I am the original owner of an R50 w/sports package and have been happy with the car since I received it in February of 2003. Recently the road noise has gotten worse than ever and after having it checked out my shocks need replacing as they are causing my 16” (non-runflat) tires to cup on the tread surface. With 171K miles, maybe there’s some bearing noise mixed in as well (unsure), but was glad to hear my front axels are fine. As I don’t autocross or race it and am not too interested in any modifications, what shocks would be good as replacements for my worn out stock shocks? Also, while the shocks are being replaced, is there anything else I should also replace in the front and or rear suspension that maybe worn out as well and would help tighten it all up to and get it as close to new as I could?

 

Definitely check out the lower control arm bushings on the front. At 171k miles, there's virtually no chance that they *don't* need replacing if you still have the original bushings.

Replacing the bushings will remove some of the slop/play in the front end and will make the steering tighter and more responsive.

 

Defintiely replace lower control arm bushings. I would think about replacing the strut top mounts as well.

Koni FSD is a good stock replacement. It's not anything sportier than stock, but will have better ride quality.

Alternatively, I have a set of 55k mile OEM R53 shocks I could sell cheap. They are not blown, but they do have some miles. The Konis will defintely ride better.

- Andrew

 

After looking through several forums, most folks agree with andyroo on the Koni FSD’s as far as stock replacement Shocks (or is it struts? Is there a difference?). As the Koni FSD’s are adjustable (and I really don’t know much about tweaking them), are there some detents on these shocks so that I know I have them all adjusted at the same (mid-level) setting? Does anyone know what that setting would be on the FSD’s to equal (the pre-April 2003) OEM Sport Suspension shock firmness?

It seems there is also a rather strong agreement with ScottRiqui and andyroo to change out the front lower control arm bushings as well. I was unable to find a view identifying any control arms in my Bentley Service manual. Are there upper control arms which (at 171K miles) may also have worn bushings too? Do any vendors offer a complete bushing replacement kit for all control arms and other suspension points on the front end? Need I worry about bushings on the rear end?

 

FSD's would be the best and most cost effective choice.

For bushings we recommend the Powerflex control arm bushings, they will make your car feel like new again. We also offer them prepressed to make the install easier. The only other thing you really should replace with them is the front swaybar bushings.

 

The manual might identify the LCA as the "lower wishbone" - that's what the BMW parts diagram calls it. Here's a link to the www.realoem.com page (this is for my 2006 'S', so don't use the part numbers for ordering anything in case yours aren't the same.)

The bushing is the round thing in the picture to the right of the number "8". You can see that it locates and provides damping for the rear-facing protrusion on the lower wishbone.

 

Ah, I was just about to link your site for the Powerflex bushings, but I saw your beat me to it!

I noticed you also have a kit that includes the inner and outer ball joints as well - would it be a good idea to replace those just on spec, considering how many miles are on the OP's car? I'm considering doing all of that (plus the sway bar bushings) on my car, and I only have 80k miles.)