Suspension Service

When do I need to service my BMW Suspension?

bmw-suspension-scottsdale

BMW suspension systems are designed and built for the perfect balance of performance, comfort, and safety over a wide variety of road surfaces and conditions. They are largely responsible for what makes BMW the ultimate driving machine. Therefore servicing your suspension is essential in the performance and safety of your BMW. Arizona roads are very taxing on vehicles in general, and your Bavarian machine is no exception. Pot holes, cold temperatures, and stop & go traffic provide extra strain on vehicles, especially the suspension. For this reason we use BMW Original parts for any bushings, control arms, springs, struts, and shocks as they provide the compromise of balanced handling, ride comfort, and grip while providing maximum longevity. For those looking for a non-factory performance suspension upgrade, we recommend and supply Bilstein sport shocks, H&R springs, Eibach springs, and several other performance suspension items. Please consult one our technicians before purchasing so we may best find components that suit your BMW and driving needs.

  • Shocks & Mounts

    The shocks should always be replaced in pairs.

    We recommend that you replace your shocks every 50,000 miles or so, or if they start to show signs of fading or wearing out. If you push down on a corner of the car, it should spring back with little oscillation up and down. If the car bounces up and down, you probably need new shocks. Different driving patterns may also affect the life of shock absorbers. Cars that are raced or often driven on winding roads may need their shocks replaced more often. It is also important to remember that, if you install performance springs that lower the car from its stock level, you will need to have the car realigned. Changing the height of the suspension also changes the values of the alignment settings.

  • Bushings

    There are lots of bushings and joints in BMW suspension that can wear and become loose after many miles of driving. If your car’s steering wheel vibrates at highway speeds, there are most likely components in the front suspension that need replacement. For a crisp, firm handling ride, replace every wearable part in the suspension every 50,000 to 70,000 miles.

    There are four main components that need attention when you overhaul the front suspension: control arms, ball joints, sway bar bushings, and tie rods.

  • Alignment

    BMW’s are known for good handling and an excellent suspension systems. Of course, precise handling and cornering are non-existent if the car is not aligned properly. If the alignment of the suspension is slightly off, you may experience significant tire wear and a loss of power and fuel economy. The most common sign of a misaligned front suspension is the car pulling to one side of the road while you are steering straight. There are five suspension specifications that must be met to properly align the chassis: front-end caster, camber, and toe; and rear-end camber and toe. Aftermarket racing components can be substituted if you need additional adjustment, but many street cars don’t have this ability in their stock form.