Why BMW suspension deserves a specialist
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 a big part of what makes a BMW the ultimate driving machine. That makes servicing your suspension essential to both the performance and the safety of your car.
Arizona roads are very taxing on vehicles in general, and your Bavarian machine is no exception. Potholes, temperature swings and stop and go traffic all put extra strain on a car, and especially on the suspension.
The parts we use
For bushings, control arms, springs, struts and shocks, we use BMW Original parts. They give the right compromise of balanced handling, ride comfort and grip, while providing maximum longevity.
If you are looking for a non factory performance upgrade, we recommend and supply Bilstein sport shocks, H&R springs, Eibach springs and several other performance suspension parts. Please talk to one of our technicians before you buy anything, so we can help you find components that suit your BMW and the way you drive it.
Shocks and mounts
Shocks should always be replaced in pairs. We recommend replacing them every 50,000 miles or so, or sooner if they show signs of fading or wearing out.
A simple test: push down on one corner of the car. It should spring back with very little oscillation. If the car keeps bouncing up and down, you probably need new shocks.
Driving style matters too. Cars that are raced, or often driven on winding roads, may need their shocks replaced more often.
If you install performance springs that lower the car from its stock ride height, you will need to have the car realigned. Changing the height of the suspension also changes the alignment settings.
Bushings, control arms and ball joints
There are a lot of bushings and joints in a BMW suspension, and they wear and loosen with miles. If your steering wheel vibrates at highway speeds, there are most likely components in the front suspension that need replacing.
For a crisp, firm handling ride, we recommend replacing every wearable part in the suspension every 50,000 to 70,000 miles. When you overhaul the front suspension, four main components need attention:
- Control arms
- Ball joints
- Sway bar bushings
- Tie rods
Alignment
BMWs are known for great handling and excellent suspension, but precise handling and cornering are impossible if the car is not aligned properly. If the alignment is even slightly off, you can see 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 while you are steering straight. To align the chassis properly, five specifications must be met:
- Front caster
- Front camber
- Front toe
- Rear camber
- Rear toe
Aftermarket racing components can be substituted if you need more adjustment than the factory parts allow. Many street cars do not have that adjustability in stock form.
Signs your BMW needs suspension work
- The steering wheel vibrates at highway speed
- The car pulls to one side, or the steering wheel is off center
- Uneven or unusually fast tire wear
- Clunks or knocks over bumps and driveway entrances
- The car keeps bouncing after a dip, or feels floaty on the freeway
- It feels less precise and less planted than it used to
BMW specific notes
Front control arm bushings are one of the most common wear items on BMW 3 Series and 5 Series models, and worn ones are a frequent cause of vague steering and highway vibration. Heavier models such as the X5 put more load through their suspension and can wear these parts sooner. We inspect the whole front end rather than guessing, so you only replace what actually needs replacing.
Book a suspension inspection
Whether you want your BMW to feel like new again or you are planning a performance upgrade, we can help. Call 480.922.1068 or send us a message through the contact page.
BMW Suspension Service FAQ
How do I know if my shocks are worn out?
Push down firmly on one corner of the car and let go. It should spring back with very little movement. If it keeps bouncing up and down, the shocks are probably worn. We recommend replacing shocks about every 50,000 miles, always in pairs.
My steering wheel vibrates at highway speed. What causes that?
On a BMW, the most likely cause is worn parts in the front suspension, such as control arm bushings, ball joints or tie rods. Wheel balance can also play a part. We will inspect the front end and tell you exactly what we find.
Do I need an alignment after lowering my car?
Yes. Changing the ride height changes the alignment settings, so any car fitted with lowering springs needs to be realigned.
How often should my BMW be aligned?
We recommend an alignment every 25,000 miles, and any time suspension parts are replaced or you notice the car pulling or uneven tire wear.