E39 Suspension Issues

bmw528i · #1 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 01:16 PM

I've had my E39 for about 5 years now. Recently the factory suspension has been giving me problems. Even though my car is only 8 years old and has 74,000 miles on the odometer, I replaced ball joints a short while ago (yes I know it's time to replace some of the older stuff) and I keep hearing bad noises on bumps on otherwise shitty New England roads. Within 2 weeks mostly everything is being replaced with heavy duty parts. I just bought a Bilstein/H&R performance suspension package from Turner Motorsport with what's left of my Birthday and Christmas money. I've heard other E39's on the road making the same noises. I was just wondering if anybody has had the same problems with their E39 factory suspensions.

gixerdave1983 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-22-2008, 04:23 PM

have you changed the sway bar links and bushes??? these can both cause lots of noise but wont make any noise if you get underneath and feel for play!!

oggy29 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-25-2008, 11:39 AM

i didn't heard about any problems with m5 suspension...
in my e39 i've now a SACHS suspension - i think it is a good one

gixerdave1983 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008, 11:32 AM

its a 528 not an M5......and sachs is a company that makes supension components...theres no real such thing as a "sachs suspension"....theres 100s of components!!

bmw528i · #5 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008, 05:28 AM

I got it taken care of, some of the bushings were totally shot to hell. I also put in my new shocks and springs as well. It's like a totally new car.

MIDASe39 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 01:01 PM

My 528i makes a similar noise over bumps I was prepared to get the bilstein hd's on my stock sport springs to fix the problem. But for you was it the strut or the bushing that made the noise, and which one fixed the problem? thanx

bmw528i · #7 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 06:10 PM

Actually the problem was the sway bar links. The factory ones were shit. The bushings ended up being fine (originally the shop thought those were the problem) but I had them replaced since my car was in pieces anyway. The shop I had work on my car actually ordered new sway bar links with a nylon mesh material instead of the rubber that was originally used. One of the links actually had zero rubber left and it came from the front left which was loose as hell all the time. I hope this helps.

The next job for me is to fix out my drive line clanks. I think some of the bolts on the drive shaft have become loose. I just need to see what's loose first. This car has had the weirdest shit break on it but fortunately nothing major has gone wrong and I pray it stays that way.

MIDASe39 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008, 08:23 AM

Good deal thanx ill look into that. Also I was wondering for my 5 which is a better fit and all round better look and feel 18's or 19's

bmw528i · #9 (**permalink**) 07-13-2008, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIDASe39

Good deal thanx ill look into that. Also I was wondering for my 5 which is a better fit and all round better look and feel 18's or 19's

Well, it comes down to personal preference. I think 18's look pretty good on an E39, but the wheel wells can easily accommodate 19's. I think the biggest factor though is wheel width. The fronts are not so much of a big deal but for me the rear wheels need to fill the entire well. Currently, I have a new set of Beyern Mesh Type wheels with a black hub on order. I went with 18x8.5 front and 18x9.5 rear. I wanted to go with 19's but a lot of the roads here in New England are truly terrible. I wanted a little more tire to cushion the ride a little bit so I didn't go with 19's.

MIDASe39 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 08:44 AM

I was debating between:
SIZE - 19X8.5 FRONT 19X9.5 REAR with OFFSET - 13MM FRONT 15MM REAR
or (18X8) with 2" Machine Lip 20MM Offset.

also for brakes: pre-drilled& slotted, would the slotted really wear my pads down that much. Should I just go with pre drilled for every day driving? and Have you heard of MAGNUM (Made in Canada) CROSS-DRILLED ROTORS or possi quiet pads?

sorry for the short essay! thanx

MIDASe39 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 11:22 AM

p.s. This would b on stock sport spings and bilstein hd strut.

bmw528i · #12 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIDASe39

I was debating between:
SIZE - 19X8.5 FRONT 19X9.5 REAR with OFFSET - 13MM FRONT 15MM REAR
or (18X8) with 2" Machine Lip 20MM Offset.

also for brakes: pre-drilled& slotted, would the slotted really wear my pads down that much. Should I just go with pre drilled for every day driving? and Have you heard of MAGNUM (Made in Canada) CROSS-DRILLED ROTORS or possi quiet pads?

sorry for the short essay! thanx

Those wheel sizes sound about right. On to the brakes I am actually ordering a set of slotted and cross drilled rotors to replace my OE parts. The rotors shouldn't affect pad wear and even if they did the added performance you get from better disc ventilation offsets any potential wear in my opinion. I actually have heard of Possi quiet pads and I have seen mixed reviews. Personally my next set of brake pads for my new rotors are going to be Cool Carbon sport pads. I have a friend who has them on his 325i and the pads alone have greatly improved his braking.

MIDASe39 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 03:47 PM

Thanx. With you 18's did u notice any problems in excelleration or handling? You think the 19's would b worst?

bmw528i · #14 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIDASe39

Thanx. With you 18's did u notice any problems in excelleration or handling? You think the 19's would b worst?

I didn't really notice any changes in acceleration to be honest, however I did notice that the car handles much better than it used to with the factory 16x7's.

MIDASe39 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 08:16 AM

Do you what your stock wheel's weight or even how much the 17inch basket are, my deal now is that i don't want a rim thats to heavy or feel like I'm driving a boat.lol