Anywhere to buy used or cheaper air spring? 08 E63
08-21-2017, 01:44 PM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
08-21-2017, 06:55 PM
#4
Senior Member
08-22-2017, 10:05 AM
#5
BMA is awesome. Just bought a front left air strut and both rear air springs from them (arnott). They ship fast, were easy on returns, and I've never found anyone cheaper. Here are both sides
http://www.bmaparts.com/catalog-3/it...ndustri/as2300
http://www.bmaparts.com/catalog-3/it...ndustri/as2301
Use code SPECE30 for another 5% off
I've been buying from them for years now for both my E55 and my BMW e46 several years ago.
http://www.bmaparts.com/catalog-3/it...ndustri/as2300
http://www.bmaparts.com/catalog-3/it...ndustri/as2301
Use code SPECE30 for another 5% off
I've been buying from them for years now for both my E55 and my BMW e46 several years ago.
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08-26-2017, 01:28 AM
#8
Senior Member
I just replaced both front air struts on my E63 with remanufactured ones from RMT (Rebuild Master Tech). They take OEM cores (you can send yours when done for a $100 refund) repaint and replace internals. I was leery at first, but after a month testing one, bought another. By this writing I put around 3K mies on them - no problem, cannot tell any difference from OEM. They had an awesome deal at $320/ea (after $100 core return). Do not know if they still have it... check. They ship you a reman unit, and you ship back yours in the same box, prepaid label provided.
I did the install myself for both. No rush, no special tools, on jack stands in garage, 3 hours each side including clean up. You release top air hose, unclip electric harnesses (top and bottom), take the lower arm bolt out and 3 nuts on top. I can offer 2 tips for DIY.
1. The reman strut comes pressurized. Release air completely so you can compress the darn thing when installing. You do this by laying the reman strut on the side in the engine bay, hooking it to the top electrical harness, and cycle the Vehicle Rise button something like 10-15 times. Of course, engine needs to be running (the cluster will show warnings, understandably). Ensure exhaust is properly vented if you are in an enclosed space like a garage. Each time you press the button, the strut releases some air. You will hear it getting quieter and quieter until no air comes out. This is when you are done. The strut can be compressed (with a crawbar in place), which is needed to get it lodged without taking the suspension apart. Unlike many DIY and video, I managed to NOT disconnect the upper control arm.
2. To disconnect the lower harness, you need a precision flat screwdriver or a pick. Examine the connector on the reman strut to understand where the catch is and which direction it unlocks. Then be patient and work the screwdriver motions to disconnect. It took me 1 minute on one side, and 10 minutes on the other. Go figure. It is important to preserve the socket on the car and the connector because you will need them both.
Good luck. Hope this helps.
I did the install myself for both. No rush, no special tools, on jack stands in garage, 3 hours each side including clean up. You release top air hose, unclip electric harnesses (top and bottom), take the lower arm bolt out and 3 nuts on top. I can offer 2 tips for DIY.
1. The reman strut comes pressurized. Release air completely so you can compress the darn thing when installing. You do this by laying the reman strut on the side in the engine bay, hooking it to the top electrical harness, and cycle the Vehicle Rise button something like 10-15 times. Of course, engine needs to be running (the cluster will show warnings, understandably). Ensure exhaust is properly vented if you are in an enclosed space like a garage. Each time you press the button, the strut releases some air. You will hear it getting quieter and quieter until no air comes out. This is when you are done. The strut can be compressed (with a crawbar in place), which is needed to get it lodged without taking the suspension apart. Unlike many DIY and video, I managed to NOT disconnect the upper control arm.
2. To disconnect the lower harness, you need a precision flat screwdriver or a pick. Examine the connector on the reman strut to understand where the catch is and which direction it unlocks. Then be patient and work the screwdriver motions to disconnect. It took me 1 minute on one side, and 10 minutes on the other. Go figure. It is important to preserve the socket on the car and the connector because you will need them both.
Good luck. Hope this helps.
Last edited by maxusa; 08-26-2017 at 01:38 AM.
