shock absorbers on E39 540i

[UncleM]

Hi,
My 98 E39 540i has done about 67k miles now. I've noticed for a while now that the ride isn't as good as it used to be, particularly in the way that road imperfections or manhole covers/bumps are harsely transmitted to the cabin. Is this a sign that the shock absorbers need replacing? I've tried the bounce test and it seems OK with body movements stopped within two cycles. Presumably the springs don't get stiffer with age?

Thanks for your advice.

[400Nm]

Harshness in the suspension can be caused by many issues.
It could be you suspension bushes worn out.
Springs tend to get softer with age.
67k is usually when dampers do start giving up, check for any leaks.
Have the car inspected on a remap.
If the dampers are worn out then go for a set of Bilstein B4's.
I bought mine for my friends E39 from these guys and got them really cheap:
www.evolveyourcar.com

[SJobson]

I had the front dampers on my 140k mile 540i Touring replaced recently - can't tell the difference, to be honest. Bushes made far more of a difference when I replaced the upper and lower arms.

[B19GRR]

400Nm said:

Harshness in the suspension can be caused by many issues.
It could be you suspension bushes worn out.
Springs tend to get softer with age.
67k is usually when dampers do start giving up, check for any leaks.
Have the car inspected on a remap.
If the dampers are worn out then go for a set of Bilstein B4's.
I bought mine for my friends E39 from these guys and got them really cheap:
www.evolveyourcar.com

You lot are obsessed

Cheers,
Rob

[UncleM]

fyi, poor ride was coming from worn control arms and anti roll bar links.
Highams Park Motor Company did the work. I found them recommended here a while ago, very good indeed.

[Kerry540]

Anti roll bar links do not affect the ride, they may rattle but thats it.

The control arms allow excess movement and probably needed inner bushes, especially thrust arm bushes.

Kerry, xxx