shock Mount	33521094091	2
Self-locking Hex Nut	7119905374	6
Shock Mount Plate	33521092986	2
Rear Subframe Nut	33326760374	2

Thanks for posting such a complete list. What was the total cost for all the parts?

[Pond Drive BMW]

Came to US$2932.74. The OEM parts are a lot more expensive than aftermarket struts/shocks. It was tough figuring out the right KONI/Billsten/Sachs options that was a stock fit or close to stock fit for this specific model. I specifically wanted to maintain the original ride and height - no changes. I don't do any track or autocross with the vehicle.

A lot easier finding aftermarket options for other e39 530 / 2000 - 2002 540i M-Sports models- but not this specific 2003 model with the M-Suspension II. I didn't want to try something and then have to change it again - so had to pay up for Original BMW parts for the specific vehicle / VIN number.

You could save some money by not changing the springs - but as some one else posted earlier - better to do it all "while you re in there".

If anyone has some good experience with an aftermarket setup for this year model - that is close to stock, that would be very valuable information to share.

Will post an update post install.

[Elixis]

Thanks for all information above and posting your progress.

Can anyone please confirm if their front springs from the M-Sport II (31332229070)have double green lines painted on them?

Mine currently have these and I just want to confirm before purchasing. There seems to be a debate on the actual part number for these springs. The markings will confirm it.

Thanks!

[Elixis]

Newbie on the forum. Thanks to the thread for helping me with figuring out options and parts for a complete front/rear suspension overhaul for a 2003 540i with M Sport II Suspension. I decided to go all OEM to maintain stock feel and have attached the parts list for all required components with the verified OEM part numbers. All items have been cross-checked with the BMW Techs and a couple of vendors. I went with ECSTuning for the parts. Hope this list helps someone else.

2003 BMW e39 540i M-Sport II Suspension - S7505A
Front Struts/Springs + Rear Shocks/ Springs
Complete Refresh - Parts List
VIN # : XX - GF71552
Front Struts/Springs - Parts
Item	BMW Mfg Part #	Qty
Front Coil Spring	31332229070	2
Front Strut Assembly	31312229612	2
Front Struts - Suspension Kit Components
Item	BMW Mfg Part #	Qty
Upper Front Strut Mount	31331091708	2
Self-locking collar nut	7119905374	6
Strut Support Plate	31331096068	2
Upper Strut Bearing	31331090613	2
Upper Spring Pad	31331091233	2
Bump Stop Support	31321139423	2
Bump Stop	31332226674	2
Rubber Boot	31331093344	2
Lower Spring Pad	31331096664	2
Spindle Pinch - Securing Bolt	31306779823	2
Strut Locking Nut	31106774714	2
Front Flat Washer	31336776760	2
Self Locking Hex Nut	33526773882	2
Rear Shocks/Springs - Parts
Item	BMW Mfg Part #	Qty
Rear Coil Spring	33532229176	2
Shock Absorber M-Technic II	33522229126	2
Rear Shocks - Suspension Kit Components
Item	BMW Mfg Part #	Qty
Shock Absorber Mounting - Hex Bolt	33521092072	2
Lower Spring Pad	33532229913	2
Bump Stop Sleeve	31331137932	2
Bump Stop	33532228904	2
Shock Mount Washer	33521090282	2
Rear Shock Mount	33521094091	2
Self-locking Hex Nut	7119905374	6
Shock Mount Plate	33521092986	2
Rear Subframe Nut	33326760374	2

Thank you for this list. I carefully went over it and compared it to mine. Regarding the front - Upper strut bearing, you have the PN listed as 31331090613. I cannot find this part on realoem. However, I have the same part on my list, ending with 0612. Was this a typo on your end?

Further, regarding your front springs - do you have a double green line painted on them?

Thanks!

[GaryMan]

Keep the ones you're using, unless they're broken or simply want a change. The front spring for the 540i M-Sport II is like a 1 off spring, so it's ridiculously expensive. The rears are the same as the M5, so they're a little more common.

I overhauled everything with the exception of my subframe bushings.

Here's my spreadsheet. It contains everything for the entire suspension. -There are a few sheets with bare minimums if you're looking to save money.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...zCKlY8-OHhCe0/

Do you know the color marking for msport2 springs for 540i?

- - - Updated - - -

Koni yellows (sport) is a great option over the oem M5/M-Sport Suspension II shocks/struts, which are ridiculously expensive. I'm sure they will last longer too. I'd stick with the oem springs, unless there is a condition issue, or want the drop. I would replace the rear shocks at the same time. I replaced all of my M-Sport Suspension II at around 120k miles and front and rears were pretty much gone...I should have done it at 100-110k miles.

Do you recall the color markings on springs?

[waters17]

I'm not sure what's on the front but the rear is marked orange.

Also, if you want to modify that file, please let me know what you want changed. I get random blind requests to modify the file somewhat frequently, but nobody ever drops a message as to why. If I let everyone edit it, it could become a mess.