Rear Coil Spring

[55802]

I have a 2003 BMW 325xi - The rear driverside Coil Spring is broken. The passanger side Coil Spring was broken and a new one replaced a little over a year ago, just prior to me purchasing the car, so I reall only need one spring. Does anyone know the most inexpensive place to purchase it? I have checked Barvarian Auto Sports and Parts Geek, they're a tad expensive. Looking for $100 or less....

[1996 328ti]

Do you know if the previously replaced spring is an OE part?
You really should have the springs match.
Odd that someone would only replace 1 spring. I certainly would have replaced both at the time, even if I was selling the car.

[55802]

Do you know if the previously replaced spring is an OE part?
You really should have the springs match.
Odd that someone would only replace 1 spring. I certainly would have replaced both at the time, even if I was selling the car.

I have no clue why both were not replaced. I'm guessing it's OEM, but I will have to get it back up on a lift to be sure.

[1996 328ti]

I have no clue why both were not replaced. I'm guessing it's OEM, but I will have to get it back up on a lift to be sure.

OE and OEM are different.
OE is spec'd by BMW for a particular model.
OEM simply means it's a manufacturer that BMW uses.

An example would be rotors.
You can buy a rotor from the same manufacturer that BMW uses although that rotor may not be balanced as would an OE rotor.

That being said, Ticher sells it for $133.15 with your car club discount.
Not sure if it's for a convertible or sedan.

[55802]

That the best price so far I have seen! Thanks!

[John in VA]

Look for someone selling a pair of stock springs after they "upgraded" theirs:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/forumdisplay.php?f=35
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...play.php?f=211

[1996 328ti]

I think it's still important to know the brand that was already replaced.
Do rears need to be matched the front?
I've always changed all 4 at once.

[John in VA]

I've always changed all 4 at once.

Me, too. Stock/original E46 springs (like window regulators) are known to break. OP is on a budget, so a used pair makes sense.