E39 suspension
Discussion
My tired old E39 M5 dampers are in need of a refresh with some modern units. My car is purely a road car & I need the suspension to be compliant, controlled and comfortable. I've read about a few options:
New OE dampers & retain original springs - I'd consider this but buying new dampers from BMW would be very expensive.
Bilstein B8 dampers - I had B6 dampers in my old Z MCoupe and really liked them with the standard springs. The B8 dampers have a shorter stroke so I'm not sure if compressing the OE springs onto them would make the ride a bit harsh? I've heard good things about the B8 dampers used with Intrax springs from Evolve Automotive so this could be an option.
Coilovers - The Nitron units would be fantastic but I can't justify the price.
Has anyone used the KW Variant 1 or 2? - Germany's Roads are in better condition than the UK so I'd be concerned that these dampers would be unsuitable.
Any feedback from people who have tried the various options would be much appreciated.
Adam
New OE dampers & retain original springs - I'd consider this but buying new dampers from BMW would be very expensive.
Bilstein B8 dampers - I had B6 dampers in my old Z MCoupe and really liked them with the standard springs. The B8 dampers have a shorter stroke so I'm not sure if compressing the OE springs onto them would make the ride a bit harsh? I've heard good things about the B8 dampers used with Intrax springs from Evolve Automotive so this could be an option.
Coilovers - The Nitron units would be fantastic but I can't justify the price.
Has anyone used the KW Variant 1 or 2? - Germany's Roads are in better condition than the UK so I'd be concerned that these dampers would be unsuitable.
Any feedback from people who have tried the various options would be much appreciated.
Adam
Saw this thread a while back, most people seemed to recommend fitting new OE dampers.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=1&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=1&a...
I have no experience of the car but so many people seem to say BMW got it bang on the money.
You should save a decent amount using here- http://bmminiparts.com/Home.aspx
You should save a decent amount using here- http://bmminiparts.com/Home.aspx
Patrick Bateman said:
I have no experience of the car but so many people seem to say BMW got it bang on the money.
You should save a decent amount using here- http://bmminiparts.com/Home.aspx
Thanks for the link.....I've requested a quote for dampers and a few other related bits of hardware. Will see what they come back with.You should save a decent amount using here- http://bmminiparts.com/Home.aspx
I agree, BMW got it spot on with the suspension. My cars is approaching 120K miles so a fresh set of dampers would roll back the years.
As it happens, I also have an E39 M5 on 112k and have recently had a bit of suspension work done. I opted for BMW parts. They were not much more in price than pattern parts (though BMW still tore me a new hole for the price of them). However, the difference they made to the ride was very tangible; so much smoother and fluid. I drive it only on roads and have no interest in track use.
From independent BMW parts suppliers the front dampers are around £300 each. Rears will be a bit cheaper. I dread to think what my local BMW main dealer would want.
I keep thinking back to how wonderful my M Coupe felt about 7 years ago when Guglielmi Motorsport fitted Bilstein dampers and used the original springs. The ride was comfortable (thanks to standard springs) with great body control from the dampers. They were a definite improvement over the standard dampers.
I've sent an email to Bilstein requesting some technical info about their B6 & B8 dampers so we'll see.
I keep thinking back to how wonderful my M Coupe felt about 7 years ago when Guglielmi Motorsport fitted Bilstein dampers and used the original springs. The ride was comfortable (thanks to standard springs) with great body control from the dampers. They were a definite improvement over the standard dampers.
I've sent an email to Bilstein requesting some technical info about their B6 & B8 dampers so we'll see.
That's not a bad price at all and even if the dealer wanted their % on top I would consider them over aftermarket.
The stock setup seems to have the damping and spring rates spot on.
Having fitted aftermarket coilovers in the past, they did improve greatly a lacking stock set up but the M5 seems very well sorted. I have also the concerns over durability for aftermarket kit based on experience both of cheaper and more expensive alternatives.
The stock setup seems to have the damping and spring rates spot on.
Having fitted aftermarket coilovers in the past, they did improve greatly a lacking stock set up but the M5 seems very well sorted. I have also the concerns over durability for aftermarket kit based on experience both of cheaper and more expensive alternatives.
I renewed my front shocks,spring pads,top mounts last summer, fitted them myself. I purchased all the bits from my local BMW dealer. Front shocks are part no: 31.31.2.229.612 same part no for left/right, i have the invoice in front of me and paid £376.44 +vat for 2 front shocks. I bought the other bits a few weeks before to spread the cost. Unit price says £235.27 each + vat but i managed to get a good discount, so again £376.44 for the pair + vat from the main dealer.
Simon.
Simon.
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