Time for an overhaul of my 1.9 '98 BMW Z3 Individual

Matt …. first rule of Z3 maintenance … dont admit errors …. unless there is a witness =)) =)) =)) =))

Thats why I go to Zedshed …. and let them do all the difficult stuff for me… :whistle::whistle::whistle:
 
Mazza said:
Matt …. first rule of Z3 maintenance … dont admit errors …. unless there is a witness =)) =)) =)) =))

Thats why I go to Zedshed …. and let them do all the difficult stuff for me… :whistle::whistle::whistle:
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hahahaa... I'll remember that oh wise one... !!
 
The other thing I confirmed today is that my rear shock absorbers no longer shock absorb =))=))

down position.....all good

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up..... and stay up... =)):whistle:

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I'm thinking Bilstein B4s ?.... or OEM ??
 
AntStark said:
Monroe shocks are not a bad alternative as well.
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yeah it's a bit of a toss up....Bilsteins might look nice under there but Monroes are another option indeed. Certainly explains why the car used to "boat"... I reckon the front shocks are the same...I plan on replacing the lot now anyway... pennies will be the issue, so I'll buy the rears soon and the fronts later on...
 
Just got my fronts done ..they were the original Sachs. They were actually still working fine with no leaks although the garage said the top mounts were completely toast and the bump stops disintegrated. Transformed the car..no tramlining or anything. Saving up for the back now 😁
 
I replaced my fronts with Monroes as they're widely recommended as the best quality vs. cost option. They've been fine and transformed the car compared to the original ones that were on there. In hindsight though, I wish I'd just paid the extra for Sachs as they weren't that much more and would've retained the proper OEM aspect.

I think Sachs have now gone up a lot since I did mine a few years ago though.
 
AntStark said:
Just got my fronts done ..they were the original Sachs. They were actually still working fine with no leaks although the garage said the top mounts were completely toast and the bump stops disintegrated. Transformed the car..no tramlining or anything. Saving up for the back now 😁
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I've got 19" Konig Crosshair wheels on mine, so tramlining is an issue as the tyres are 235/35Z/R19 which came with the car. However refreshing the whole suspension should make the ride a hell of a lot better
 
I’ve had good success with Koni dampers. More comfortable than Bilstein. Good durability.
 
Matt Barnes said:
I've got 19" Konig Crosshair wheels on mine, so tramlining is an issue as the tyres are 235/35Z/R19 which came with the car. However refreshing the whole suspension should make the ride a hell of a lot better
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Running those, make sure you fit the solid M3 style lollipop bushes Matt. The standard ones allow lots of deflection, especially when worn.
 
IainP said:
Running those, make sure you fit the solid M3 style lollipop bushes Matt. The standard ones allow lots of deflection, especially when worn.
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I wish I’d fitted those when I did my front end. Took previous owners’ poly lollipop bushes off and replaced with BMW OEM. Ride became more comfortable but steering less incisive. Wish I’d put them M3 ones in now, as they seem a perfect middle ground.
 
Paid £180 for the front pair of Sachs last August,is that more expensive than the others?
 
Peter1450 said:
Paid £180 for the front pair of Sachs last August,is that more expensive than the others?
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not sure to be honest, I haven't done much pricing for the front yet...though I have seen a pair of Sachs go from £100 a pair to over £200 a pair..all claiming to be "genuine" Sachs..but given my rears are shot, odds are the fronts are as well so I'll be investigating that soon..
 
I'm looking for a weather window to bite the bullet and get that welding done. Then I can clean up, treat and paint the underside and start getting stuff back on the car!
 
DrWong said:
I wish I’d fitted those when I did my front end. Took previous owners’ poly lollipop bushes off and replaced with BMW OEM. Ride became more comfortable but steering less incisive. Wish I’d put them M3 ones in now, as they seem a perfect middle ground.
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luckily I've only bought track rod ends for the front so far as mine are rustier than Titanic's bow. After I took the undertray off for Malc's fuel lines, I noticed the cross brace was a bit rusty in places, so I need to get that off, grind down and repaint. Are the M3 ones you're talking about with centre bolt hole as I've seen some where the bolt hole is offset
 
Go with the offset bolt hole, adds a little caster, I’ve fitted several sets now, there’s really no downsides. Other than making sure you fit them the right way round😆 Slide into the arms easier too, bit of silicone grease and they wind right on.
These are the last two sets I’ve fitted, different cars, not that they wore out.
www.ebay.co.uk

2 Front M3 Control Arm Bush Rear Wishbone Fits Bmw E36 Febi 26080 | eBay

2 Front M3 Control Arm Bush Rear Wishbone Fits Bmw E36 Febi 26080 - Fast & Free Delivery from Simply Car Parts - Brand New Genuine Febi Bilstein UK Stock - 3 Years Manufacturers Warranty.
www.ebay.co.uk

Oh, forgot, I’ve been finding better results with 1mm wire on thin sheet, though not getting too much time to practice, my blood pressure isnt stable standing so little garage time.
 
IainP said:
Go with the offset bolt hole, adds a little caster, I’ve fitted several sets now, there’s really no downsides. Other than making sure you fit them the right way round😆 Slide into the arms easier too, bit of silicone grease and they wind right on.
These are the last two sets I’ve fitted, different cars, not that they wore out.
www.ebay.co.uk

2 Front M3 Control Arm Bush Rear Wishbone Fits Bmw E36 Febi 26080 | eBay

2 Front M3 Control Arm Bush Rear Wishbone Fits Bmw E36 Febi 26080 - Fast & Free Delivery from Simply Car Parts - Brand New Genuine Febi Bilstein UK Stock - 3 Years Manufacturers Warranty.
www.ebay.co.uk

Oh, forgot, I’ve been finding better results with 1mm wire on thin sheet, though not getting too much time to practice, my blood pressure isnt stable standing so little garage time.
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thanks mate..yeah I'm getting there with the welding, blow through occasionally but not nearly as much as before...and make sure you look after yourself!
 
Matt Barnes said:
luckily I've only bought track rod ends for the front so far as mine are rustier than Titanic's bow. After I took the undertray off for Malc's fuel lines, I noticed the cross brace was a bit rusty in places, so I need to get that off, grind down and repaint. Are the M3 ones you're talking about with centre bolt hole as I've seen some where the bolt hole is offset
Click to expand...
I believe the first e36 M3s had eccentric lollipops, which then changed to concentric ones sometime in 1995. I'd personally get the concentric ones, but I'm sure the eccentric ones IainP suggests will be fine cos it's all designed for the e36 front end (which is essentially what Z3's have). I think the Z3m has the M3 lollipops as standard.

To stance or not to stance, that is the question.
 
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