Z3 spec ?

[Foggy]

Hi folk, I bought my Z3 new 2002 and specified the full UK sports kit ( option 704 ) I am now looking to replace front and rear springs due to rust. ( warning on MOT )
I was browsing this site and chanced across a thread which was on this subject but a Scottish based owner was asking about sports springs at 1.5mm lower ( Sports option 704A ) he was advised. Now I cannot find that thread again and I really need to know how to tell if my car has the lower spring/ride height fitted as part of the sport option I had fitted ? I do not want to change the ride on my Z
Now knowing that this forum knows everything about all Zeds who can help please ?

Happy driving Foggy

 

[mrscalex]

https://www.mdecoder.com/ - and put the last 7 digits of your VIN in to understand how it was built.

S704A M Sports Suspension will confirm built with -15mm Sport springs
S719A Sports Edition - means it's a full Sport package (the 2 usually go hand-in-hand).

Now normally I would say "but who knows what springs have been fitted by previous owners". But in your case you've had it since new so you know.

Sport -15mm springs can only be bought from BMW and are about £90 a corner so quite expensive. There's not necessarily any need to replace the springs though. They can be shotblasted and powder coated for aroud £15-£20 a corner but you'll obviously have to track down someone to do it.

 

[mrscalex]

Of more importance are the shocks. If they've never been changed the chances are they will need replacing. And it's the best time to do it with the springs out.

Genuine Sport shocks are expensive from BMW and rumour has it BMW just supply a standard shock these days with a Sport part number.

You are into a different game choosing there. But the popular choices are Bilstein B4, Monroe Reflex if you want to keep the ride standard. Or Bilstein B6 if you want to uprate.

I like to keep things standard but I draw the line at BMW shock prices. So I use Monroe Reflex but would be equally happy with Bilstein B4.

You should also consider changing the shock mounts while it's all apart too. Yes, it's starting to get a little expenisve now but you've owned the car from new and I would suggest it's a worthwhile investment.

 

[mrscalex]

And of course Sachs which are the original BMW kit anyway.

 

[Foggy]

And of course Sachs which are the original BMW kit anyway.

Hello again and thanks for the info, I have caused another glitch My Z is not an M I guess you picked up the connection from the option code 704A which seems to refer to the M from your text Sorry about that !
Bought Sach's shockers for the job, weeping from top of mine, and will now chase up other bits as per your suggestions.
Best regards foggy

 

[t-tony]

Why testers bother to "advise" corrosion on coil springs is beyond me. All it does is make someone such as yourself (who likely knows no better) that they're in imminent danger of breaking. Total codswallop! By all means take them off and lightly rub down and spray them black or which ever colour you like. It will make absolutely zero difference to the safety of your springs.

Tony.

ps. I'm a retired MOT Tester with over 40 years experience by the way.

 

[mrscalex]

Why testers bother to "advise" corrosion on coil springs is beyond me. All it does is make someone such as yourself (who likely knows no better) that they're in imminent danger of breaking. Total codswallop! By all means take them off and lightly rub down and spray them black or which ever colour you like. It will make absolutely zero difference to the safety of your springs.

Tony.

ps. I'm a retired MOT Tester with over 40 years experience by the way.

Well you know I have an issue with the place I use making this sort of advisory. But to be honest I’d rather not see rust either when I look. It’s just I think I should be the judge of when it needs sorting out without it being recorded on my vehicle history.

 

[Foggy]

Why testers bother to "advise" corrosion on coil springs is beyond me. All it does is make someone such as yourself (who likely knows no better) that they're in imminent danger of breaking. Total codswallop! By all means take them off and lightly rub down and spray them black or which ever colour you like. It will make absolutely zero difference to the safety of your springs.

Tony.

ps. I'm a retired MOT Tester with over 40 years experience by the way.

Thanks for that info, I was not terrified of them breaking just of them becoming weaker and looking horrible. I can also agree with mrscalex I did not appreciate it on my car history, regards and thanks to both of you.