Springy stock rear shocks
My M5 has the original rear shocks with self -levelling. The car presently has 130L miles and I have been reluctant to replace the self-leveling system since this car is still completely original. Now the rear ends feels springy and sometimes I hear a cavitation type noise coming from the truck area. It is my understanding that the self-leveling unit has a pump to balance the weight. I assume that there must be a reservoir for the fluid. Can some one inform me where the reservior is located and what type of fliid should be used? Also if the shocks are out of fluid, is it required to bleed the shock, like you would bleed the brakes? Any help would be greatly appreciated. The only reference that I have is the Bently and I have not been able to find any information on the self-leveling system. Thanks
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Rich Euro M5
- Posts: 6098
- Joined: Mar 10, 2006 6:20 AM
- Location: Klein, Texas
Fred,
You might want to consider removing the SLS and replacing with the Euro M5 rear parts. Box the original stuff up and put it in the attic. Contact Steve Haygood, he can probably help you with the SLS system, he can also supply you with the parts needed to eliminate the SLS.
FWIW: The eliminating the SLS is a simple unbolt it type of mod and can be reinstalled in the car at a later date.
Rich
You might want to consider removing the SLS and replacing with the Euro M5 rear parts. Box the original stuff up and put it in the attic. Contact Steve Haygood, he can probably help you with the SLS system, he can also supply you with the parts needed to eliminate the SLS.
FWIW: The eliminating the SLS is a simple unbolt it type of mod and can be reinstalled in the car at a later date.
Rich
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Mark 88/M5 Houston
- Posts: 8548
- Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
- Location: Far North Houston
Rich,
Thanks for the suggestion and if handling was the most important criteria, your suggestion would be the direction I would proceed. I have Bilstein HD's with stock springs on my wife's 88' 535i and Koni/Ebach with Ground Control coil overs on the 85' 535. I think that the handling on either of these cars is far superior to the M. I do perfer the quickness of the M steering however. I just would perfer to keep the car original. I bought the 85' to be modified. Are you aware of anyone with knowledge of how to maintiain the stock system?
Fred
ps. Looking forward to meeting up with you again and hope to see you M on the road soon.
Thanks for the suggestion and if handling was the most important criteria, your suggestion would be the direction I would proceed. I have Bilstein HD's with stock springs on my wife's 88' 535i and Koni/Ebach with Ground Control coil overs on the 85' 535. I think that the handling on either of these cars is far superior to the M. I do perfer the quickness of the M steering however. I just would perfer to keep the car original. I bought the 85' to be modified. Are you aware of anyone with knowledge of how to maintiain the stock system?
Fred
ps. Looking forward to meeting up with you again and hope to see you M on the road soon.
Mark,
Thanks for the info. I do not have an leaks that leave fluid on the ground, but one of the shocks does have a damp spot. near the rod seal. I will check with Steve H and keep you posted of the results. If you know of where I might find a hydraulic schematic of the system it would be appreciated?
Fred
Thanks for the info. I do not have an leaks that leave fluid on the ground, but one of the shocks does have a damp spot. near the rod seal. I will check with Steve H and keep you posted of the results. If you know of where I might find a hydraulic schematic of the system it would be appreciated?
Fred
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Steve Haygood
- Posts: 1943
- Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
- Location: Thomaston Ga
- Contact:
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Rich Euro M5
- Posts: 6098
- Joined: Mar 10, 2006 6:20 AM
- Location: Klein, Texas
[QUOTE="m5freddie"]Rich,
Thanks for the suggestion and if handling was the most important criteria, your suggestion would be the direction I would proceed. I have Bilstein HD's with stock springs on my wife's 88' 535i and Koni/Ebach with Ground Control coil overs on the 85' 535. I think that the handling on either of these cars is far superior to the M. I do perfer the quickness of the M steering however. I just would perfer to keep the car original. I bought the 85' to be modified. Are you aware of anyone with knowledge of how to maintiain the stock system?
Fred
ps. Looking forward to meeting up with you again and hope to see you M on the road soon.[/QUOTE]
Fred,
I understand why you wish to stay completely stock as your M5 is a pristine, low mileage example. I agree with your assessment of the handling, even the non-SLS Euro M5 suspension is a bit too soft which allows too much body roll. Over the past 3 years I've acquired most of the parts needed to significantly upgrade my Euro's suspension. I'll be running NOS RD Sport "Green" springs with Koni SA Sport shocks. Swaybars are Koni adjustables. The rear subframe will be replaced with one I had modified by Ireland Engineering which allows independent adjustment of camber / toe. Trailing arms are E32 750i which have bearings vs the typical sleeve setup used in the E28. These TAs are also reinforced. The PO installed new Lemfoerder 'sp' UCA with milled E32 bushings, centerlink, tierods ends, etc. so the front suspnsion is fine. I'll plan on having the M-Tech Bilsteins rebuilt and box them up with the OE springs and swaybars.
I'll be running the staggered ALPINA open lug wheels that I had on my 533i. I'm leaning towards the Euro Stealth "Q-Ship" look.
It's been nearly three years since the timing chain mishap, I'm looking forward to having her back on the road.
Rich
[Edit by Euro M88 on [TIME]1139570492[/TIME]]
Thanks for the suggestion and if handling was the most important criteria, your suggestion would be the direction I would proceed. I have Bilstein HD's with stock springs on my wife's 88' 535i and Koni/Ebach with Ground Control coil overs on the 85' 535. I think that the handling on either of these cars is far superior to the M. I do perfer the quickness of the M steering however. I just would perfer to keep the car original. I bought the 85' to be modified. Are you aware of anyone with knowledge of how to maintiain the stock system?
Fred
ps. Looking forward to meeting up with you again and hope to see you M on the road soon.[/QUOTE]
Fred,
I understand why you wish to stay completely stock as your M5 is a pristine, low mileage example. I agree with your assessment of the handling, even the non-SLS Euro M5 suspension is a bit too soft which allows too much body roll. Over the past 3 years I've acquired most of the parts needed to significantly upgrade my Euro's suspension. I'll be running NOS RD Sport "Green" springs with Koni SA Sport shocks. Swaybars are Koni adjustables. The rear subframe will be replaced with one I had modified by Ireland Engineering which allows independent adjustment of camber / toe. Trailing arms are E32 750i which have bearings vs the typical sleeve setup used in the E28. These TAs are also reinforced. The PO installed new Lemfoerder 'sp' UCA with milled E32 bushings, centerlink, tierods ends, etc. so the front suspnsion is fine. I'll plan on having the M-Tech Bilsteins rebuilt and box them up with the OE springs and swaybars.
I'll be running the staggered ALPINA open lug wheels that I had on my 533i. I'm leaning towards the Euro Stealth "Q-Ship" look.
It's been nearly three years since the timing chain mishap, I'm looking forward to having her back on the road.
Rich
[Edit by Euro M88 on [TIME]1139570492[/TIME]]