[CYL]

So, today, mechanic told me that it was the spring that casuing my rear right and front right sitting lower than the left.

they quoted me roughly $1100 to replace the spring....i ask if it is just the springs and they said yes.
looking at Eibach pro kit costing $429 from BMR.....wonder why would they quoted me $1100? is the stock springs that expensive??

if i am going to replace the springs, is it better to go with the stock springs or the Eibach Pro kit?
http://www.bmraw.com/eibach-prokit-b...23i-325i-335i/

My car is having M sport suspension already, does the Eibach prokit suit my car? i do not want my wheel scrubbing the fender....

PE - they told me that the PE is not imported by BMW since it does not passed the emission standard in Australia....and they suggested me to go to other aftermarket exhaust or buying a 335i instead......
does it true? the PE is not legal in Australia even it is manufactured by BMW?

THanks.

[JJH]

$1100 just to replace one spring? You need a new mechanic! He probably means a whole set but at that price, I would be going for the Eibachs. I believe the Eibach Pro Kit springs lowers the 335i about the same as the M Sport - your car's ride height should be about the same. I don't think you will have scrubbing problems if you don't have that currently.

If you do not want or need new shocks, the Eibachs should be fine with the stock BMW ones already in the car.

[CYL]

Originally Posted by JJH_335

$1100 just to replace one spring? You need a new mechanic! He probably means a whole set but at that price, I would be going for the Eibachs. I believe the Eibach Pro Kit springs lowers the 335i about the same as the M Sport - your car's ride height should be about the same. I don't think you will have scrubbing problems if you don't have that currently.

If you do not want or need new shocks, the Eibachs should be fine with the stock BMW ones already in the car.

i hope it's not the shocks being faulty too. but they just told me that they think it's the springs causing the problem.
in fact, i am also wondering how could they tell it is just the springs causing the issue? (i do not think they have taken the wheels off and inspect the whole suspension system....)

[Jexus]

What do you own? a 325i? Why's your mechanic being such a nut head. I'd say stop bringing your car to him asap. He's clueless. As for the PE, why are you concerned about the emission standards? All aftermarket parts are technically illegal, I don't see why your mechanic suggest you get a different aftermarket exhaust instead. If i was you I wouldn't worry a thing. I am 100% sure you won't get in trouble with it. It's one of the most subtle mods imo.

[Zen]

Just go aftermarket with springs. Why go back to OE anyways? Surely you can't be contemplating paying $1100 for springs?

[naynay]

you can get a set of coilovers for 1100 lol

[LotusBMW]

I measured my factory MSport suspension heights and the passenger side is slightly higher front and rear by about 4mm. In speaking with a suspension supplier they've said that's common, and that fitting aftermarket springs (or new BMW) will not change it. I'd wager he's right, and that it's something to do with the car being fundamentally set up for LHD (i.e. taking into account a 100kg driver on the LHS of the car). That's what we all weigh right?

Your springs won't have worn differently from side to side (if at all) and per the comments above you should be looking at $350 for Eibach springs plus fitting and coilovers start at about $1,200 plus fitting and with the latter you will be able to adjust the ride height to be precisely the same from side to side, and front to back for that matter.

[7smurfs]

Springs for $1.1k? As said, you can get coilovers for around that price (BC coilovers)

BMW PE you will need to import as ADR did not bother going through with approvals for the exhaust.

[lemonpark]

reminds me of the Lexus Lean which was common on most IS250's

[waterbottle1]

wat a scammer,

[CYL]

Originally Posted by LotusBMW

I measured my factory MSport suspension heights and the passenger side is slightly higher front and rear by about 4mm. In speaking with a suspension supplier they've said that's common, and that fitting aftermarket springs (or new BMW) will not change it. I'd wager he's right, and that it's something to do with the car being fundamentally set up for LHD (i.e. taking into account a 100kg driver on the LHS of the car). That's what we all weigh right?

Your springs won't have worn differently from side to side (if at all) and per the comments above you should be looking at $350 for Eibach springs plus fitting and coilovers start at about $1,200 plus fitting and with the latter you will be able to adjust the ride height to be precisely the same from side to side, and front to back for that matter.

Thanks a lot.
I have read a few article saying that the difference is normal.
but i am sure that my car did not have the ride difference few months ago.
So, i doubt the statement that it is set to have different ride height even though there are lots of people claiming it.

[CYL]

Originally Posted by Jexus

What do you own? a 325i? Why's your mechanic being such a nut head. I'd say stop bringing your car to him asap. He's clueless. As for the PE, why are you concerned about the emission standards? All aftermarket parts are technically illegal, I don't see why your mechanic suggest you get a different aftermarket exhaust instead. If i was you I wouldn't worry a thing. I am 100% sure you won't get in trouble with it. It's one of the most subtle mods imo.

Thanks!
I have got my car for a year only, and I am still looking for a mechanic that i can trust.
would greatly appreciate any suggestion (Perth base).

[cartaa100]

or get a PE on a 335i

[Scotty89]

swap the springs left to right yourself and see if it really is the springs.

I've never heard of OEM springs causing a lean unless the spring itself is snapped.

[CYL]

Took my car back today. The engine light is fixed, bank 2 O2 sensor faulty, cost $604 fitted.

Now, they advised that:

"Right hand side of car lower than left hand side, assume springs faulty as no visible other suspension wear evident, recommended Eibach comfort line at a cost $1098 fitted (all 4 springs) including wheel alignment.

Whirring noise noted from engine, especially at low rpm, possible noisy drive belt pulley, required investigation to accurately diagnose"

Does anyone have the same problem with the whirring noise? How much will it cost to replace the drive belt pulley? (I also noticed that when I accelerate the car, there is a very annoying noise from the engine. Was wondering what's the cause and now I know.)

The springs, they advised that the Eibach prokit is too low for the E92...=='
But anyway, considering the Eibach prokit is at around $400, they quoted me $1098 fitted including wheel alignment, is it fair deal please?

[MJ80.]

You need to fuck this mechanic off.

[CYL]

really want someone who can advise me the average labour costs to replace the springs....also if the Eibach Prokit comes with 4 springs for all 4 corners? if so, seems like the mechanic is charging me about $700 for labour including wheel alignment.

and would love to know if anyone has replaced the drive belt pulley previously?
thanks.

[LotusBMW]

Originally Posted by MJ80.

You need to fuck this mechanic off.

This, and find yourself someone you trust. You can ask as many questions as you like on the internet but it comes down to what your mechanic tells you. Try google'ing independent BMW specialist Perth and a number come up. Talk to them and figure out who sounds OK. Take your car to them and get them to talk some more. You have to invest the time and ask the right questions.

As for the springs, fitting full coilovers / spring & dampers with alignment is around the $500 mark so $700 for springs alone sounds heavy.

It does not sound to me like you are getting good advice.

[CYL]

Originally Posted by LotusBMW

This, and find yourself someone you trust. You can ask as many questions as you like on the internet but it comes down to what your mechanic tells you. Try google'ing independent BMW specialist Perth and a number come up. Talk to them and figure out who sounds OK. Take your car to them and get them to talk some more. You have to invest the time and ask the right questions.

As for the springs, fitting full coilovers / spring & dampers with alignment is around the $500 mark so $700 for springs alone sounds heavy.

It does not sound to me like you are getting good advice.

Thanks a lot!!!
and yes, i have tried one mechanic previously, this is the second one. I will try one or two more.

[Scotty89]

To answer your question directly, No. Those are not fair labour costs.

Replacing the springs "because we couldn't find anything else wrong" is a joke.
Springs of all parts are the least likely to just die and require total replacement.

On top of that, fitting new ones is a simple job and most do it at home in their own garage. I was completely new to it and fitted the springs in my e46 in an afternoon. I was slow, and uneducated and I'd conservatively estimate it took less than 3 hours.

3 hours @ $100/hour you shouldn't be more than $300 in labour.

If their only reason for suggesting new springs is because "we couldn't find anything else wrong", then don't go buying new springs. They're not likely to be the problem.

Try taking your car to a suspension shop like Pedders and get a 28 point check done. They will test and measure all your suspension components and tell you what is wrong - most often they will walk you around the car while it's on the lift and show you visually what is failing or broken.

The 28 point check is like $20 or free if you're an RACV member last time I had it done.

Edit: Yes, all aftermarket spring sets come in a complete set of 4 - if they do not, the product will definitely mention so.

As for the engine belt & pulley. Open your bonnet and have a look at the belt + pulley with the car off - see if the belt has wear along the edges or appears to be dry/cracking.
Then start the engine (with car parked and bonnet up) and walk around the engine and have a listen while it's running.
If it is the pulley or belt you will clearly be able to hear the sounds coming from the front of the engine bay where the pulley is. Do not be tempted to poke your fingers in there while the belt + engine is running!

I have not replaced the belt on the e92 (are you 335i?), but there are a few bits and pieces that bolt on over the top which would make belt replacement a little tricky. To release the tension on the belt you will need a large torx bit for a socket wrench.
If it is the pulley, I assume (I haven't tried this) you could put the wrench in and release the tension off the belt (without removing it) and then try spinning the idler pulley around with your fingers. If it has too much slack, it feels gritty or rattly then you know it needs replacing.

[CYL]

Originally Posted by Scotty89

To answer your question directly, No. Those are not fair labour costs.

Replacing the springs "because we couldn't find anything else wrong" is a joke.
Springs of all parts are the least likely to just die and require total replacement.

On top of that, fitting new ones is a simple job and most do it at home in their own garage. I was completely new to it and fitted the springs in my e46 in an afternoon. I was slow, and uneducated and I'd conservatively estimate it took less than 3 hours.

3 hours @ $100/hour you shouldn't be more than $300 in labour.

If their only reason for suggesting new springs is because "we couldn't find anything else wrong", then don't go buying new springs. They're not likely to be the problem.

Try taking your car to a suspension shop like Pedders and get a 28 point check done. They will test and measure all your suspension components and tell you what is wrong - most often they will walk you around the car while it's on the lift and show you visually what is failing or broken.

The 28 point check is like $20 or free if you're an RACV member last time I had it done.

Edit: Yes, all aftermarket spring sets come in a complete set of 4 - if they do not, the product will definitely mention so.

As for the engine belt & pulley. Open your bonnet and have a look at the belt + pulley with the car off - see if the belt has wear along the edges or appears to be dry/cracking.
Then start the engine (with car parked and bonnet up) and walk around the engine and have a listen while it's running.
If it is the pulley or belt you will clearly be able to hear the sounds coming from the front of the engine bay where the pulley is. Do not be tempted to poke your fingers in there while the belt + engine is running!

I have not replaced the belt on the e92 (are you 335i?), but there are a few bits and pieces that bolt on over the top which would make belt replacement a little tricky. To release the tension on the belt you will need a large torx bit for a socket wrench.
If it is the pulley, I assume (I haven't tried this) you could put the wrench in and release the tension off the belt (without removing it) and then try spinning the idler pulley around with your fingers. If it has too much slack, it feels gritty or rattly then you know it needs replacing.

Hi, Thanks!!
I have asked 2 other mechanic today, and awaiting for their replies now.

Sadly my car is only a 325i....
with the noise, i have tried to press the throttle while the car is parked, but there is no noise coming out. The noise is made mostly while i accelerate from stationary. (the noise is so loud that i can hear it while i am inside the car and driving. and it is like some old cars that making a rapidly 'tak tak tak tak tak....' sound when they accelerate.)

[Scotty89]

a tak tak sound? sounds like lifter ticking?

Check your oil level and top up. If your engine has a lot of miles try Lucas oil stabiliser - worked really well on my high mileage non-turbo M54.



Otherwise try oil that is one step thicker, and see if that makes any difference.

The pulleys won't be causing a tak tak sound. The pulley will cause a whining sound if the bearing is worn. I assume the "tak tak" sound is an internal sound.