another problem on my 530d sport - help!
Discussion
Hi Guys
Loving my 530d M Sport 2003 model but getting a bit annoyed with niggly problems
Noticed some knocking from front suspension in last few days
Booked it in for suspected drop links but tonight I checked around suspension (front) and found one coil/strut to be caked in oil.
Looks like shock absorber has failed (thought they were gas filled???)
So I am guessing replacement of both sides, right? Or can I do just one side?
Any idea of price for replacement and fitting at a BMW indy? I heard the M Sport bits are more expensive?
Do the symptons sound like shocks?
Thanks for your comments
Loving my 530d M Sport 2003 model but getting a bit annoyed with niggly problems
Noticed some knocking from front suspension in last few days
Booked it in for suspected drop links but tonight I checked around suspension (front) and found one coil/strut to be caked in oil.
Looks like shock absorber has failed (thought they were gas filled???)
So I am guessing replacement of both sides, right? Or can I do just one side?
Any idea of price for replacement and fitting at a BMW indy? I heard the M Sport bits are more expensive?
Do the symptons sound like shocks?
Thanks for your comments
They are gas and oil, or at least were.
BMW say you can replace one if the other is still new (ie up to 30-40k) but if it has gone from general wear and tear, the other one is unlikely to be too far behind it.
That, and the fact that the shocks often come as a pair, or even a set of 4.
I would get a pair from a known name at German and Swedish, or Euro Car Parts, and as long as you pick the decent brand, you'll be alright, Boge, Bilstien etc
BMW say you can replace one if the other is still new (ie up to 30-40k) but if it has gone from general wear and tear, the other one is unlikely to be too far behind it.
That, and the fact that the shocks often come as a pair, or even a set of 4.
I would get a pair from a known name at German and Swedish, or Euro Car Parts, and as long as you pick the decent brand, you'll be alright, Boge, Bilstien etc
From the symptoms you decribe it does sound like a shock is leaking & just because its gas filled doesn't mean it hasn't got any oil in it - the shock will still be partially oil filled whilst the gas will be in a seperate part of the shock & be used to improve the damping characteristics.
Most dealers will only replace the one strut/shock if the cars under warranty but if its not then they'll always try to sell you the pair.
I've found its usually personal choice - at the present time can you afford to replace the pair of shocks/struts - or how old is the car, has it done many miles & could do with a fresh pair of shocks. these are all various questions only you can answer.
If you know a good independant then im sure there labour costs will be cheaper than a main dealer.
Finally check all your bushes & top mounts - these days a lot of them are fluid filled & one of these could have split giving you the 2 symptoms you describe. Im not sure exactly whether the bushea/mounts on your vehicle are fluid filled but it would be worth finding out & considering.
Most dealers will only replace the one strut/shock if the cars under warranty but if its not then they'll always try to sell you the pair.
I've found its usually personal choice - at the present time can you afford to replace the pair of shocks/struts - or how old is the car, has it done many miles & could do with a fresh pair of shocks. these are all various questions only you can answer.
If you know a good independant then im sure there labour costs will be cheaper than a main dealer.
Finally check all your bushes & top mounts - these days a lot of them are fluid filled & one of these could have split giving you the 2 symptoms you describe. Im not sure exactly whether the bushea/mounts on your vehicle are fluid filled but it would be worth finding out & considering.
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