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      01-15-2012, 06:58 PM   #1
phylo
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DIY Strut replacement??

Hey guys,

I need to replace the struts on the front end of my 03 Z4 and was wondering how hard it is to do them myself.. I do have access to a lift so getting the car off the ground isnt a problem.

Im also wondering how the Bilstein struts compare to the stock sport suspension?

Phil
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      01-16-2012, 01:22 PM   #2
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non MZ4 use E46 front struts, any E46 DIY should be close enough if not the same.

Here's one involving the E46 strut among other things

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...ght=diy+struts
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      01-16-2012, 01:28 PM   #3
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Not hard if you are mechanically inclined and have access to some good tools. There is a lot of similarity bet the E85 and E46 suspensions. If you dont get in a rush it should be pretty straightfwd. Only tricky part is spring replacement. Not to insult your intelligence but an alignment is needed once its all done.
Here are a couple DIY's
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1096399
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...aliper+rebuilt

Note on the 2nd DIY he takes his struts to a mechanic who has a hydrualic spring compresser. Not saying this is the only way but spring replacement is the big dog in the DIY. If you have not done them before, threaded rod spring compressors can be difficult to dangerous. I think getting access to a proffessional tool is the way to go.

Do a little searching on this site and the E46fanatic.com site for the Bilsteins. Both have suspension sections in the forums. If you havent done it already you need to decide what you are after:
1. BUDGET(600 to 3500)
2. Ride (comfy to chiropracters best friend)
3. Use(DD, track or both)
4. Height(slammed or stock HT to mildly lowered)
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      01-16-2012, 03:01 PM   #4
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What's your current mileage -or- the mileage when you first thought your struts were going south? Just for reference...
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      01-16-2012, 03:08 PM   #5
phylo
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Current mileage is around 80K, I managed to go up over a curb and jacked things up a bit so it needs replacing.

And my intelligence is not insulted, I realize Ill need to get the alignment done afterwards..
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      01-16-2012, 05:49 PM   #6
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The front is actually more like an e36 and the rear is like an e46. It is an easy install. If you have a roadster the rears can be a little tricky ive heard.
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      01-16-2012, 07:41 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BIMMERGUY91 View Post
The front is actually more like an e36 and the rear is like an e46. It is an easy install. If you have a roadster the rears can be a little tricky ive heard.
Only for M variant, which uses E36 struts/knuckle and E46 LCAs up front. The non-M is almost straight up E46
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      01-16-2012, 08:08 PM   #8
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A little off topic, but anyone know if we can swap the strut hats from left to right for more negative front camber on a stock setup?
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      01-16-2012, 09:51 PM   #9
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u already shimmed? if not, most go for that first...another cheap (er) solution would be the RE fixed plates...but adjustable are not much more for the added benefit IMO.
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      01-17-2012, 09:31 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SONAR View Post
u already shimmed? if not, most go for that first...another cheap (er) solution would be the RE fixed plates...but adjustable are not much more for the added benefit IMO.
No I haven't done anything. Just bought this car in Dec. I know tons about
e30's but nothing about these cars. Been doing a lot of reading. I'm trying to figure out how I can fit the Apex arc-8 18x9.5 et 35 up front on my car with the least amount of suspension change. (Sorry op, don't want to get off your topic).
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      01-17-2012, 09:33 PM   #11
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Z4M's use the E36 front knuckle which can be shimmed. For people looking for cheap camber, this is typically the first route. I personally never did it, but you should be able to find more info searching. However, I don't think it will give you enough to fit a 9.5...plates are best option...what tire/size were you planning?
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      06-10-2012, 04:21 PM   #12
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Will e46 coilovers fit a non M Z4?
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      06-11-2012, 11:56 PM   #13
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5mm of shim spacers gave 1 degree more camber.
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