bmw touring rear springs

[ghostrider]

does anybody own a bmw 320 touring? have you got a low rear end?whats the problem ive heard the springs are susceptible to snapping at the bottom any info would be much appreciated.

also is it neccessary to uprate the springs on this vehicle if towing to its max? merry xmas to u all

paul

 

[ColinA]

Dont know about the tourin Paul but guy I know has a 320 which has three springs snap without towing.

Colin

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Paul,

It should not be necessary to up-rate the springs of any car when towing provided the towed mass and in particular the nose load are kept within limits.

It is important to ensure the rear axle load is not exceeded, so check the manufactures instructions carefully with regards to loads in the back/boot especially when towing.

With regard to broken springs, my brother in law runs an independent garage, and he tells me that he has to replace an increasing number of all makes of springs. This seems to correlate to the number of sleeping policemen that have been set up in his area.

Happy Christmas

 

[WatsonJohnG]

In an ideal world where car manufacturers were focussed on caravanners it would not be necessary to upgrade rear suspension

But the adverts and range of products available for boosting rear suspension would seem to suggest that there ia a lucrative market which can only be viable if there is consumer demand

I have fitted suspension aids to several vehicles and always with an improvement in ride and handling

You only have to drive down the motorway to see that many caravans have a pronounced nose down attitude which is mirrored by a pronounced tail down attitude of the towcar

M A D,Armstrong , Monroe,Auto Ballans,Grayson to mention a few are souces of suspension aids

 

[WatsonJohnG]

This is what the CC say on the subject

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/nr/rdonlyres/1f4ad709-45e3-47bf-8b3f-376460a81710/0/rearsuspensionaids.pdf

 

[Lutz]

Car manufacturers would argue that you can't load the back end of the car any more when towing than if you were driving solo with the boot full. Therefore there is no real need to make any special provisions in the suspension specifically for towing. If you drive a lot with at maximum rear end load and need more suspension travel, many manufacturers offer self-levelling suspension systems. Otherwise, having a nosedown attitude of the caravan is a purely cosmetic issue which may bother some from an appearance standpoint, but has few other negative side effects.

 

[MowCopKen]

Hi Paul

Merry Christmas!

I have a 320d Touring which I got from new in 2003. I took it back to the dealer several times saying the back end was low. They did some measurements then said it was low but within tolerances. This was within the first week and I mentioned it at each service. I have rarely towed with it as we have a Sorento for that.

When they had it for its first MOT, they failed it as the springs were broken - they quickly apologised and agreed that they may well have been like this since it was delivered. What a difference! Even better to drive and like having a new car with 80k on the clock.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Car manufacturers would argue that you can't load the back end of the car any more when towing than if you were driving solo with the boot full. Therefore there is no real need to make any special provisions in the suspension specifically for towing. If you drive a lot with at maximum rear end load and need more suspension travel, many manufacturers offer self-levelling suspension systems. Otherwise, having a nosedown attitude of the caravan is a purely cosmetic issue which may bother some from an appearance standpoint, but has few other negative side effects.

Old chestnuts! Seasons compliments

 

[Lutz]

Car manufacturers would argue that you can't load the back end of the car any more when towing than if you were driving solo with the boot full. Therefore there is no real need to make any special provisions in the suspension specifically for towing. If you drive a lot with at maximum rear end load and need more suspension travel, many manufacturers offer self-levelling suspension systems. Otherwise, having a nosedown attitude of the caravan is a purely cosmetic issue which may bother some from an appearance standpoint, but has few other negative side effects.

Thought you'd say that although I'll never quite fathom out why you're so concerned about having the caravan absolutely level when hitched up. Nevertheless, Season's greetings to you, too.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Car manufacturers would argue that you can't load the back end of the car any more when towing than if you were driving solo with the boot full. Therefore there is no real need to make any special provisions in the suspension specifically for towing. If you drive a lot with at maximum rear end load and need more suspension travel, many manufacturers offer self-levelling suspension systems. Otherwise, having a nosedown attitude of the caravan is a purely cosmetic issue which may bother some from an appearance standpoint, but has few other negative side effects.

I don't want it dead level just a slight nose down will do but with the new XT I may have to console myself with Lutz says its OK !!Regards