Suspension overhaul
 

Hey everyone...

This may be of interest to some of you. I have a 2001 X5 4.4i sport with almost 100k miles. For the past 6 months my ride has become very harsh, I feel every single tiny bump and undulation on the road. I realize that it has a sport package, but it used to do a great job of eating up the small and medium bumps. I always run the specified 32 psi all around. I've also read that the typical lifespan of the BMW shocks is 80-100k miles... so I'm pretty sure my shocks are pretty lazy by now.

I've ordered OEM front and rear struts/shocks, shock mounts, spring isolators, and strut bearings. Parts are costing me around $1700. Will take to reputable independent shop to install in the next week or two. I'll post a before/after comparison once I get them installed and an alignment done.

search sway bar end links and thrust rod bushings. these parts worn out can make for a harsh ride.

i just started the same overhaul. aT just over 82,000 miles my x has become soft and sloppy around curves on the parkway. I just did the thrust rod bushings and ball joints on that link. there is a second link that requires a new bushing as well. these rubber mounts soften up and crack overtime. I bought 2004 rear shocks in hopes the length will be shorter than the 2001 as for the 2inch drop. new rear airbags and new front KW coilovers. I hope to get a very cart like feel with the 2inch drop and new bushings. I will keep you informed with pics. goodluck with yours.

I already had thrust rod bushings replaced last fall. We'll see how much a difference the new shocks make. Sway bar links will probably be next on my to do list.

Here is my final report on this project: had the front/rear struts/shocks and all associated hardware installed last weekend. A reputable independent shop did the work, Autotech in Nashville... they did a great job... only charged me $450 for labor. Immediately had to have an alignment done. The ride is amazing now... like I remember when I first got it. It eats up bumps, the harshness is comletely gone. Does not sway any more in turns or undulating roads. They returned the old shocks to me so I could look inspect them. The fronts were completely gone, I could compress them with one hand, the rears may have been OK but I wanted to just replace all four at the same time. Just looking at the car from the side, it seems to sit slightly higher. I would definitely recommend getting shocks/struts replaced to anyone approaching 100k.

Peter

Glad to hear that. You made the right call in going OEM with these parts.

Sway-bar links are pretty much a static part (moves together with the control arm and swaybar). Don't replace them unless there's play in them, it'd just be a waste of money.