E39 316i Touring Suspension Refresh

[Dr_Rick]

Not done one, not proposing to do one myself as this is the family car. However, everything I'm reading on t'internet (so it must be true) is suggesting the 52-plate car with 107k miles is in need of a suspension refresh.

What are the ball park figures to get it done and is it worth it on a scabby workhorse car? We talking £500, £750, £1000 or more?

I'm assuming bushes as a minimum, I hope not shocks too. Hopefully not steering.

Tyres are fine, tracking is fine its just that the car steers when we don't want and doesn't when we do.

[BritishRacinGrin]

E39 is a 5-series and never fitted with a 1.6 engine, did you mean E36?

[Total loss]

Dr_Rick said:

the 52-plate car

E39 is a 5 series, so I thinks you mean E46 3 series on a 52 plate ?

[Dr_Rick]

sorry small keyboard. E46, 1.8, 316

[Dr_Rick]

Anyone?

[sixpistons]

The main things that wear quickly on E46s are the front lollipop bushes and to a lesser extent the front arm ball joints, and the rear trailing arm bush. The first two manifest by vague steering, steering wheel shake under breaking and tram lining - about 200 quid in parts to fix it yourself, maybe an hour and a half's labour at a garage. Worn rear trailing arms gives a nasty 'double turn in' effect when cornering which makes the rear feel like its going to overtake the front before it settles - this cost me about 220 quid at a garage.

[Dr_Rick]

So about £500 all in if a garage was told to just sort them.

The symptoms are that the steering feelsna little loose. It tramlines, sure, but there's a significant amount of steering wheel steady / car gets kicked offline with no feedback. Plus a degree of starting to steer with no reaction from the car. Not ideal.

[sixpistons]

Sounds like knackered front bushes. I'd change them first - I got through 3 sets in 5 years. Get the garage to check the ball joints at the front as well and if they're gone do the arm too. You will not believe the difference.

[Dr_Rick]

So a couple of hundred pounds. I also have to find a replacement oil filler cap as the springs gone. I think the brake lines need replacing.

Maybe I should take the PX offer of £700 and be done