1995 BMW 525i Suspension

CLINTMOORE

MEMBER
1995 BMW 525

I just bought a used 1995 BMW 525i. First time owning a BMW and I'm a little lost on some things. The car looks great but it floats like a boat right now and bounces really bad. To start I am going to replace the front struts and Rear Shocks. When ordering the parts is there a recommedation on additional parts to replace at the same time. Should I replace the strut mounts, stops, and / or bellows as well at the same time. How do I know which strut insert is correct for my car. Do I need to take it out identify the size of the nut then order the struts? For the shocks in the back is there any thing special I need to know before I start to replace them?

One more simple question is the Switch next to the automatic transmission lever marked A or M a control for shifting ranges?

Thanks in adavnce for your help,
1995 BMW 525i 6 Cyclinder (M50 Engine?) 171000 miles

1 Reply

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

Suspension repairs are best left to a professional and I recommend finding a good independent BMW shop. Having said that and if you intend to do the repairs yourself then you will need to inspect the mounts and related items and make the decision based on your judgment and experience. The rear suspension is fairly straightforward to service and will require the removal of the parcel shelf to access the strut mount bolts. The switch is for the transmission, A is for automatic, M is for manual.