2008 X5 E70 3.0d M SPORT 7S OEM Coil Spring query

[dchantry]

I have recently purchased a 2008 X5 E70 3.0d M SPORT 7S. The passenger side is sitting around 12mm higher front and back.
My mechanic has checked the air suspension and it looks OK, but the Coil Springs on the front are both different and the passenger side like like the shock and spring have been replaced at some point.
Thoughts are that they have replaced the spring with one a different size to the drivers size.
rather than faff around I'm looking at replacing both springs on the front.
I can't find the part number using the VIN on RealOEM as its saying No parts found matching your car.

Does anyone know what part number they would be and recommend any after market replacements as BMW are quoting me £180 per side just for the part and I don't know the part number. I'm looking at same quality as OEM or better.

[Graeme]

Good morning,

Over the 10 years and 163k miles I've had my 2007 E70 it's had two rear air suspension bags and a front left coil spring. The symptoms you describe do seem more in line with an air bag problem.

When mine broke the front spring the car was noticeably down on that corner. When an air bag was leaking it was down on that side front and rear.

I was advised to park the car on a level surface such as concrete and measure from the apex of each wheel arch to the centre boss of the wheel - not the ground - after it stood all night. Then to start it and with the engine running repeat the measurements. After standing for a few hours there was about 20mm difference side to side, but with the engine running so the compressor is pumping up the bags, and for a while afterwards, it was level, suggesting a very slow leak. I understand the sensor controls the height of the rear with the front to keep the headlights level depending on the load in the back. It doesn't alter side to side height.


The mechanic tested the air bags on a ramp with the wheels hanging and the engine running using very soapy water - tiny bubbles could be seen where the bag folds under load. When he had to replace the spring he simply gave the registration number to a local factor - the car is now level at the front so I assume it's the right one!

Hope this helps,

Graeme

[henrym3]

Eibach springs have always had the reputation of being as good as or better than OEM. They could probably match your VIN to the right spring.

[dchantry]

Thanks. I went to a specialist locally today. One of the springs on the front has snapped and he's recommended replacing both front springs and then resetting the rear ride height after fitting. OEM part number for the front springs is 31336779966.
Price they are quoting is £130 each side, but I've looked on a couple of online parts catalogue and put in the OEM part number. Eibach only do a lowering spring and I'm not keen to lower the car at the front, but Sachs do an OEM replacement. Does anyone know the dimensions of the OEM spring so I can make sure they are like for like?

[Leslie]

Id assume M sport springs are not the same as se springs and suspect most manufacturers will have a one fits all approach regardless !