[335NJ]

Alright so i've been putting the "problem" off since i've convinced myself it's just since it's cold out. By cold, I mean we haven't had many days above 10*, mostly with -10+ wind chills.

The steering seems a bit more "loose" than usual, and also i've noticed when hitting ruts in the road (they stretch the entire street, only maybe 1-1.5" deep) the front end clunks, and the front shocks just seem really sluggish to respond, or function properly. It's really becoming an issue because I have to basically slow down to 2 mph to go over any kind of bump in the road that BOTH wheels will hit at the same time. Around here, there's really in-consistent road conditions since the township could careless, but I don't typically have issues during warmer periods so I haven't had a reason to crawl underneath, which isn't an option at the moment since there's 6" of snow on the ground

I know it's hard for anyone to actually say there's a problem without actually seeing underneath the car, and inspecting the suspension/steering bits, but can anyone chime in on having similar issues? Also, only known issue is slight leaking power steering reservoir at the cap. Thanks in advance.

08 E90 335i Non-sport suspension, 17" style 159 wheels, and Hankook Non-RFT at about 29-31psi.

[vwetish]

How many miles? If over 50k there is a good chance that the shock gave out. Cold weather kills old suspension fast.

[335NJ]

Originally Posted by vwetish

How many miles? If over 50k there is a good chance that the shock gave out. Cold weather kills old suspension fast.

46k, little over a year ago when I bought it the front passenger side shock was replaced since it had a leak. The dealer selling it to me replaced it, with proof, before actually buying the car.

[vwetish]

Originally Posted by 335NJ

46k, little over a year ago when I bought it the front passenger side shock was replaced since it had a leak. The dealer selling it to me replaced it, with proof, before actually buying the car.

That is like buying only one new shoe! Big mistake. The new part will only crap out super fast because it will be over worked since the rest of the suspension parts are already dying at over 40k on bad roads and brutal weather.

[335NJ]

Originally Posted by vwetish

That is like buying only one new shoe! Big mistake. The new part will only crap out super fast because it will be over worked since the rest of the suspension parts are already dying at over 40k on bad roads and brutal weather.

Figures! Well, I have a warranty that covers a lot of suspension components, but not the struts/shocks. I'm looking at the options from Bilstein, I've always read great things from their lineup on other platforms. I'll have to do some research and see which setup to go with. It's a DD, no track, and don't really need anything crazy.

Hate to be that guy, but what reasonably priced options are recommended? I'll be doing a bunch of reading tomorrow, but a little advice wouldn't hurt. I'm getting it in the air tomorrow to do a visual and see what's going on before buying anything.

[vwetish]

Originally Posted by 335NJ

Figures! Well, I have a warranty that covers a lot of suspension components, but not the struts/shocks. I'm looking at the options from Bilstein, I've always read great things from their lineup on other platforms. I'll have to do some research and see which setup to go with. It's a DD, no track, and don't really need anything crazy.

Hate to be that guy, but what reasonably priced options are recommended? I'll be doing a bunch of reading tomorrow, but a little advice wouldn't hurt. I'm getting it in the air tomorrow to do a visual and see what's going on before buying anything.

I've worked on a lot of euro make and models (I move to USA for Europe in 2007 ) and only time I was 100% satisfied with Bilstein was on MBenz. On Audi, VW and BMW was Koni. Koni Yellow is what I have now on my cars here too. On the VW (my fetish) they have been through 5 Chicago winters already, close to 60k and still function which wasn't going to be the case with the OEM counterparts. On the BMW 2 years, 1 winters, 15k and no complaints. They have lifetime warranty as long as you keep the receipt. I bought mine from these people:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KONI-YELLOW-...4357b2&vxp=mtr

[cpie168]

Hi vwetish, are Koni yellows the same thing as Koni FSD? How does their durability compare to the Bilstein B6/8? Lastly, do they offer improved ride comfort and handling like the Bilstein B6/8?

Thanks a lot!

[335NJ]

Small update:

Got the car up on stands, and didn't see anything out of the ordinary. No leaking struts/shocks, all joints/connections look normal, and there's no "play/wobble" in the wheels when it's up in the air. Now i'm waiting for some warmer weather to see how it drives, if it's the same, i'm bringing it to my Indy for a better inspection.

Also new power steering reservoir cap gasket is on it's way, so that will hopefully resolve the residue around the cap.

[vwetish]

Originally Posted by cpie168

Hi vwetish, are Koni yellows the same thing as Koni FSD? How does their durability compare to the Bilstein B6/8? Lastly, do they offer improved ride comfort and handling like the Bilstein B6/8?

Thanks a lot!

yellow and fsd are different. I don't know how they compare to the bilstein b6/8. like the yellows the bilstein are adjustable as well, however, lot more expensive. the fsd is probably in the middle. all of them provide better handling with the fsd providing comfort similar to stock

[vwetish]

Originally Posted by 335NJ

Small update:

Got the car up on stands, and didn't see anything out of the ordinary. No leaking struts/shocks, all joints/connections look normal, and there's no "play/wobble" in the wheels when it's up in the air. Now i'm waiting for some warmer weather to see how it drives, if it's the same, i'm bringing it to my Indy for a better inspection.

Also new power steering reservoir cap gasket is on it's way, so that will hopefully resolve the residue around the cap.

gas pressurized struts/shocks not always have oil leaks when they are blown. I will inspect the front struts, strut mounts, and all control arms. when they are really, really bad you can fell play/wobble by moving them with your hand. Although, some say is not recommended big crow bar and and over-sized channel locks, i would say give them a go...

[335NJ]

Originally Posted by vwetish

gas pressurized struts/shocks not always have oil leaks when they are blown. I will inspect the front struts, strut mounts, and all control arms. when they are really, really bad you can fell play/wobble by moving them with your hand. Although, some say is not recommended big crow bar and and over-sized channel locks, i would say give them a go...

Yeah I gave everything I could a good tug back and forth by hand, and there wasn't anything abnormal going on. But, i'm not an expert on suspension, so i'll jack er' up again and run through everything systematically, and go from there.

Thanks for the responses man