E39 525i Touring Rear Shocks

[rustyswayne]

2003 Model - recently replaced the original shocks (mileage is on 175,000kms) fitted by a HiQ dealer (only Monroes were available according to them for this vehicle, otherwise the agents (who don't have and will need to order from Germany - 10 - 15 days shipping and R6,500 later for 2 rear shocks. I was told rear shock mountings were still fine and didn't need to be replaced. There was a terrible vibration on the rear for about 700kms, took it back and discovered that the directional tyres were put on the wrong way, this was rectified and a bent rim was swopped - put the tyre on the spare rim which was perfect, had the two balanced again, suspension was also tightened up as two of the bolts on the subframe were not as tight as they should have been (about 2 quarter turns). only noticed about a 20% improvement. Tyres do have a slight flat spots. shock is bouncing a bit and the shake test shows shocks need replacing? could it be faulty shocks or the tyres or am I missing something else completely here? please help. I have only had the car for about a month and already had to redo the alternator. It's a beautiful car, not many around, but I am worried as I am having these sort of hassles so early. any ideas here?[/size][/font]

 

[whattingh]

Few years back I replaced shock on a previous car after about a month something at the front did not sound right. The new shock seized up. They replaced it no question and said it is under warranty.

If the test say the new shock need replacing tell them you want a new one under warranty. Driving to much with bad shocks will eat your tire in bad way.

 

[rustyswayne]

Few years back I replaced shock on a previous car after about a month something at the front did not sound right. The new shock seized up. They replaced it no question and said it is under warranty.

If the test say the new shock need replacing tell them you want a new one under warranty. Driving to much with bad shocks will eat your tire in bad way.

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thanks whattingh...

I have subsequently visited my local BMW dealership who have advised that the only non agent supplier who have a possible match in terms of OEM for the rear shocks on the Touring are Bilstein who don't have representation in SA and shocks will need to be imported. Even the agents don't have stock anywhere in South Africa and will need to order from Europe at a cost of R6,500 for the rear (set).

much to my horror, I am now faced with a overheating problem...

 

[whattingh]

ouch
Be very careful with he heat problem. Head gasket is a very costly repair.

 

[P1000]

Hang on, did you pay R6500 to fit monroes while the OEM(bilstein) shocks would have set you back the same amount? Then OEM all the way. The OEM stuff usually costs 3x monroes, and last at least twice as long...

Now back to the real problem.
The Tourings have fluid filled rear subframe bushes, that crack with age and leak out all of the fluid, compromising its ability to do the work it is designed for. At 175kkm, these are more than likely to be past their useful life and should be replaced. The only problem is, apart from them being expensive parts (probably around R1800 each if I have to guess based on the online prices), its a very labour intensive job and you need some special tools...

 

[rustyswayne]

Hang on, did you pay R6500 to fit monroes while the OEM(bilstein) shocks would have set you back the same amount? Then OEM all the way. The OEM stuff usually costs 3x monroes, and last at least twice as long...

Now back to the real problem.
The Tourings have fluid filled rear subframe bushes, that crack with age and leak out all of the fluid, compromising its ability to do the work it is designed for. At 175kkm, these are more than likely to be past their useful life and should be replaced. The only problem is, apart from them being expensive parts (probably around R1800 each if I have to guess based on the online prices), its a very labour intensive job and you need some special tools...

P1000 - I paid R4250 for the rear shocks (Monroe)
BMW wants R 6,500 for originals (no idea what Bilstein would cost)

Found 2 loose bolts on the subframe which were subsequently tightened and brought about a 20% (guessing) improvement in the overall ride comfort. Still bouncing over the bumps and the shock test (shake) registers 27% on the LHS on 30% on the RHS indicating that they are totally shot. Had the Area regional manager of the company who distributes Monroe in SA denying that it is the shocks and says it could be flat spots on the tyres. (Hello..... the tyres don't turn when you do a "stationary" shock test) I am just beginning to laugh off the situation and will be returning the "faulty" shocks for a full refund and will await the originals which are on a 15 day backorder...

thanks for the advise on the subframe, will investigate this..

cheers

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ouch
Be very careful with he heat problem. Head gasket is a very costly repair.

turned out to be the viscous fan, new one will be fitted tomorrow and will then do a thorough check of the entire cooling system. only gets hot when stationary, so there is definately flow (I think it's safe to eliminate blocked radiator / thermostat / waterpump at this stage - correct me if I'm wrong)

Will also check the relay on the aux fan.

cheers.

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[rustyswayne]

<a href="http://s1119.photobucket.com/albums/k630/rustyswayne/?action=view&amp;current=rustyswanebmw2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k630/rustyswayne/rustyswanebmw2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[whattingh]

She looking gooodd.
I busy compiling a list of part and prices It wok in progress

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Ah7Q-piUV100dFVabnFKRFhOcHIwaWNBU2h5ejJmY2c&hl=en

 

[Adi]

Hi Bilstein is available from the agent, Afrishox, speak to Ted, excellent service.....
My car has Bilstein all round, they are shocks for life as they can be reconditioned.....
PM me if you need tel or email addy of Afrishox,

 

[monag]

+1 on the subframe bushings.
These should be changed at that mileage.
You can get them much cheaper if you get the meyle ones. I ordered a set of four last year when I still had my touring from a UK supplier and that set me back under 3k in total incl shipping.
I have an old school mechanic who welded some parts together to make the "special tool" to fit them.
I cant say there was a 100% improvement as I did not replace the shocks which were overdue anyway, but the car handled much better.
Remember that the orientation of the shocks on the touring are such that they dont take a huge beating. Most of the the rear weight rests on the subframe bushings. This design allows you such a huge box of a loading bay in the trunk.

 

[rustyswayne]

+1 on the subframe bushings.
These should be changed at that mileage.
You can get them much cheaper if you get the meyle ones. I ordered a set of four last year when I still had my touring from a UK supplier and that set me back under 3k in total incl shipping.
I have an old school mechanic who welded some parts together to make the "special tool" to fit them.
I cant say there was a 100% improvement as I did not replace the shocks which were overdue anyway, but the car handled much better.
Remember that the orientation of the shocks on the touring are such that they dont take a huge beating. Most of the the rear weight rests on the subframe bushings. This design allows you such a huge box of a loading bay in the trunk.

Hi Monag, thanks for your reply - very useful info!