<![CDATA[Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension]]>Hey WIBimmers. I recently moved to Milwaukee, and am (finally) doing much needed maintenance on my '98 328i. I just started a new job, but instead of getting a new car I decided I like it too much. I got a couple inspections and she's in need of a lot of repairs... I bought it at 140k, and now at 167k not much maintenance has been done (if any... but the radiator is missing top mounting clips, so I imagine the owner lied about never doing ANYTHING... oh well, needs to be swapped out now!). The main issues are cooling system, suspension, and tires. Would you guys recommend dedicated winters?

This weekend I'll be swapping out the coolant system (hoses, pump, thermostat, the works). I've never done anything besides spark plugs or oil change, so this should be fun! I'll be following a couple guides, so it shouldn't be too bad. Probably about 2 weeks from now (since I still need to do some shopping and ordering), I'll be having a go at my shocks and struts... it sounded like the rest of my suspension can go another year or more, but the shocks and struts are BAD. For this one I'm a little more nervous doing it on my own, but I really don't want to pay a mechanic as I want to save money, and I want to learn. Is there anybody in the Milwaukee region (preferably with a driveway ;) ) that has this kind of experience that wants a reason to get their hands dirty :)?

I'm probably going to go through with it no matter what, and possibly check out the HandsOnGarage.com to use their lifts, tools, and expertise if I get into a pinch. Anybody have any experience with the shop over there?

Glad I found this forum!!!

BTW: I didn't know where else to post this (maybe reddit, or bimmerforums), but I shelled out the cash for the spanner wrench and clutch removal tool to help with some of the radiator work... if anybody else in the region wants to borrow them just let me know! I'd much rather you give me a beer, than pay $70 for the tools... but supposedly they make the job MUCH easier.

Good to meet everyone!

]]>https://wibimmers.com/topic/1941/yet-another-noob-from-milwaukee-looking-to-replace-suspensionRSS for NodeWed, 16 Sep 2026 04:51:14 GMTThu, 03 Oct 2013 00:46:43 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Mon, 21 Oct 2013 18:18:55 GMT]]>The harshness you are feeling is from the suspension actually absorbing bumps instead of constantly bouncing down the road. Some of it also has to do with the stiffness. I don't believe you will get any softer. It is already max height in the rear and the front might look odd any higher.

When the springs settle the ride should be a little less harsh (since the springs will be softened up) and the car will sit a half inch lower maximum.

You're welcome for helping. It wasn't too bad at all besides that damn bolt. I was just happy to get you riding on some decent suspension that won't make you sea sick.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29903https://wibimmers.com/post/29903Mon, 21 Oct 2013 18:18:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Mon, 21 Oct 2013 17:47:29 GMT]]>Hmmmm not totally sure. Mixed feelings about them so far. When I hit bumps that would have made my car bump (probably near bottom out), and then continuously bounce, I love them. I still feel the bump, of course, but it rebounds quickly and stops bouncing... I don't get the bobbing effect.

That being said, I 'feel' the bumps a lot more... Is that just the nature of a stiffer suspension? The east-side's roads are awful, so I feel like i'm bumping around like i'm in a go-kart. Also, On the interstate I feel bumps that I didn't even think should be there. It's like all the force travels up through the chassis, and absolutely nothing is absorbed by the shocks lol.

I don't mean to make it sound THAT bad, I"m just being critical because that's the component I (Edit: you, ha!) just changed :) I've only done about 30 miles on them. I didn't drive at all sunday. What can I expect to feel when they 'settle'? Would changing height either way get it to feel softer or am I already at max-height?

Thank you SO much for your help. Rain check on that lunch! I think my GF is in a race this saturday (running, not cars ;) ), so it may have to wait, but we'll definitely have to meet up soon.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29899https://wibimmers.com/post/29899Mon, 21 Oct 2013 17:47:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Mon, 21 Oct 2013 11:44:14 GMT]]>How are the coils feeling now after two days?

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29870https://wibimmers.com/post/29870Mon, 21 Oct 2013 11:44:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Tue, 15 Oct 2013 23:21:19 GMT]]>The pressure prevents boiling on a hot engine, mine just did not seem to like it, if I opened it hot, I kept getting more air to be bled out, not sure why.  Could be that when it gets closed again while hot it will then draw air in when it cools as the coolant contracts, I would think it should draw in at the cap when there is a vacuum in the system which would cause no issues, maybe I need a new cap.  Once it is bled its not ever an issue.  The level in the overflow will be off of the line except when the car is completely cold.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29509https://wibimmers.com/post/29509Tue, 15 Oct 2013 23:21:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Tue, 15 Oct 2013 20:55:12 GMT]]>Yeah, I bled it, as best I could without jacking the front end up. I eventually said screw it, and just drove around stopping every few blocks to open the bleeder screw (who knows if that was risky or not :P )

You mentioned to always let it cool before taking the expansion tank off? Is there a reason for this other than coolant being hot and pressurized? I have taken the cap off a hot radiator several times now to check the level.. (oops?)

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29499https://wibimmers.com/post/29499Tue, 15 Oct 2013 20:55:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Tue, 15 Oct 2013 17:57:12 GMT]]>May need to bleed a couple times, but always let it cool before taking the expansion tank cap off.  Let it cool and just crack the bleeder loose.  I did a conversion to the euro/e30 overflow on an e36 and will be doing it to mine this winter.  No idea why they went to a manual bleed system from a self bleeding design.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29487https://wibimmers.com/post/29487Tue, 15 Oct 2013 17:57:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Tue, 15 Oct 2013 17:35:15 GMT]]>Did you burp the coolant system once you were finished?

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29481https://wibimmers.com/post/29481Tue, 15 Oct 2013 17:35:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Tue, 15 Oct 2013 16:51:16 GMT]]>Hey patsbimmer1,

thanks for the offer! I finished my cooling system swap last weekend. I'm still having to top off the expansion tank, but I read that you have to do that for a few days after finishing up... I don't see any leaking underneath so my fingers are crossed. I went with a Nissens radiator, but I kind of wish I did the aluminum one as it really wasn't that much more expensive :P oh well!

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29472https://wibimmers.com/post/29472Tue, 15 Oct 2013 16:51:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Tue, 15 Oct 2013 03:25:00 GMT]]>Welcome! If you haven't already ordered a radiator I highly recommend the Turner Motorsports all aluminum radiator. I bought one for my 97 328i after replacing 2 oem radiators in my 95 325is due to cracked necks.

I am in Greenfield if you ever need a hand!

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29456https://wibimmers.com/post/29456Tue, 15 Oct 2013 03:25:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Mon, 14 Oct 2013 04:32:40 GMT]]>I really did not mean anything by it....I just thought this was an intro section to the forum.

:blink:

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29411https://wibimmers.com/post/29411Mon, 14 Oct 2013 04:32:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Mon, 14 Oct 2013 03:21:06 GMT]]>

xgeetx said:

Well I will admit it has developed into something that should go there, but the thread you referenced does say "newbie questions" and "anything goes" :)

I think this thread is about wrapped up though, and I'll communicate with Earl via PM from here on out. Sorry about that!

No problems! We're loosely organized around here anyways  :huh: .

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29409https://wibimmers.com/post/29409Mon, 14 Oct 2013 03:21:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Mon, 14 Oct 2013 03:11:07 GMT]]>Well I will admit it has developed into something that should go there, but the thread you referenced does say "newbie questions" and "anything goes" :)

I think this thread is about wrapped up though, and I'll communicate with Earl via PM from here on out. Sorry about that!

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29407https://wibimmers.com/post/29407Mon, 14 Oct 2013 03:11:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Sat, 12 Oct 2013 19:20:33 GMT]]>http://www.wibimmers.com/board/index.php?/topic/942-welcome-to-the-new-member-introduction-section/

This should be in the General Technical section.

Just sayin

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29361https://wibimmers.com/post/29361Sat, 12 Oct 2013 19:20:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Fri, 11 Oct 2013 19:31:51 GMT]]>E46 M3 convertible mounts for the rear. You don't necessarily need spring pads. Keep the original pads if they are still intact.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29329https://wibimmers.com/post/29329Fri, 11 Oct 2013 19:31:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Fri, 11 Oct 2013 13:41:06 GMT]]>Alrighty! I think I got my radiator leak figured out (drove to work today.. .no leaking so far), so I ordered the Raceland Ultimos. I was debating it and googling around, but nothing beats a recommendation based on experience vs. fan-dom. I will order the mounts from PelicanParts either today or tomorrow, so I should be good to throw 'em in next weekend provided you are also free :)

I'll be getting the e46 convertible rear mounts and just normal mounts for the front, then?

What kind of spring pads should i throw on the back of this beast?

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29303https://wibimmers.com/post/29303Fri, 11 Oct 2013 13:41:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Mon, 07 Oct 2013 16:01:25 GMT]]>The Raceland Ultimos are better than JOMs from what I have heard. I would stick with the Racelands

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29132https://wibimmers.com/post/29132Mon, 07 Oct 2013 16:01:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Mon, 07 Oct 2013 16:00:43 GMT]]>Hmmmm.... fair point. I guess I give too much credit to that TUV certification I know nothing about! Any thoughts on the product themselves? Jom's vs. racelands vs. a struts/shocks/springs set (probably monroes to match this pricepoint...).

I'm impressed that these coilovers are so cheap, when low end struts/shocks/springs can barely match the price. I would only lower a bit from stock (maybe an 1" since I like where my blown suspension sits). I really just want to save money for decent handling on the street.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29131https://wibimmers.com/post/29131Mon, 07 Oct 2013 16:00:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Mon, 07 Oct 2013 15:47:17 GMT]]>I have owned parts made in China that have had superior quality and performance to parts made in the US or Germany. 

It has little to do with the country of manufacture, and a lot to do with  the company that does the engineering and dictates the tolerances, standards of quality, and inspection/acceptance.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29130https://wibimmers.com/post/29130Mon, 07 Oct 2013 15:47:17 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Mon, 07 Oct 2013 15:39:09 GMT]]>Hmmm. I think I like the idea of getting something made in Germany over something made in China. Any of you other guys have any input?

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29129https://wibimmers.com/post/29129Mon, 07 Oct 2013 15:39:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Sun, 06 Oct 2013 02:33:18 GMT]]>i would recomend jom's veedubmachine.com like 310 shiped don't buy billies or bav auto springs

 i like the jom's but really thier the same as racelands  and while your under there you better replace your trailing arm bushings I have the tool if you need it

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29084https://wibimmers.com/post/29084Sun, 06 Oct 2013 02:33:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Sat, 05 Oct 2013 13:36:34 GMT]]>Bleeding is not as difficult as it is made out to be, a slight upward incline can help.  I drill a 1/16" hole in the thermostat at the highest point possible, some brands come with a hole already and the tiny hole does not flow enough during normal operation to affect anything.  I would recommend BMW blue coolant or Evans NPG (the Evans is more work because the system must be flushed and all water removed so it's not really feasible unless doing major work already), both will protect against corrosion better and the Evans is lifetime coolant.  Use a bottle of Redline "Water Wetter" or Royal Purple "Purple Ice" if using regular green/yellow coolant for additional corrosion protection.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29071https://wibimmers.com/post/29071Sat, 05 Oct 2013 13:36:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Sat, 05 Oct 2013 02:54:22 GMT]]>Yeah the rears tend to snap. Mine were garbage when I removed them.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29066https://wibimmers.com/post/29066Sat, 05 Oct 2013 02:54:22 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Sat, 05 Oct 2013 01:24:37 GMT]]>Sounds good. Well I'm doing my radiator tomorrow (got all the parts, woo!), so if that all goes well I'll put in an order for the Ultimos! Do you know if you actually have to jack the car up to bleed the radiator properly? My driveway is inclined, and there's a piece of cement that you have to bump over to get in the garage... I was thinking of just putting it there when I bleed the system. Thoughts?

Thanks for all your help, I'm really glad you saved me $400 lol

BTW: Based on the good old finger test, my back wheels currently have no clearance between them and the fender... I guess that means it's a little low? ha! The front I can fit ~3 fingers. I'm assuming it's because the back springs are broken, whereas the fronts are in tact.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29061https://wibimmers.com/post/29061Sat, 05 Oct 2013 01:24:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Yet ANOTHER Noob from Milwaukee -- Looking to replace suspension on Sat, 05 Oct 2013 00:04:35 GMT]]>Also, i never had clearance issues on stock tires.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/29059https://wibimmers.com/post/29059Sat, 05 Oct 2013 00:04:35 GMT