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      04-14-2024, 06:52 PM   #1
Drummer$Dude
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New shocks, new struts and new springs

This weekend I kicked off my Z4 upgrades and maintenance.

My Z doesn’t have adaptive suspension so the upgrade path is easy. I chose Bilstein B4 which is supposed to have a similar ride quality to stock. I thought about B8’s but my wife already complains about the “bumpy ride”, and here in Michigan we are known as the pothole state. That’s why I’ve stayed with 18” wheels and dumped the run-flats shortly after buying the car.

I did opt for the Eibach sport springs which lowers the front and rear slightly. The new spring install on the rear was by far the most difficult job. Shocks were super easy to swap out. I will install the struts next weekend. All the bits and pieces are new except for the nuts that hold the top shock mount in place. I neglected to order those but no harm done.

I also bought a replacement drivers side seat belt and will install it this week. Why? The current belt is frayed along one edge and the seat belt mechanism would not retract consistently. It may be extended for a week, then all of a sudden it would work as it should. A few years ago my local indie shop quoted about $585 for parts and labor. FCP Euro had the seat belt for $150.

I will say this… A mid-rise scissor car lift is on my shopping list. I haven’t broached that subject with my wife yet.
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2009 Infiniti EX35 Journey AWD
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      04-15-2024, 03:28 AM   #2
B21
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And the ride is?

Surprised the rear springs were a struggle …

Good write up!
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Much modified 2011 Atacama Yellow 35is…previously a much modified 2012 Atacama Yellow 20i MSport
Change history here… https://www.dropbox.com/s/8h1vabklgz...0List.pdf?dl=0
Build thread here… https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=131886
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      04-15-2024, 10:09 AM   #3
Drummer$Dude
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Quote:
Originally Posted by B21 View Post
And the ride is?

Surprised the rear springs were a struggle …

Good write up!
B21, removing the old springs was the difficult part. Inserting the new springs was easy. I didn't have time to install the struts as we had some visitors stop over. I'll do that this week after work.

And B21, I thought you'd like the color of my spring compressor, which by the way makes it super easy to remove/install strut springs.
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2009 Infiniti EX35 Journey AWD
2017 Lincoln MKC AWD
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      04-15-2024, 03:23 PM   #4
cinellipro
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Congrats. Please show us the end product once complete.
Cheers
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      04-15-2024, 04:18 PM   #5
B21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Drummer$Dude View Post
B21, removing the old springs was the difficult part. Inserting the new springs was easy. I didn't have time to install the struts as we had some visitors stop over. I'll do that this week after work.

And B21, I thought you'd like the color of my spring compressor, which by the way makes it super easy to remove/install strut springs.
I’m impressed you have a spring compressor ..the fact it’s the correct colour is even more impressive!-
__________________
Much modified 2011 Atacama Yellow 35is…previously a much modified 2012 Atacama Yellow 20i MSport
Change history here… https://www.dropbox.com/s/8h1vabklgz...0List.pdf?dl=0
Build thread here… https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=131886
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