E60 Suspension
Discussion
Hi - anyone got any experience of changing the standard set up on a E60 SE. Mine is the 530d - goes well but corners poorly with lots of roll. It's an early model (53 plate) with 80k on it now so all getting a bit tired. Have changed the lower wishbone arms and "A" bushes in the subframe as appeared worn. Now thinking about the dampers (and springs) - perhaps to replace with the M-Sport items from BMW. Only thing is, BMW parts guys say will affect the geometry by swapping to the lower springs. I would have thought this could be corrected though. Any thoughts out there?
jeremysimonwilso said:
Have changed the lower wishbone arms and "A" bushes in the subframe as appeared worn.
Did these replacements make any noticeable difference?jeremysimonwilso said:
Only thing is, BMW parts guys say will affect the geometry by swapping to the lower springs. I would have thought this could be corrected though. Any thoughts out there?
Can't imagine the geo will change much and should well be within the adjustment range. jeremysimonwilso said:
Hi - anyone got any experience of changing the standard set up on a E60 SE. Mine is the 530d - goes well but corners poorly with lots of roll. It's an early model (53 plate) with 80k on it now so all getting a bit tired. Have changed the lower wishbone arms and "A" bushes in the subframe as appeared worn. Now thinking about the dampers (and springs) - perhaps to replace with the M-Sport items from BMW. Only thing is, BMW parts guys say will affect the geometry by swapping to the lower springs. I would have thought this could be corrected though. Any thoughts out there?
Unless the parts guy can confirm the MSport cars have totally different set up, then the lowering springs should be ok, but you'll still roll. You need to look at uprating the roll stiffness, Anti Roll Bars.My car has the adaptive thing, so corners flat even being the same age/mileage as yours.
If you do end up changing the springs, be very careful to fit them correctly, they can be fitted wrong way up!
Hi Phelix
Replacing the arms and bushes has improved the way it drives - takes the bumps more quietly and smoothly - more like a new car I suppose!
I tend to agree with you in terms of thoughts about the geometry. I'm going to start to have a look around at parts prices. Seen Sport rear dampers on Ebay at £200 for the pair but haven't managed to spot any fronts or springs as yet.
Any ideas where I might search?
Replacing the arms and bushes has improved the way it drives - takes the bumps more quietly and smoothly - more like a new car I suppose!
I tend to agree with you in terms of thoughts about the geometry. I'm going to start to have a look around at parts prices. Seen Sport rear dampers on Ebay at £200 for the pair but haven't managed to spot any fronts or springs as yet.
Any ideas where I might search?
Hi StubB
Think you might have the best of both worlds if your's is an SE with the adaptive roll system. The magazines seemed to think that was the best model when it first came out - good ride and flat handling. Thanks for the tip about the springs.
As mine is running on 17"'s and not run flats, I'm hoping it will still ride better than a Sport but be a bit tighter than present.
Think you might have the best of both worlds if your's is an SE with the adaptive roll system. The magazines seemed to think that was the best model when it first came out - good ride and flat handling. Thanks for the tip about the springs.
As mine is running on 17"'s and not run flats, I'm hoping it will still ride better than a Sport but be a bit tighter than present.
jeremysimonwilso said:
Replacing the arms and bushes has improved the way it drives - takes the bumps more quietly and smoothly - more like a new car I suppose!
Can you point out which bits you replaced on http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=NJ92... Ta!Not sure exactly as my local garage did the work - he reckoned that the bushes were described as "A" bushes in the subframe (by his friend in BMW parts). I'll ask him when I see him next week - its going in for the air-con re-gassing.
I think the arms that were replaced were the wishbones (16). They were actually done a few months ago and gave huge benefits as things were really getting cluncky!
The A bushes were done more recently and gave more modest improvements.
I think the arms that were replaced were the wishbones (16). They were actually done a few months ago and gave huge benefits as things were really getting cluncky!
The A bushes were done more recently and gave more modest improvements.
I’d be grateful for any more insight on what was replaced. My 04 E61 (64K miles) has some clunks in the front suspension which I have been able to reduce by temporarily removing the strut brace (will be refitted with new fasteners and mounting block) but there’s still something else worn. In the works car park I drive over a shallow/narrow concrete drain with about one turn of steering lock and the resulting clunk is most annoying but I have not found anything apparently worn or making metal to metal contact.
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