Rear suspension strut - kaput?

[Pip1968]

I know a lot of CSL owners on here have had springs snap on their suspension and after a track day at Nordschleife I loaded up the spare wheels and tyres into the back and noticed the tyre almost touching the wheel arch on one side. I assume this is a broken spring/strut and have ordered a replacement.

Is there anything else I should be looking at. I managed to get back and once the car was unloaded the clearance on the rear arch seems to be equal on each side but assume it must still be the suspension.

I will pop the rear wheel off tomorrow and have a closer look. Is replacement a fairly easy job otherwise I will get it done under warranty. I assume replacing just one side is the norm or should they be replaced in pairs. I have a £250 excess so at £150 for the part it is unlikely to be worth getting on the Mondial warranty.

Any other pointers appreciated.

Pip

[Mark CSL]

Springs brake at the bottom they are around £80 each and easy to change
Jack up the car and remove the wheel then feel around the bottom of the spring if its broken all you have to do is remove the bottom bolt out the shocker and push the hub down with your foot and remove the spring.

Its a bit harder to put the new spring in but can be done :thumbs:

Hope this helps

[Pip1968]

Cheers Mark I will try and look at it today. The only thing that is odd is that now that the spare tyres and wheels have been taken out it now seems all level at the back. I tried depressing the suspension from above and cannot hear any odd noises which I assume I would if the spring was broken.

We shall see.

Pip

[s.mac]

if its a damper they should change them all under warranty

[Pip1968]

Cheers Mac but as I have a £250 excess on my warranty it is not really worth it.

A complete new strut that I order is a special order so it will take five days. I read Mark's tip top tip after the order was made so could have saved £70 as the whole part is about £150 complete.

Pip

[Barry C]

Shocks/discs/brake pads etc always replace in pairs, always.

[Neil M]

Shocks/discs/brake pads etc always replace in pairs, always.

I'm with Barry C on that one, it's all about balance :supz:

[Pip1968]

But if I get it done through warranty will BMW do both, probably not. I would like to hear what others have done when getting repairs through warranty. Has anyone successfully claimed for both - Gorilla ?

Pip

[adem.csl]

But if I get it done through warranty will BMW do both, probably not. I would like to hear what others have done when getting repairs through warranty. Has anyone successfully claimed for both - Gorilla ?

Pip
bmw changed both my springs under warranty.said that on m cars they only replace in pairs.that was stephen james enfield.

[Pip1968]

Well my new strut and spring only came in today and I have not had a chance to pick it up. I have noted everyone's comments on changing both sides so will put another order in and possibly sort it out next year.

What I do want to ask is is there any definative way of telling if the spring has snapped without taking it out as the car seems to have settled in a neutral position ie with both sides sitting with the same gap in the wheel arch. I am beginning to wander if carrying the four wheels and tyres in the back to the Nordschleife caused some inbalance. I also put three crates of Weissbeir in on the way back along with luggage.

The car was definately uneven the day after the day on track (as well as making some noise on R hand bends - broken spring suspected R side) and without any load. It was also uneven on return to Blighty but today seems all even. I have tried rocking the suspension and listening for noise but to no avail.

I will have another look tomorrow but may not get time to sort it before I shoot away to work. I may just put it into BMW to look at next year, ELMs maybe.

Any other pointers? I do not really want to fanny about taking it all apart if I do not need to. Best test?????

Any further help appreciated.

Pip

[alexk]

Well you could take the wheel out (~5mins of work) and check it.

It's simple as that.
I am not sure which other test could exist to tell you what is wrong on your suspension without taking a wheel out or seeing from underneath what is the problem.

[Mark CSL]

You can feel the spring in place from the back of the car they almost always brake at the bottom if its broken you will feel the broken part or a sharp end to the spring hope this helps

[CraigMillwardCroft]

You can feel the spring in place from the back of the car they almost always brake at the bottom if its broken you will feel the broken part or a sharp end to the spring hope this helps

Or your finger gets cut and bleeds is another way :whistle:

[Pip1968]

Well I took the wheels off both sides and the springs seem fine as well as the suspension strut and I have made the mistake of ordering a new strut in my haste. BMW wanted cash up front as it was a 'special order' so I do not think I will be able to get a refund.

So should I order another so that I at least have a pair of unwanted items or just hang on to the one in my 'store' :-D.

It must just have been a glitch with all that track work and weight onboard to and from Deutschland.

Bugger.

Pip

[Pip1968]

As an update on this. BMW finally looked at this and after an inspection said that the drop on one side is within BMW's tolerance. WTF is that supposed to mean? It is down by an inch at least on one side.

Anyone know the tolerances? I could understand if it was a few mm but I am fuming to say the least.

Pip :banghead:

[alexk]

What is causing the drop ?

[Pip1968]

Exactly, what? It can only be the springs or/and the shocks or the points at which they attach. I have asked if they have looked at the subframe as I am not sure if that would cause it.

I am awaiting their advice in order that I can take it up with BMW direct. I have asked them what BMW's tolerances are for differences from one side to the other. Ridiculous.

Pip :moan:

[Pip1968]

Well 10mm is the acceptable difference. Maybe it has settled but I know it will only be temporary so will have to have it out with them.

Pip :moan:

[alexk]

I would expect that on the left side it sits a bit higher than the right.
I think mine does that.

The reason is that the CSL is balanced to be LHD with a driver inside and then the weight distribution is perfect.
So when the driver is out of the car it's a bit heavier on the right side.
Now take into account that the RHD cars are heavier on the right side (yes your balance is a bit shit :)) and there you go the 10mm tolerance.

Can you measure the distance between center of wheel to wheel arch for each side ?

[Pip1968]

I will do when I get home on Monday. All sorts of tape measures, plumb lines and micrometers will be out.

Pip :-D