Leaking adaptive suspension

Hali_Mark · 10-18-2019, 08:47 AM

Hi all, looking at purchasing my first BMW and hoping to get your opinion.

I'm looking at a 2014 328i xdrive wagon with M sport package, with 144,000km (89k miles).

I had it brought to a BMW dealership for the pre purchase inspection, and the results were mostly good. Needs front brakes, some light rash on 2 wheels, paint is good, tires good.

The only concern is the front struts have leaked some, and will likely need replacing. As it has the adaptive suspension the quote from BMW to fix this was astronomical, but after looking through the forms and exploring aftermarket, replacing with Bilstein B4 doesn't scare me. I want to keep the stock ride height for winter so this seems like the best option.

What else needs to be replaced along with the struts? Is this a DIY job or is there much more involved? I know it will need an alignment after.

Thanks for any advice.

FaRKle! · 10-18-2019, 10:48 AM

Only the struts need to be replaced. It's a DIY job if you've done suspension before. If not, you'll probably want to pick up some of the more helpful/specialized tools like pass through sockets and knuckle spreader. You shouldn't need an alignment for just changing struts.

I would go with OE over Bilstein B4. Bilstein uses the same PN across all F2x/F3x models, while BMW has different PNs for different models. B4's claim "OE" performance, but OE for which vehicle? F22, F30, F34, 4cyl, or 6cyl?

cfm56d7b · 10-19-2019, 03:56 AM

If the springs are still original, I suggest to replace springs as well if new Bilstein B4 shocks are installed. B4 shocks are not adjustable so you will have to either install EDC Delete module or code M Adaptive suspension out.

Are you also considering coilovers? Bilstein B14 coilovers fit your vehicle but will lower the suspension slightly.

Hali_Mark · 10-19-2019, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

If the springs are still original, I suggest to replace springs as well if new Bilstein B4 shocks are installed. B4 shocks are not adjustable so you will have to either install EDC Delete module or code M Adaptive suspension out.

Are you also considering coilovers? Bilstein B14 coilovers fit your vehicle but will lower the suspension slightly.

This isn't M adaptive compatible?

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/product-search-detail/?ItemId=729934641342351362&YearId=3284216962398432 303&MakeId=4363864466668751820&ModelId=83401342865 85597935&SubModelId=1289663618068790986

Not considering coil overs, I would want stock or close to it, as cost effective as possible.

cfm56d7b · 10-19-2019, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hali_Mark

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

If the springs are still original, I suggest to replace springs as well if new Bilstein B4 shocks are installed. B4 shocks are not adjustable so you will have to either install EDC Delete module or code M Adaptive suspension out.

Are you also considering coilovers? Bilstein B14 coilovers fit your vehicle but will lower the suspension slightly.

This isn't M adaptive compatible?

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/product-search-detail/?ItemId=729934641342351362&YearId=3284216962398432 303&MakeId=4363864466668751820&ModelId=83401342865 85597935&SubModelId=1289663618068790986

Not considering coil overs, I would want stock or close to it, as cost effective as possible.

Ahh ... the key words are B4 Damptronic. Yes - these will fit and use existing M Adaptive controls.

10-18-2019, 08:47 AM	#1
Hali_Mark Enlisted Member 17 Rep 47 Posts Drives: 2014 F31 M Sport Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Halifax, NS iTrader: (0)	Leaking adaptive suspension Hi all, looking at purchasing my first BMW and hoping to get your opinion. I'm looking at a 2014 328i xdrive wagon with M sport package, with 144,000km (89k miles). I had it brought to a BMW dealership for the pre purchase inspection, and the results were mostly good. Needs front brakes, some light rash on 2 wheels, paint is good, tires good. The only concern is the front struts have leaked some, and will likely need replacing. As it has the adaptive suspension the quote from BMW to fix this was astronomical, but after looking through the forms and exploring aftermarket, replacing with Bilstein B4 doesn't scare me. I want to keep the stock ride height for winter so this seems like the best option. What else needs to be replaced along with the struts? Is this a DIY job or is there much more involved? I know it will need an alignment after. Thanks for any advice.
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10-18-2019, 10:48 AM	#2
FaRKle! Brigadier General 4016 Rep 3,539 Posts Drives: 328d Wagon, M2 Comp, i4 eD35 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2023 BMW i4 eDrive 35 [0.00] 2017 BMW 328dx Wagon [0.00] 2021 BMW M2 Competi ... [0.00]	Only the struts need to be replaced. It's a DIY job if you've done suspension before. If not, you'll probably want to pick up some of the more helpful/specialized tools like pass through sockets and knuckle spreader. You shouldn't need an alignment for just changing struts. I would go with OE over Bilstein B4. Bilstein uses the same PN across all F2x/F3x models, while BMW has different PNs for different models. B4's claim "OE" performance, but OE for which vehicle? F22, F30, F34, 4cyl, or 6cyl? __________________ -328d Wagon Build Log (with helpful reference links) -My YouTube Channel for some of the best DIYs and in depth information Please don't PM me for suspension recommendations unless interested in paid private consultations.
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10-19-2019, 03:56 AM	#3
cfm56d7b Lieutenant General 5886 Rep 10,256 Posts Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (2)	If the springs are still original, I suggest to replace springs as well if new Bilstein B4 shocks are installed. B4 shocks are not adjustable so you will have to either install EDC Delete module or code M Adaptive suspension out. Are you also considering coilovers? Bilstein B14 coilovers fit your vehicle but will lower the suspension slightly.
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