Suspension crashes over bumps

[2011with140k]

The title says it all -- this is the harshest riding vehicle I've ever been in, and I want to make sure there isn't anything wrong with the suspension. The previous owner replaced the rear airbags, and they're essentially new. The local BMW dealer checked the undercarriage/suspension over the last time I had the vehicle there, and declared everything to be in good shape. And I'm not riding on run-flats, and the tires are inflated to spec. So I'm at a loss as to what's going on.

The vehicle has 141k miles, and hitting bumps is so jarring and so loud that it sounds like someone dropped a box of legos on a tile floor when I drive it. The lower part of the rear tailgate is constantly making "crashing" sounds when the car drives over bumps. It's just crazy.

This has been a great vehicle otherwise, but it feels like there are blocks in each suspension spring that keep any sort of travel from happening. I might as well be riding on bricks on each corner.

If you have ideas, I'm all ears. As it stands, I can only ride comfortably on glass-smooth roads unless I want to lose a kidney. Thanks for your help!

[ryansbmw]

The lower hatch on the tailgate can be adjusted, as well as the top half. Bunch of videos on YouTube showing how.

If the suspension really is crashing on bumps, I would start by looking at the shocks since that is what is meant to dampen vertical travel

[dang2407]

Can you distinguish whether it is front or rear? Also, did it start happening after the visit to the dealer?

If it is the rear then something has happened to the pressurising system...

[2011with140k]

Originally Posted by dang2407

Can you distinguish whether it is front or rear? Also, did it start happening after the visit to the dealer?

If it is the rear then something has happened to the pressurising system...

It seems to be worse in the rear. It has been a very harsh ride since we picked up the vehicle a month ago, but at first I thought it was a normal characteristic.

It didn't start happening after the visit to the dealer, and I don't believe they did anything to make it worse -- it was there for a battery and a oil gasket, and they inspected the suspension, etc. and found everything to be in good shape.

The previous owner replaced the airbags. The vehicle sits level, there are no codes, etc. so I'm not sure where to go next with troubleshooting. Patches in pavement feel like potholes -- there is zero give in this suspension.

[zoom750]

Are you on original struts/shocks? Could one or more of the shocks be binding up?

[predicate_logic]

I had a similar problem with my 2010 E70. I ended up doing a suspension refresh about a month ago. I asked for a "beefier" setup.

For the rear suspension, my mechanic replaced:

- rear shocks
- bellows
- bump stops
- mounts

After these were done, the ride wasn't as harsh anymore.. it changed to be a lot more "bouncy" but no smashing or bottoming out, if that makes any sense? (My car is aggressively lowered).

Here's a before and after comparison. Sorry for the bad quality... these are screenshots from video inspections.

[Doctor///M]

Originally Posted by zoom750

Are you on original struts/shocks? Could one or more of the shocks be binding up?

If prev owner lowered the suspension at some point during their ownership, chances are the rear links may not be stock. Would be worthwhile to check, and replacement /installation is easy and inexpensive.

[2011with140k]

Originally Posted by zoom750

Are you on original struts/shocks? Could one or more of the shocks be binding up?

The rear bags have been replaced (recently), but the front shocks are original. That may well be the issue.

Thanks.

[2011with140k]

Originally Posted by predicate_logic

I had a similar problem with my 2010 E70. I ended up doing a suspension refresh about a month ago. I asked for a "beefier" setup.

For the rear suspension, my mechanic replaced:

- rear shocks
- bellows
- bump stops
- mounts

After these were done, the ride wasn't as harsh anymore.. it changed to be a lot more "bouncy" but no smashing or bottoming out, if that makes any sense? (My car is aggressively lowered).

If you don't mind me asking, what did that end up costing? I know every mechanic will be a little different price-wise, but I'm just looking for approximate costs so I know what to expect.

Thanks for the great info!

[BigHunk]

99% that your car need 4 new shocks, mechanic will confirm bad condition of shocks when they take them off.

[predicate_logic]

Originally Posted by 2011with140k

If you don't mind me asking, what did that end up costing? I know every mechanic will be a little different price-wise, but I'm just looking for approximate costs so I know what to expect.

Thanks for the great info!

I don't mind sharing. For this particular job, they did a bunch of work in the front which I didn't list. They also did an alignment.

Anyways, here's what my invoice says for the rear suspension work:

Labor:
- $449.97

Parts:
- Rear shock absorber left - $1,011.22
- Rear shock absorber right - $1,011.22
- Shock mounts x2 - $127.87
- Shock mount gasket x2 - $4.81
- Shock bump stop x2 - $32.83
- Special order shipping - $81.18

Grand total:
- $2,884.61


Good luck! I hope this helps you

[zoom750]

Originally Posted by predicate_logic

I don't mind sharing. For this particular job, they did a bunch of work in the front which I didn't list. They also did an alignment.

Anyways, here's what my invoice says for the rear suspension work:

Labor:
- $449.97

Parts:
- Rear shock absorber left - $1,011.22
- Rear shock absorber right - $1,011.22
- Shock mounts x2 - $127.87
- Shock mount gasket x2 - $4.81
- Shock bump stop x2 - $32.83
- Special order shipping - $81.18

Grand total:
- $2,884.61


Good luck! I hope this helps you

These prices are for an X5M (with EDC)? It looks like OP owns a 35i? If so, the parts prices should be cheaper. On ECStuning, a rear Sachs shock for self-leveling suspension is $171 each. Going non-BMW, (but OE; I believe Sachs is OE supplier to BMW, generally) would be the cheapest option. Other options include Bilstein (B4s).

[predicate_logic]

Originally Posted by zoom750

These prices are for an X5M (with EDC)? It looks like OP owns a 35i? If so, the parts prices should be cheaper. On ECStuning, a rear Sachs shock for self-leveling suspension is $171 each. Going non-BMW, (but OE; I believe Sachs is OE supplier to BMW, generally) would be the cheapest option. Other options include Bilstein (B4s).

You are correct - those are prices for an X5M with EDC.

[2011with140k]

One more stupid question: Is there any reason I need a BMW mechanic for shock replacement? This seems like it should be standard and similar to any other vehicle, but I thought it would be worth asking before scheduling service.

The rear airbags have already been replaced, so I'm just looking at replacing the actual shocks.

Thanks!

[FontusBluG]

One day out of the blue it started. Hard bump resulted in what sounded like something broke in my suspension but aside from the big bumps everything was fine. First couple times it happened I had to get out expecting one of my wheels to be bent but were all fine......... My suggestion is to check that the front bump stops are there intact. Don't just look at the boot that covers them, that is why it easy to miss if the dealer was just doing a 'visual'. About $50 for the parts but it's the labor that is Brutal......

[argento]

Shot in the dark here, but confirm shock tower nuts torqued front and rear. Easy to access. For that matter check the torque on the rest. I posted a checklist in my build thread with suspension torques (associated w strut removal/install), last page. GL.