[samj2k]

Hello,

I recently had some suspension work done on my car. When doing the rears, one of them was leaking so I bought a used one, which is in great condition, and my suspension shop fit it for me. Since fitting I am getting a Chassis Fault error message. It says I can still drive the car, but to take to a service centre, and I can't change any of the chassis settings. Does a shock absorber have to be coded to the car or should it just be plug and play? If it does need to be coded, does anyone know someone that could do this remotely as I don't fancy taking it in to BMW.

Thanks.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Should have bought new and changed both rears.

[Used2be]

There is wiring to each rear shock absorber that attaches on the top of the shock. More than likely your suspension shop forgot to make the connection. Have them check their work and rectify the problem. There’s also a connector for that same wiring run inside the wheel well that could be unfastened. Hopefully they didn’t damage the connector or break the wire. They don’t need to be coded.

[samj2k]

Originally Posted by JOHNBMWM5

Should have bought new and changed both rears.

Why? Only 1 was faulty. No point spending £2000, when I can spend £200 on a perfectly good condition used shock.

Also, not really helping diagnose the fault...

[samj2k]

Originally Posted by Used2be

There is wiring to each rear shock absorber that attaches on the top of the shock. More than likely your suspension shop forgot to make the connection. Have them check their work and rectify the problem. There’s also a connector for that same wiring run inside the wheel well that could be unfastened. Hopefully they didn’t damage the connector or break the wire. They don’t need to be coded.

Thank you very much. Will get them to double check it is connected.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by samj2k

Why? Only 1 was faulty. No point spending £2000, when I can spend £200 on a perfectly good condition used shock.

Also, not really helping diagnose the fault...

do you have to...no. should you...yes.

Well known when changing shocks and tires you should do them in pairs to prevent uneven wear and tear on components. Specifically with the shocks, uneven rebound rates. How many miles on the car? Shocked you already had a leaking strut.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by samj2k

Why? Only 1 was faulty. No point spending £2000, when I can spend £200 on a perfectly good condition used shock.

Also, not really helping diagnose the fault...

Obviously you are no engineer, you always change shocks in Pairs new Pairs

[samj2k]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

do you have to...no. should you...yes.

Well known when changing shocks and tires you should do them in pairs to prevent uneven wear and tear on components. Specifically with the shocks, uneven rebound rates. How many miles on the car? Shocked you already had a leaking strut.

I understand you should change in pairs. Car is on 21,000 miles, the used shock has 21,400 miles on it, seemed stupid to get two new shocks when they have both done the same mileage. My suspension guy, who is actually an engineer, advised one would be fine, and after compression testing both rears prior to fitting, said they matched up pretty much perfectly. Car handles very well, just the error issue. To be honest, it was worth it just to see if it would be OK with 1 used rather than going new, and luckily they seems to be a good match, assuming due to similar mileage.

[Aronis]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

do you have to...no. should you...yes.

Well known when changing shocks and tires you should do them in pairs to prevent uneven wear and tear on components. Specifically with the shocks, uneven rebound rates. How many miles on the car? Shocked you already had a leaking strut.

I'll jump in here. so if I were to go to BMW with a leaking shock they would just replace both???? Doubt. it.

Mike

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by samj2k

I understand you should change in pairs. Car is on 21,000 miles, the used shock has 21,400 miles on it, seemed stupid to get two new shocks when they have both done the same mileage. My suspension guy, who is actually an engineer, advised one would be fine, and after compression testing both rears prior to fitting, said they matched up pretty much perfectly. Car handles very well, just the error issue.

IF your guy set them up tested OK, then good to go. good luck with it.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by Aronis

I'll jump in here. so if I were to go to BMW with a leaking shock they would just replace both???? Doubt. it.

Mike

haha, because judging what "should" be done based on anything your local BMW service center does is a good idea. BMW is a business first and always.

Go ask an actual suspension shop or a tire shop and see what they say if you have never heard of that logic. Don't just take my word for it.

[samj2k]

Originally Posted by JOHNBMWM5

IF your guy set them up tested OK, then good to go. good luck with it.

Thanks! Fingers crossed the error is nothing serious...!

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by samj2k

Thanks! Fingers crossed the error is nothing serious...!

As stated a connection problem, should be easy to fix, I had this on an M3 front strut, the plug was not seated rightcame back with all sorts of lights/warnings lol.

[GAMA]

I had the same problem and it was the EDC connection on the rear. The dealership put a new connector and problem fix.

[samj2k]

Swapped the connector over from the old shock to the new one, error has gone. Thanks for your help everyone!