DDM Coilover - Problems starting

Hey guys,

Everything has been running more or less smoothly within the past 4-5 months that I've had these coilovers but recently I've started to notice a loud thump in the driver-side rear that sounds to be a shock mount issue. I lifted the car and took a look under only to notice that the rear shock has split into what looks like two pieces? (the gap will not close even after tightening down the collars). I had the shock taken out for further inspection and the rear shock mount is indeed intact and well.

Here are some pictures to give you guys an idea what I'm talking about***********:

Broken side: (notice the gap)





Passenger-side (no gap, the way it should be):



Contacted DDM about this but they want to me send in the shock for inspection and then warranty/advise me on it. I simply cannot have the car out of commission for weeks and was willing to show pictures/put a deposit on a new shock to speed up the process but was denied.

Oleg

i dont get it, what is wrong with it, what is right and what is wrong????

Originally Posted by n2Bimmer

i dont get it, what is wrong with it, what is right and what is wrong????

Cliff notes: Thump on unloaded suspension. Rear shock has gap that other shock does not which cannot be closed by tightening the collar. RSM's are in good condition.

Ummm ... you know that part is hollow right? There is nothing in that part of the shock .. did you look at it when you installed it to see if it was like that originally? There honestly doesn't look like there is anything wrong there

Have you checked or replaced all your other bushings? Mileage on the car?

rcab's??????

Check the differential and trailing arm bushings

look fine to me....you properly never noticed that gap...I have mines in my hands right now and im looking at them (not installed on the car) and they have that same gap you posted on the first pic.

Wow hold on, deposit on the new shock? arent they suppose to be lifetime warranty, and you should get a free replacement?

did you install the coilovers yourself? and if you did...did you use a chisel/flat head screw driver and hammer to tighten the collar as the instructions recommended?

Originally Posted by EuroBmrDude

Wow hold on, deposit on the new shock? arent they suppose to be lifetime warranty, and you should get a free replacement?

This is very common...
You get a lifetime warranty, but u put a small deposit until the shock is inspected. They then send you out the brand new replacement, once it is inspected and is considered under warranty they give you the deposit back. Simple and smart process.

updates?

So What happened...?

Fail lol

Got it fixed. The gap is still there but that was not the root of the problem. Seems like the RSM's were not fully tightened down on the shock from the factory and started making noises. Tightened the nut and the sound has gone away. But now on an unrelated issue, my front coilover shock dampening adjustment seizes. I don't need to adjust the dampening right now so I'll deal with it when I do.

wow. wtf.
i have the SAME Exact THUNK in the rear drivers side too whenever i come off of a bump

^^ Then you should pry tighten your RSM's...

Originally Posted by southpaw

wow. wtf.
i have the SAME Exact THUNK in the rear drivers side too whenever i come off of a bump

Yeah, looks like the RSM's might not have been the problem. The thump is back, and everything seems tight.

Have you replaced your RTABs?

Originally Posted by tinkwithanr

^^ Then you should pry tighten your RSM's...

Originally Posted by Calsoldier

Yeah, looks like the RSM's might not have been the problem. The thump is back, and everything seems tight.

fixed it thanks

Calsoldier-
How are you liking the DDM suspension you installed. I am currently researching the sub$1K systems and would like to know your input on the ride quality? the handling? comfort? etc? My '03 330i ZHP is equipped with M-Tech suspension. I have 18" BBS wheels and powerflex polyurethane FCABs so stiffness is not a set back for me.