Suspension Problems

stupenal · 05-18-2002, 12:10 AM

So I think my rear shock mounts are pretty much dead. At around 25-40 mph, the rear of my car rattles a lot, kinda like I have a flat tire or something. From what I've read, it seems that the rear shock mounts go bad, so I'll be upgrading to the e46 mounts. Is it necessary to also get the z3 reinforcement plates? Also, I was on the freeway for the first time today, and after 80mph, the entire front end of the car shakes really bad. Once again, it feels like a flat tire kinda. What could be the cause for the front end? Its perfectly fine until you get it into higher speeds. I'm thinking maybe the a arms and tie rods? The ride of the car is definitely harsher than I expected. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Check the suspension bushings in the front, and also the tire wear. Uneven tire wear could indicate a misalignment. If you are planning on replacing these suspension parts, wait until then to have an alignment done. Cars will go out of alignment about once every year or so.

As for the rear, I haven't heard of the E46 upgrade quite yet? Have you inspected your mounts? What you are describing could be more than one thing. You also might want to upgrade to the solid rear mounts...

-Wayne

canyonlands · 05-20-2002, 12:11 AM

It sounds like you may not have had the ever so important pre purchase inspection done on this one.
Anyway, take the car to a local BMW shop with a good reputation. Ask them to do a general inspection of the car for you. Some places will do this for free, others will charge up to $50 or so (more for some cars).
Anyway, that front end thing could very easily be bent wheels. If it happens only when on the brake then I'd say warped rotors. From what you've described though, it sounds like bent wheels or shot tie rods.

Let us know what you find and good luck.

Ron

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Forgot about this: There is a failure of the rear shock mounts on track cars, and street cars that are driven very hard. Seems like the metal fatitgues and breaks around the mounts (or so I have heard - haven't seen this myself...)

-Wayne

stupenal · 05-20-2002, 10:42 PM

Canyon- I had a mechanic check it over and he gave it a thumbs up. However, he is not the dealer, nor does he only specialize in bimmers. He does, however, own a bimmer and works on a variety of cars. Anyways, yah, the rear shock mounts seem to be a major problem on all the e36 models. Pretty cheap to replace I think, probably less than $100 including labor and parts. Supposedly it'll help the rattle from the rear go away. I'm going to take it to the dealer sometime soon and ask how much for that inspection. I'm kind of afraid that they will pressure me into fixing the car there though, which i heard costs an arm and a leg and another arm too maybe.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

If you can wait about a month or two, I should have a E36 tech article on the shock mount replacement...

-Wayne