100k miles: suspension repairs due?

[gravyface]

Looking at a '96 318ti Sport with 100k miles on it. Recent repairs are:

new clutch, new exhaust, new radiator, new ignition coils, wires and spark plugs.

He's the 3rd owner, has all service records. I'm wondering about suspension though and what else should've been repaired by now.

Thanks

[Panzer_M]

front balljoints, dampeners, control arms(balljoints are part of the control arm), Lower Control Arm Bushings, Rear Shock Mounts,

[gravyface]

oi.

What am I looking at in parts for that? I'd like to neg that into the price.

[Panzer_M]

when i got my Club Sport, I had to rebuild the suspension..busted balljoint, blown shocks..I spent a grand getting it back into Top Tier shape easy.

[gravyface]

k checking out standard WorldPac pricing, I'm looking at about $1000 for parts alone:

control arm (FL):$232.95
control arm (FR):236.95
strut mount (FL): $73.00
strut mount (FR): $73.00
shock mount (RL): $15-22
shock mount (RR): $15-22
Sachs strut assembly FL: $166.95
Sachs strut assembly Sachs FR: $166.95
control arm bushings kit (FL/FR): $39.95
ball joint (FL): $33.00
ball joint (FR): $33.00

That seem about right?

[Panzer_M]

www.BavAuto.com
www.PelicanParts.com

and try Tischer BMW, don't have their Web/email

Note: you don't have to buy all at the same place.

[gravyface]

Yeah, when/if it comes down to it, I'm sure I'm going to shop around but I'm just trying to get a reasonable ballpark figure in my head for negotiating purposes. Thanks though -- I think a grand sounds about right.

[windnsea00]

Don't forget rear subframe bushings, they will make a big difference. Also inspect engine/tranny/diff mounts. My engine mounts had been replaced at low 90k mile range, I upgraded my tranny mounts and my diff mount was bad at 100k miles so I replaced it with a MZ3 one. Also inspect flex disc (guibo) and the center support bearing.

[Panzer_M]

Rear Subframes are a PITA

[windnsea00]

Originally Posted by Panzer_M

Rear Subframes are a PITA

We used a lift, lots of liquid spray to help loosen up bolts, an air gun and a sludgehammer. Eventually they loosened up...doesn't help my car lived in VA for the first half of its life. My rtab's are still original at 109k miles but E30 style ones seem to last a pretty long time...I will do them sometime down the line.

[snwbrdrbum10]

Originally Posted by windnsea00

Don't forget rear subframe bushings, they will make a big difference. Also inspect engine/tranny/diff mounts. My engine mounts had been replaced at low 90k mile range, I upgraded my tranny mounts and my diff mount was bad at 100k miles so I replaced it with a MZ3 one. Also inspect flex disc (guibo) and the center support bearing.

i hear these a pain to put in.

[drrty byl]

The pricing on those parts seems a bit noncompetitive -- I think you can get most of those pieces quite a bit cheaper.. However, if you plan to use this pricing to leverage a bargain, more power to you..

[gravyface]

Those are Canadian prices through http://www.autopartsonlinecanada.com/

[drrty byl]

Originally Posted by gravyface

Those are Canadian prices through http://www.autopartsonlinecanada.com/

My mistake, heh..

Still though -- 212.58 for a control arm.. I see one on pelican parts for $89.75 USD..

[gravyface]

I'll keep that in mind. Although cross-border shipping costs and fscking brokerage fees can sometimes jack it up. I bought hatch struts for my Audi Coupe Quattro for 120 bucks and spent 43 bucks on brokerage/shipping fees.