E34 530i V8 manual

[nirvash]

Hi guys, so with the new e34 530i in getting, I would really like the car to get its handling back up to scratch, basically almost everything is worn and I would like to know where is a good starting here?

Also there is a horrible wobble between 80-100kmph , and am told they are the control arm bushings, could this be right? Other then this, balancing and alignment, what could it be?

So I don't want to go out and buy exercise single brand new suspension component, could you just but new poly bushings in every component that requires bushings, then the ones that also have ball joints you would have to replace this entire parts and add the poly bushings to them?

Then I was thinking good set of shocks and springs?

Anyone have a list of the replaceable suspension components like in those eas complete suspension refurb kits?

Any MUST do items?

Thanks
.

What would you do and how would you go about it

 

[Ricky318i]

Hi, it sounds like the dreadful E34 Shimmy. Easy enough to repair: replace both top and bottom control arms(7 and 2),

stabilizer links front(6) also the bushings (2)

Do the alignment and also have your wheels balanced.

I cannot speak of poly-bushings. Never done it before. I am considering it, though.

 

[officially_kage]

I am not that experienced with rebuilding suspensions but new control arms or atleast the bushings for the arms is always a good start.
So C arms, ball joints and alignment/balancing should get you atleast half way there.... I would do wheel bearings while Im at it.
Poly bushes are a good alternative to stock rubber bushes, I had these on my ST and they worked well. What you DONT wanna do is put poly bushes on your gearbox mount

 

[Fordkoppie]

The idler arm bush that connects to the TIE ROD,CENTER on the passenger side is another frequent culprit.

But in most cases the 80km/h shimmy can only be rectified with new upper and lower control arms.

Bushes dont come loose.... Buy complete arms

 

[nirvash]

thanks for the replies everyone, much appreciated,

i will be changing out the controls arms, do alignment and wheel balancing and report back, will get to it early next week, just picked up the car today

sorry for the confusing first message, typed it at past 1 last night lol

next week monday im getting:

oil
oil filter
fuel filter
plugs
belts
coolant

all changed

the try sort out the power steering leak
aircon re gas

and sort out the control arms, alignment and balancing

then i would like to get more indepth into freshing up the suspension and redoing the cooling system for piece of mind

any suspension advice would be appreciated
thanks

---

p.s

@Ricky318i

i think i met you like 2 years ago on the ice cream run to Blouberg right? i had me e34 525i and you have the 535i,

nice to have another local cape town e34 fanatic:thumbs:

 

[Peter@AEW]

I guess you may be interested in the adjustable rear suspension from an e34 M5.

 

[nirvash]

I guess you may be interested in the adjustable rear suspension from an e34 M5.

I indeed just may be, please send me a pm of what you have

 

[tyu333]

I had the same problem on my 540i, I replaced the whole front suspension, new shocks and shock mounts all round and new tyres. After this the car drives like these modern cars in not better.

Replacing suspension parts in bits and pieces on this car would be wasting your time especially on a 20yr old car considering the amount of effort required.


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[nirvash]

I had the same problem on my 540i, I replaced the whole front suspension, new shocks and shock mounts all round and new tyres. After this the car drives like these modern cars in not better.

Replacing suspension parts in bits and pieces on this car would be wasting your time especially on a 20yr old car considering the amount of effort required.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's great to hear,
I must say even with worn suspension the car drives very well, love the ride,
I do want to replace everything at once, I think that is best, it's just such a huge bill all at once!:hammerhead:

 

[nirvash]

Anyone know who or where I can get a prop shaft flex disk/gumbo for my car?
Part number: 26 11 7 511 454

 

[Ricky318i]

It seems almost all BMW's use this part. Check spares shops such as Suburban spares, Midas (terrible) or Masterparts, Goldwagen.

 

[nirvash]

It seems almost all BMW's use this part. Check spares shops such as Suburban spares, Midas (terrible) or Masterparts, Goldwagen.

Awesome, thanks!