E34 540i Suspension
Discussion
I've got an E34 540i that will soon be in need of at least a couple of shocks, therefore I'm considering upgrading the lot. I've had a bit of a search around on the web and there seems to be a few options out there, however any advice would be appreciated. It's only gonna be used on the road and will probably be used for towing at some point, therefore comfort is a consideration. I'd prefer that the ride height not be dropped too much as I don't want speed humps to become an issue and my name's not 'Barry'. I don't mind spending more than what the entry level Ebay kits are going for, but at the same time I don't want to be spending shed loads on coil over kits etc.
PeterGreen said:
I've got an E34 540i that will soon be in need of at least a couple of shocks, therefore I'm considering upgrading the lot. I've had a bit of a search around on the web and there seems to be a few options out there, however any advice would be appreciated. It's only gonna be used on the road and will probably be used for towing at some point, therefore comfort is a consideration. I'd prefer that the ride height not be dropped too much as I don't want speed humps to become an issue and my name's not 'Barry'. I don't mind spending more than what the entry level Ebay kits are going for, but at the same time I don't want to be spending shed loads on coil over kits etc.
I'm in a very similar boat Peter, except my car is a e34 525i. In my situation the car is a SE and therefore is not fitted with MTech suspension. I would also like to replace all four shocks(in addition to control arms, bushes, top mounts, etc), in an effort to refresh my suspension. I also have had a bit of a search and at the moment have the following options:1. Bilstein B4 dampers and original springs
2. Bilstein B4 and Eibach Pro-Kit Springs.
3. Bilstein B6(or B8) and Eibach Pro-Kit Springs.
4. Koni Adjustables with Eibach Springs.
Like you my name isn't "Barry" either, I do not want the car too low or stiff. The car is a daily driver on some pretty poor Irish roads and I dont want any speed bump/clearance issues (I will be retaining the 15" wheels).
Has anyone any experience of these setup's or similar?
Any comfort/harshness/etc comparisons between these setups and some factory setups would be great also - eg. e34 with Bilstein B6 & Eibach Pro quite similar to E46 MTech or SE or whatever....
My reasoning behind this is due to the fact that one man's comfy suspension is another man's tooth rattler!
Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
Springs are springs are springs, but I do think it's worth spending money to get decent dampers. I've tried various, and have had very good results with Koni.
having said that, just a new set of stock dampers can make a big improvement in itself, as you don't realise how much worn dampers go off, even when they're not leaking etc.
Nick
having said that, just a new set of stock dampers can make a big improvement in itself, as you don't realise how much worn dampers go off, even when they're not leaking etc.
Nick
PeterGreen said:
It certainly looks like the standard route may be the best idea, however I'm unsure as to whether or not mine has the M-Tech suspension... Do all 6 speed manuals have it or was it an option?
all 540i's came with M-Tech suspension as standard so yours will have .... you can alway pop in to you locakl dealer with your chassis number and they will print of a specification for you 
I've got a 540i Touring, not sure if it has Mtec suspension as it is self levelling at the rear.
I had a load of bushes changed during the last service and it really tidied the handling up, I don't expect it to be mega sporty as it's a 1700kg auto barge estate, it's still pretty entertaining though!
I had a load of bushes changed during the last service and it really tidied the handling up, I don't expect it to be mega sporty as it's a 1700kg auto barge estate, it's still pretty entertaining though!
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff