Front strut replacement

[Upex]

Hi all,

Need to change a front shock as its been having a little cry and getting a bit bouncy.

Have seen a few posts sayings it's pretty straightforward, but wonder if anyone has a how to on bookmark they could share please?

Also, what else would be worthwhile changed whilst doing it? Springs? Both front shocks? Suspension bushes or arms etc?

No real issues, but the old girl is approaching 140k miles and I don't think anything has been changed previously.

Cheers, Upex

[henrym3]

If you have identified one shock as needing replaced at that sort of mileage you should change both, unless the springs are rusty I think they will be fine. Whilst in there check the condition of the bushes, a pry bar will show up any play, likewise the ball joints. No point changing stuff if there's no play, a lot of the time the condition/wear pattern of your tyres will give an indication of faults and or problems. I don't have a "how to" but have removed the shocks, they're pretty straight forward on the X5. Mounting bolts may be a tad tight after all this time in there, make sure you raise the whole car of the ground so both wheels are hanging otherwise the ARB link arms can be a pain to remove/refit. As always Good luck.

[Upex]

Thanks Henry, wanted to get any bits that made sense before doing work, but will hit it in 2 stages, will check when doing struts.  Cheers

[Upex]

Anyone know how I tell if I need normal shocks or for vehicles with 'sport suspension settings' shocks?

Realoem has 2 options, and unsure which I need, as both cover the same years

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... Id=31_0560

Car is a sport, but no suspension buttons to adjust etc and need to get ordering.

Thanks,

[X5Sport]

If you have a Sport then the part numbers you need are all listed in the grouping where it says S226A = 'Yes'.

If you are not sure then use something like bmwvin dot com to find the build sheet for your car as that shows which options it was built with.  That trick works for any parts where there is more than one choice 

[Upex]

Nice one, cheers x5sport, will check that out.

Think it's a sport, will look like you say so can be sure.

Much appreciated, cheers