fabmaster

I need to replace the front shocks on my 3.8L M5 which has the EDC control. Is it possible to replace the front suspension with regular gas shocks instead of the extremely expensive hydraulic ones?? Did anybody try it?

mikek

Why would you want to do that?

I assume that you bought a 3.8 M5 over a 3.6 M5 due to it being swifter and better handling??

By replacing the front shocks with regular items you ruin the handling. I assume the rear end is still using EDC and the front will be regular shocks...This will probably make the handling worse than a regular 3.6 as the EDC system will be trying to control the back end without being able to control the front end....Sending the handling wayward i guess!

Mike

fabmaster

Good news! I was able to identify a broken wire in between the shock and the EDC unit. Fixed the wire and the car seems to handle a lot better. Probably I won't need to replace the shocks .

ian hall

I also have a problem with my front shocks. What were the symptoms before you found the broken wire?

IvanDias

Odd that the OBC wasn`t gonging Check Control or some kind of suspension message. (?)

__________________
A polar bear is a cartesian bear after a coordinate transform

Alan Archer

Fabmaster !!!! where was the broken wire located..??

I don't know if you've looked at my post "Munich legends"

but basically they tested the EDC for me and told me
they were sure it was a broken wire under the rear of
the car....they even told me where to look.

I've yet to search, but where did you find the wire broken?

If a fault occurs..(as you are probably aware..)

the system defaults to Firm setting...



Alan Archer.


ps...Ian, this reply is for you too ! have you had
the car checked yet ??

Just wanted to add.....if you disconnect the front shocks
(ie replace with standard items) the rears will default to firm
with awful results.

Also any EDC error message on the check control indicates
a sensor/system fault, hence why my car never came up
with anything...

ian hall

Alan

To re-cap did or does your car have the error message-edc non active(or similar). Mine did and was reset by my local dealer,however both shocks are leaking. I have ordered a new set,got them for £455+vat each.

I am wondering if i have this damaged loom problem as well.

The idea of the edc is great but my car allways seems to be VERY firm on both P and S settings,the differance is that on P mode i get a clattering noise from the front!!

Confused

Ian

Alan Archer

It's unlikely you've got wiring problems too,
otherwise it would have come up on the tester
when the system was reset.

Soft or too firm...

Hmm.....

It's difficult to call, it depends what car you're used
to before the EDC M5.....

On P, it should be just the firm side of normal
(ie like a normal '5 with very hard tires..)

On S, it's positively bone jarring on the road and
you drive defensively, actively avoiding pot holes !!


Ring any bells?


Alan.

ian hall

I think my shocks are totally shot making it difficult to make an accurate judgement.
The car has done 68K is that about right for a pair of shocks?

Any tips on changing the shocks or is it a straight forward job.

What actually happens when you alter the mode ie how does the shock know to go harder??

When is the next trackday you guys are doing,am finding it frustrating driving a racing car on the road!

Ian

M5 powered

Yep I can confirm this. On P it is like having the car tyres pumped up too hard but you have a slightly more noticable body roll into corners than with S. On S you can feel every ant turd and nats cock. If the car was any less well made car it would shake itself to bits! I've also now startred running with my tyre pressures religously bang on the max level (245 40's 18's). I sware I have a loose filling and my kidneys have started hurting too!


regards

m5 powered