Learning/Research Stage for Suspension Overhaul for e53 3.0 (only)

[lhordmclain]

First of all, lets keep this thread in a close loop for "e53 3.0 owners with standard suspension". So that others with the same suspension specs can learn and re-use the information.

My vehicle is 2004 3.0i with 90k miles (low mileage but 11 years and counting). The only suspension issue I had was the rear driver side ball joint last year and I know my front tension strut arm bushing needs some attention (visible wear and tear but no vibration/shuddering/noise yet).
We are averaging less than 10k miles a year with the X5. I am thinking when I hit 120k miles, then I need to bite the bullet, if I want to to keep this vehicle for more years to come.

Only time will tell when I really need a major suspension repairs, might as well learn now when everything is calm versus scrambling/stressing/pressure that I need to do this ASAP

Disclaimer: This is just my initial listing, I will color code it GREEN finalized part. All prices are subjected to change I can feel the burn in my pocket.

Front Spring Strut/Carrier/Wheel bearing

Diagram#..PN#.......... Description
-----------------------------------------------
#1.... 31316764604...Strut Assembly Front Right
.......31316764603...Strut Assembly Front Left
#2.....31331096307...Fit bolt. M16X1,5X65 (4x)
#3.....07119906287...Self-Locking Hex Nut.
.....................M16X1,5-10 ZNS3 (4x)
#6.....31226783913...Angular Contact Ball
.....................Bearing,Radial. 49X90X45 (2x)
#7.... 07119934760...Lock Ring. 90X3 (2x)
.....................Drive flange hub (optional)
.....................Dust Protection Collar (optional)
.....................Collar nut. M27X1,5 (optional)

For Diagram #1 , I also see the option with Sport Setting PN#: 31316764605 and 31316764606 any additional information is appreciated.

BMW Discounted Price:
- $320.58x2 for standard and 358.46x2 for Sport, reference BMW South Atlanta Parts.

OEM and aftermarket options:
- Sachs @ $211.95x2, For an "original BMW" ride, it's Sachs. Sachs shocks have been the original equipment (OE) on BMW's
- Bilstein Touring
- Bilstein HD - I heard good and bad with this option

My initial choice: I would go with OEM Sachs for the Strut Assembly


Guide Support/Spring Pad/Attaching parts

Diagram#..PN#........ Description
-----------------------------------------------
#1....31306779604....Guide Support (Strut Mount) (2x)
......................OE $110.75 versus OEM Lemforder $42.03 (2x)
#6................... Strut Bearing
#7....31331091233.....Spring Pad Upper (2x), OE $6.18x2
#11...31331096299.....Spring Pad Lower (2x), OE $10.68x2
#10...31331096309.....Rubber Boot (2x), check if Strut Assembly comes with Rubber Boot


My initial choice: I would go with OEM Lemforder for the Strut Mount and OE on the rest.

Frnt axle support,wishbone/tension strut


Diagram#..PN#........ Description
-----------------------------------------------
#10.....31126760275...Wishbone (Control Arm), left. OE $158.50
........31126760276...Wishbone (Control Arm), left.
#12.....31303450534...Collar screw. M12X1,5X80 ZNS3 (2x) OE: $4.63x2
#13.....33326760668...Self-locking collar nut. M12X1,5-10 ZNS3 (2x) OE $1.29x2
#6......31126769717...Left tension strut (Thrust Arm) with Rubber Mounting OE: $167.74
........31126769718...Right tension strut (Thrust Arm)with Rubber Mounting
#8......31106769434...Hexagon screw with flange. M14X1,5X103 (2x) OE $7.26x2
#9......33306760349...Self-locking collar nut. M14X1,5-10 ZNS3 (2x) OE $2.45x2
#15.....31126756491...Wheel Suspension Joint (2x) OE $65.51x2

My initial choice: For Diagram #10,#6, #15 , I will go with OEM Lemforder E536PIECEKITL which is cheaper at $501.99 but the rubber mounting in #6 is weak, still searching for Lemforder tension strut (Thrust Arm) already pressed with Powerflex or Meyle HD.

Steering Linkage/Tie rods

Diagram#..PN#......Description
-----------------------------------------------
#4....32106774336..Tie Rod (2x) (includes #6,#7,#5) OE $77.63x2
#1....32136751026..Repair kit bellows ZF (includes #2,#3) OE $76.73x2
......83232208093, Grease FB-1. 100G OE $8.05

My initial choice: I will go with OE since is not that bad of a price range.

Stabilizer, front

Diagram#..PN#.......Description
-----------------------------------------------
#7.....31356750703..Left Swing Support, OE 46.41
.......31356750704..Right Swing Support
#2.....31351097021..Stabilizer rubber mounting. D=29MM (2x) OE $24.01

My initial choice: I will go with OE for the Swing Support since is not that bad of a price range versus OEM Lemforder X5LINKKIT $61.99. I will probably go with Powerflex for Stabilizer rubber mounting.

Stabilizer, rear
Diagram#..PN#.......Description
-----------------------------------------------
#2....33551096893...Stabilizer rubber mounting (2x)
see Powerflex
#5....33551096735...Stabilizer link (2x)
#6....33326760668...Self-locking collar nut M12X1,5-10 ZNS3 (2x)
#7....33326760374...Self-locking collar nut M12X1,5-10 ZNS3 (2x)
#8....26111229125...Washer D=12MM (2x)

Single Components for Rear Spring Strut

Diagram#..PN#.......Description
-----------------------------------------------
#1....33506751543...Shock absorber, rear (2x)
#2....33521093856...Hex bolt M14X1,5X180 (2x)
#4....31321125878...Rubber boot (2x)
#7....33526773669...Guided Support (Strut Mount)
#8....33521097205...Washer-gasket
#13...33531093785...Spring Pad Lower
#14...33531093786...Spring Pad Upper

Rear axle Support/Wheel suspension

Diagram#..PN#.......Description
------------------------------------------------
#11....33326770859..Wishbone Left, OE $237.30
.......33326770860..Wishbone Right
#6.....33326774796..Guiding suspension link (x2) OE $213.59
#4.....33326770749..Intergal Link (x2) OE $63.34
#3.....33321091687..Snap Right (x2) OE $2.74
#2.....33326767748..Ball Joint (x2) OE $49.79

My initial choice: For Diagram #11,#6, #4,#3 and #2 , I will go with OEM Lemforder E53CAKITREARL which is cheaper at $425.99


Parts total TO BE DETERMINE when everything is color coded in green.

[chauez]

I have a 2003 E53 EHC 2 (4 wheel air suspension) which I converted to coil. Can anyone tell me the specific steps, instructions on how to remove the SIS error on the instrument panel? I have tried the module which connects to the rain sensor but all it did is disable the air conditioner 

[RFaber]

Are you doing the work yourself? or are you going to a shop?
Ive had good success with parts from FCPEuro, or ECStuning,
I redid my front suspension (regular springs not air) and the bill was reasonable! changed all the front pieces, (pressed in a new bushing into the tension struts) and also changed wheel bearings. Used mostly Meyle HD parts and FAG bearings.

[chauez]

Yes I have completed the work using a kit online. I replaced the front and rear springs abd all went well. The problem is removing the SIS light from the dash...

[RFaber]

I think you may need to code the suspension module. I did not realize you deleted the air suspension!

[nigwhyrito]

I wonder if its odd how we never see any posts from people wanting to add air suspension. I wish I could find the retrofit for all 4 airbags with lower and raise button.. just my personal preference I guess