Rebuilding front end (suspension) 2004 e53

[70-k5]

I've been driving the wife's X5 for the week and really started to notice the loose front end components. The previous owner, my sister, believed that the theory to hitting speed bumps was to go as fast as possible, slowing down would cause the car to bounce... well, can't fix that as she's nearing 40 and done it to every car she's ever owned.

I went to the stealership for a leaky coolant diagnosis and among the various repairs they listed were front end components, I don't remember which ones. Since they wanted $325 to replace the coolant expansion tank (I bought and replaced for under $50) I think their $3,500 quote was ridiculous.

I've worked on older iron, domestic vehicles from the 70's a lot and probably have all the tools needed but I want to get the right parts. I've always used MOOG components but is there a different brand that is the gold standard for BMW replacement parts?

Also, if there is a thread anywhere that would be helpful in identifying all the components: tie rods, idler arms, ball joints or whatever else is in there that is a typical wear item I'd appreciate the help.

[StephenVA]

I understand your sister's driving skills and habits all too well. I spent over 20+ years in the auto industry as a factory rep for engine mangement systems. Driver comfort regardless of impact on vehicle life and safety. Time for a heart to heart conversation on "What happens to your car investment when you do that" talk. Parking by "sound" (Bang, cruntch, @^%!?) falls in to this catagory also.

I too am a long term user of Moog parts in older muscle cars. Great improvement over OE part construction and engineering. Moog sells parts for our cars also. Check the box as they are sourced and reboxed. For BMWs the OE parts are pretty good already. There are some aftermarket parts that are the BMW part less the logo.

There are also cheap knock offs that are world sourced by suppliers. Think "it fits so it must be OK". In the manufacturing world they are called "Commercially Acceptable". In other words, those who work on cars professionally, will accept them as a good part. Cheaper, not better.

Here are links to the exploded part views for BMWs. Type in model, year, build date, and your off.
Real OEM- RealOEM.com * Online BMW Parts Catalog
Penske Parts Penske Parts - Technical Diagrams & Parts Catalog

There are other sites out there but these work well enough. Look up the OE part number and go shopping. It really is that simple. To get the parts off and on correctly, pick up a Bentley manual from any reselling vendor listed below. Good stuff sometimes not specific enough and that is where Xpost.com comes in. Owners helping owners. Car guys offering up tips trick and pitfalls to avoid. This be us. There is a lot of insight and knowledge base here just search FIRST, then ask for help. People will respond.

Now, "Where do you Buy the stuff?"
Multiple vendors have the parts and multiple dealers sell online as well. Here are a few sources to get you started:
ECS OEM / Performance Parts for Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Porsche & Volkswagen - ECS Tuning
Bavarian Autosport BMW Parts and BMW Accessories | Bavarian Autosport
Fairfax BMW in Fairfax, VA | BMW of Fairfax
Get BMW Parts BMW Parts and Accessories at GetBMWparts.com
RockAuto RockAuto Parts Catalog

RUN FROM CHINA Knock Off PARTS which are over Ebay and Amazon. You will like the price but not the fit, finish, or life span.

Hopefully this all helps. Post again any time. Take a few pic and post your DIY projects.

[70-k5]

Awesome information here!

I tried many years ago to tell my sister how to treat a car but it doesn't really matter... She's never bought herself a car, she has been getting my parents hand me down's for the last 25 years... For abusing the X5 she was rewarded with a 2010 Audi Q5... They have typically traded in her used cars but the X5 was too nice, I couldn't let it go for wholesale.

[X5SND]

^^ Bang on!

Just to add a bit, when it comes to suspension components specifically in terms of the X, brands like Lemforder, febi, Meyle, are all great for BMW branded part replacements...and can had for (most of the time) a fraction of the OEM part cost. You definitely want to stay away from brands like MTC and Uro, as their stuff is crap.

You didn't mention anything about the miles currently on the X, but I'd highly recommend looking into doing a complete rebuild on the front end...

You can also cut some additional costs by pressing out/in replacement bushings into some of the components if you feel comfortable/have the tools to do it!

[70-k5]

Only 90K on the clock and my dad took excellent care of it, drove like well, an old man...

He took it to the dealership routinely and fixed everything sparing no expense. From 45K - a little over 80K my sister had it and it received zero maintenance, maybe an oil change or two...

Reading the diagrams is a little difficult, I need to spend some time under the vehicle so I really understand what the individual components are so I can identify them in the blown up drawings.

[70-k5]

Only 90K on the clock and my dad took excellent care of it, drove like well, an old man...

He took it to the dealership routinely and fixed everything sparing no expense. From 45K - a little over 80K my sister had it and it received zero maintenance, maybe an oil change or two...

Reading the diagrams is a little difficult, I need to spend some time under the vehicle so I really understand what the individual components are so I can identify them in the blown up drawings.

[bcredliner]

The following link shows the parts needed other than struts for a complete front suspension kit: BMW Suspension Kit - Front (e53) - eEuroparts.com Kit 100K10010 - Free Shipping This is just for example there are many other sources that you can buy each piece that may be a better price. I didn't check what brands are in this kit. I recommend either OE or OEM parts.

How many miles on the current suspension?

Assuming all the suspension is due for a rebuild, another reason to do it all at once is so you only have to get it aligned once and you have it partially torn down to replace anything other than the sway bar links.

[Russianblue]

i just replaced the entire front end on my 2003 a few weeks back. hit me up if you have any questions.

you need...

tension strut bushings
ball joints
control arms
sway bar links
tie rods (potentially, inspect first)

and i would definitely check strut mounts.

i found the whole process pretty easy compared to working on some other bmws. i was fortunate though. the biggest potential pitfalls? ball joints are corroded in place. control arms won't come out.

it does take some research though and it will help to get under there and get a handle on things.

also...i absolutely recommend 1 Meyle HD, and then 2 Lemforder if there is no Meyle HD part.

[RFaber]

I just picked up a complete front end kit. (minus the tie rod ends and sway bar links, because they were still good.) for under $450 shipped!
Meyle HD tension arm bushes, lemforder ball joints, and meyle control arms, while I was at it I ordered some front wheel bearings, (I had that driving over a steel bridge sound!!) plus they threw in some "swag" too!! (few bottle openers and such!! all in all, a GREAT company to deal with !!
they sell complete kits too, also a greatly reduced prices! I am a fan!!
I appreciate the other postings about replacing this stuff, learned a lot, and cant wait to tackle it next week! (I work weekends!)

[bcredliner]

Look forward to hearing how it goes.