Re: My opinion... (archive)

The complete automotive resource for buyers, sellers, and owners like you.

I wouldn't worry about wheels though. And in any case, you might be able to find reference to the law (act, or whatever) that deals with aftermarket automotive parts and warranty if you search on the Internet, and slap it in the dealer's face.

T--thanks for the input----IF the warranty is effected--then why would anyone ever do this mod?? I just bot a 1999 certified 740 with 38K mi on it---I think I'd be crazy to do this if BMW ?MIGHT refuse a warranty claim. Also how about upgrade wheels??---(I have the stock 16" rims)--would this also be subject to warranty refusal??
Tks Dave

Warranty issues can be a touchy subject. The law states that the dealer must prove an aftermarket component caused a failure to legally refuse warranty coverage, and then only on the part in question. However, I think you'll find that most dealers will tell you that any aftermarket components will void your entire warranty. So, it depends on whether the hassle of dealing with a stuck-up dealer is worth it. I would talk with my dealer about that in beforehand, and try to find the actual law - I don't remember the name of it, but there's an act with a couple guys' names on it that stipulates how this works.

so please don't take it the wrong way or take this response as something you SHOULD do. I recommend upgrading your springs if that's the only thing you do...

My $.02 is if you're ONLY replacing the shocks and keeping the stock springs, you're wasting your time. My guess (and I guess is because I have never heard anybody to replace just the shocks) is that the ride quality will be a little stiffer/sportier, but not by much. Since the E38 stock suspension is so soft anyway, and it sounded like you wanted to gain a sporty feel from your new car, I'd replace the springs as well.

The H&R Sport Spring Set (lowers front 1.3", rear 0.60" rear) is perfect and does the job by lowering your car conservatively and at the same time, gaining a much sportier feel. The only thing I did to my suspension is upgraded to the H&R Springs noted above (kept the stock shocks in), and I absolutely love the way my Green Ox sits and feels on the road. Absolutely love it. For a little less than $300, you can't go wrong... If you're worried about "slamming" your car, don't worry, the H&Rs are quite conservative.

"Mike D." recently upgraded to the H&R Stage II springs, which drops the car more, but still looks great. Maybe he can elaborate as to the difference in look and road feel. Maybe he'll remind us with a picture as well...

What kind of rims/tires came on it? Reason I ask is because upgrading from 16" to 18" rims will significantly increase to a stiffer and thus, sportier feel as well, but the cost will be quite a bit higher than $300...!

Traded my 98 540i sport for 99 740i and in my 4 days of ownership, i really can't believe the difference in build quality. The 5 was sporty, but didn't really feel like a world class auto. The suspension i thought was a bit firm for a daily driver, and the setup on the 7 is a bit soft.
Found Bilstien rear shocks HD for $132ea. and wondered how much firmer than stock these would be. I know the OEM sport pkge. shocks are 100% firmer. Can i use either w/ stock springs? Don't really want to change the profile w/ lower springs. Can't seem to find front Bilstein except from Dinan.
Way overpriced and don't know if these go with stock springs? Is replacing "shocks only" a waste of time/money?
Same labor either way??
Thanks for any insight here.
Regards,
Alan
99 740i

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.