Question about strut problem/replacement

[RenaissanceMan]

Hey folks-

In the last couple of days I have noticed the ride quality suddenly drastically worsen on my 3.0. Specifically, the left front wheel when going over bumps jars the car violently, as if there is no damper compliance, whatsoever. Also, when cruising on the highway, if the left front hits a large bump you can feel a bouncing judder for about a second. I took a look at it without taking anything apart yet and I noticed there is some oil that has collected and is dripping off of the left front coil spring. I'm assuming it's from a blown strut?

I'm also assuming since I have coil springs that I don't have air struts up front... Is that a safe assumption? Sorry if that's a stupid question; I just want to be sure. Also when I bought the truck I was told it had the sport suspension but how can I be sure? It looks like there are different spec struts for sport suspension X5's... I want to make sure I purchase the correct parts. Thx-

[LeiZ]

Sounds the time for replacement to me. How many mileage on your struts? Let me know what strut you're thinking. I have a pair right in my garage right now. Just need some time to finish the project.

[ants_oz]

Short answer - if it's leaking oil, it's stuffed.

[RenaissanceMan]

Originally Posted by LeiZ

Sounds the time for replacement to me. How many mileage on your struts? Let me know what strut you're thinking. I have a pair right in my garage right now. Just need some time to finish the project.

I've got 114k on them; they are the originals. Planning on buying the original BMW ones (Sachs?) for replacement.

I just found a VIN decoder online and confirmed that my X5 does have the sport package and sport suspension settings. According to realoem.com there are specific part numbers for the sport struts. Now trying to find a reasonably priced source for these things.... They aren't cheap.

[Kristophe]

I replaced both rear and front struts with Sachs Touring last summer and I'm very pleased with the ride quality and stability. I bought mine from FCP Euro for a very decent price and installed them myself. I rented the spring compressor from AZ.

[LeiZ]

Sports package/suspension, any difference? Lowered spring?

Mine also have sports suspension, but non-air. Check to make sure yours is not air-susp.

GL

Originally Posted by RenaissanceMan

I've got 114k on them; they are the originals. Planning on buying the original BMW ones (Sachs?) for replacement.

I just found a VIN decoder online and confirmed that my X5 does have the sport package and sport suspension settings. According to realoem.com there are specific part numbers for the sport struts. Now trying to find a reasonably priced source for these things.... They aren't cheap.

[RenaissanceMan]

Originally Posted by LeiZ

Sports package/suspension, any difference? Lowered spring?

Mine also have sports suspension, but non-air. Check to make sure yours is not air-susp.

GL

No, it appears that the air suspension struts use 'bags' and not springs. I have coil springs on mine and the regular struts. I did some calling around and I think I'm going to go with the Bilstein Touring replacements. Supposedly they are valved just like the originals and are significantly cheaper.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by RenaissanceMan

No, it appears that the air suspension struts use 'bags' and not springs. I have coil springs on mine and the regular struts. I did some calling around and I think I'm going to go with the Bilstein Touring replacements. Supposedly they are valved just like the originals and are significantly cheaper.

Be mindful of the energy stored in the springs as you take things apart. It's only dangerous if you decide to put yourself (or others) in the line of fire should the spring compressor let go.

Plan on an alignment after you are all done.

[mferek]

+1 for documenting your experience/procedure. I have the 3.0 with sport suspension and am going to have to do some suspension work sometime soon as I just passed 140k on original struts. I'd love to know how the Bilsteins compare to stock. Are you doing any bushings while you're in there? Seems like a pretty good time to take care of those too.

[mferek]

you ever get this stuff put on?