[zcyrus]

Hi All,

I have a 2015 228i xDrive. I recently had new wheels put on, and when I got the invoice, there was a note saying one of the struts was leaking.

I called them and asked them for more info, and they still haven't given me a quote yet. this was about a week ago. When I called (receptionist, not mechanic), they told me I'd likely have to have both the left and right replaced so the car would be balanced.

Anyone ever dealt with this issue before? is it common? Does it need to be addressed right away, and if I don't, are there longer term consequences of not addressing it?

Honestly im thinking of taking it to another mechanic or 2 and asking for them to take a look and provide a quote.

Would love any advice, guidance, or thoughts on this, since ive never had to deal with this before, and im not sure how serious the issue actually is.

Thank you so much! I appreciate any feedback.

[pmcmtnbkr]

They are correct if one is leaking you want to replace both sides.As the shock leaks out its fluid the shock can no longer dampen the action of the spring and that wheel can start to bounce as it goes down the road . This will cause handling problems and excessive tire wear. It really is a safety issue when it starts to leak and should be replaced sooner than later. In PA this would be a failure for our yearly automotive safety inspection.

[zcyrus]

Originally Posted by pmcmtnbkr

They are correct if one is leaking you want to replace both sides.As the shock leaks out its fluid the shock can no longer dampen the action of the spring and that wheel can start to bounce as it goes down the road . This will cause handling problems and excessive tire wear. It really is a safety issue when it starts to leak and should be replaced sooner than later. In PA this would be a failure for our yearly automotive safety inspection.

Thank you so much for the response. What do you guys recommend in terms of getting the parts? are there brands that should go with, OEM, or any thoughts on how to move forward best? thanks again!

[John in VA]

You don't mention your mileage but it's not uncommon for BMW suspension parts to need replacing after 50-70k miles. And yes - you replace them in pairs.

Bilstein, Koni & Sachs are popular replacement brands, with Sachs often the original equipment. You need to know if you have the sport suspension, Adaptive M chassis (S2VFA) or Electronic (Damptronic) Suspension to get the proper replacement strut to work with your springs, unless you opt to replace them, too! Your VIN can provide this info.

I've been a fan of the Koni "Advanced" line, formerly known as "Frequency Select Damping" or FSD. Very smooth yet good sporty response.

You're in Canada & I've heard of Canadian Tire but don't know what they carry. If you can receive packages from the States look to FCP Euro with their lifetime replacement warranty or Bimmerparts for customer service & knowledge.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/22...e&t=&year=2015

https://www.bimmerworld.com/ssearch....526$2520Struts

[zcyrus]

Originally Posted by John in VA

You don't mention your mileage but it's not uncommon for BMW suspension parts to need replacing after 50-70k miles. And yes - you replace them in pairs.

Bilstein, Koni & Sachs are popular replacement brands, with Sachs often the original equipment. You need to know if you have the sport suspension, Adaptive M chassis (S2VFA) or Electronic (Damptronic) Suspension to get the proper replacement strut to work with your springs, unless you opt to replace them, too! Your VIN can provide this info.

I've been a fan of the Koni "Advanced" line, formerly known as "Frequency Select Damping" or FSD. Very smooth yet good sporty response.

You're in Canada & I've heard of Canadian Tire but don't know what they carry. If you can receive packages from the States look to FCP Euro with their lifetime replacement warranty or Bimmerparts for customer service & knowledge.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/22...e&t=&year=2015

https://www.bimmerworld.com/ssearch....526$2520Struts

John Thank you so much for your reply! That was very helpful.
I will look into those links you provided.

It's a 228i M-Sport I will check the VIN and get my details. The car has about 180k km total (about 110k miles), ive only had it just over a year (I have driven it about 6k miles) but no idea when/if they were replaced by previous owners. Either way I need to take care of it now.

Is this something I should order the parts myself or should I specify to the shop what they should order/use?

Appreciate it!

[John in VA]

Originally Posted by zcyrus

Is this something I should order the parts myself or should I specify to the shop what they should order/use?

Some independent shops will let you supply your own parts - most don't, as they don't want to be liable for any issue that may show up after doing the work with your parts (& it gives them an opportunity to make a bit on the parts as well as labor!). If you've found a shop that you plan to use ask them first. Listen to their suggestions if they've worked on the F22 models before.

[freakystyly]

Supporting hardware is recommended, especially if original.

Strut mounts, strut mount bolts, rubber gaskets at the spring, even sway bar end links as they need to be 1/2 off anyways. There isn't a ton but it should be done IMO. Pieces are removed anyways so replacing is a bit of a no brainer.

I've DIYed a few cars now and it isn't horrible. Maybe a bit more difficult for AWD.