BMW: tow..530d tourer self leveling suspension..aftermarket..kit…

Question

Answer 1

Answered in 39 minutes by:

4/28/2009

UK Auto Mechanic: UK Tech., UK Car Mechanic replied 13 years ago

UK Tech., UK Car Mechanic

Category: UK Car

Satisfied Customers: 779

Experience: BMW Technician.

Verified

Hi,

Unfortunately self leveling suspension was not an option on the saloon and was installed on the touring primarily to cope with possible extra load due to the increased boot space.

In all my time working on BMWs i've never known of anyone having the need to retrofit a self levelling system or harder road springs to the saloon, which in my opinion could cause problems with the ride when not towing. If you are intending to tow then the touring would likely be the better option but i've not heard of any complaints when towing with the saloon (I think they still have the same tow weight capacity).

I have however seen the aftermath of fitting non-genuine towing hitches though fitted by spurious installation outfits, literally pools of water in the boot in some cases causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage. If you are intending to have one fitted be sure it's by a company that comes recommended.

Rich.

Answer 2

UK Auto Mechanic: UK Tech., UK Car Mechanic replied 13 years ago

I do apologise, I'd assumed we were discussing a new E60 5-series not the E39 5-series, my mistake. Even so, like the advert says, they must be so incredibly rare and I can honestly say i've never laid eyes on one (it must have been an expensive option at the time).

I've checked in the parts catalogue it would seem all the parts are still listed as having current part numbers. The problem would be that to carry out the modification with genuine parts would be prohibitvely expensive.

I've had a quick look around and I havent been able to find anything expect spring helpers but these are not ideal. I can research tomorrow the availabilty of higher rated rear coil springs if you would like?

Rich.

Answer 3

UK Auto Mechanic: UK Tech., UK Car Mechanic replied 13 years ago

Hi,

sorry about the wait. I had a problem with the parts catalogue at first because it only allows you to look up springs for a vehicle if you input the chassis number. I found an E39 530d in the carpark and checked the springs. When looking up the springs against a standard vehicle you get a completely different part number to when you look them up specifying that the vehicle has a towing hitch. This leads me to believe that the latter would be a harder spring. The springs were not massively expensive either at approx £80 each +vat.

Unfortunately I can't find any air shocks in Monroe's catalogue for the E39 but I have been reading about thier 'Max-air' shocks which have pressure settings that can be adjusted manually. They don't have a specific fitment list but can be contacted HERE for more info.

Rich.

BMW: tow..530d tourer self leveling suspension..aftermarket..kit…

Not clever enough for a link but:

2002 BMW 5 SERIES 530d SE 4dr Auto Diesel Saloon

£5,295

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