Couple items...
 

First off... I'm looking for a good price on a stock BMW engine start button (asked my local dealership for the price on a Z8 start button and they said $130.) I don't need the start/stop button, just engine start... I love the look of the Z8 button.


My main issue is this though:
When I start the car after it being off all night, there seems to be a rattle/knock coming from the lower front center of the engine. Almost like something is loose and clanking around inside. It only does it until the engine is warm though. and once warm, then sut off, cool, and restarted it still doesn't make the sound. Any ideas?

Lastly:
Suspension... I've got some ass sag, and will be looking to replace the suspension all the way around. I'd like to keep as much of the original 'cush' as possible, with as much adjustability (in both ride height and stiffness) as possible. Suggestions?

koni shocks or bilstein touring

The noise from the cold engine running could be caused by oil not reaching the top of the engine for a few minutes, weak oil pump maybe. If your oil is too heavy it could take a minute to warm up before it is able to be pumped to the top of the engine. Just don't rev the engine much until it's warm.

I usually let the car idle until it warms up and the sound goes away... I have to do an oil and tranny fluid change ASAP, hopefully I'll be able to rid her of the knock (it's actually somewhat disturbing, no one like odd sounds coming from their rides. lol)

Anyone know where (other than dealership) I could get a Z8 start button? I've tried pelican parts, KO performance, and a couple yards in my area and another in CA. No luck at any of them...

Well, the part # is 61 31 8 377 343 Z8. If that helps.

Yeah... I've tried finding it by part# in all the above mentioned places. I really don't want to have to pay $130 to the dealership for a button, but if I have to I will (it has the e-brake wiring so the button will only work w/ the e-brake set, real nice)

I've tried doing a search for distributors, found a couple but can not find anything that says it'll work fr my car... I'm runnin an '86 E23 L7, anyone know a good place to find these? Someone I should call or email, particular supplier?

i got bilstein touring. I was looking for about the same effect(right use?) as you. I love these things.

although my front rides a little hiher because my tourings where made for a 325(the 318 and 325 shocks are the same) and t rides a little higher in the front. Other wise they are just the right amount of stiffness. In the turns im unstopable...minus physics.

Well Crapola!
 

I can't find anything from Bilstein for my model (their site says autozone is the ONLY dealer within 200mi - of course they don't have any coilovers for my model)... I've tried Koni's site and they don't list anything for my car either!! I'mma 'bout to cry if I'm unable to get aftermarket suspension for my car (well, not really) - in major need of help now! :cry

Bilstein makes "touring" shocks for your car. No sports but HDs and Touring are available. Try realoem and then cross referencing what others are similar. (My bud at BMW said you can use anything in those years 86-87 that fit 735, 745 & L7) btw; Bavauto shows them for $94 ea.

Since I'm running 17's now I need something stiffer than what the stock suspension is (on certain curb entrances and bumps my wheels hit the inside of the wells) - is the touring stiffer, equal to, or softer than the stock ride?

It's stiffer. You can also get springs made or contact spring company and tell them what you have - and they can cross ref spring rates & size to springs that fit your car.(to get rid of "ass-sag") I highly doubt you're going to find coil-overs (good euro quality ones for an L7)It's a luxo-cruiser not a Road Atlanta racer. You might find coilovers from an American shock co such as maremont, etc but they're for loads not handling and their life spands are questionable.

Excellent! I know autozone had some Bilstein Touring for my front end... dunno if they had any for the rear (think they said they carried HD and somethnig else for the rear... sport maybe) What's the difference between touring and HD?

Here are my options:
Front-
Comfort, Heavy Duty, Sport, & Touring

Rear-
Comfort & Heavy Duty

This is what Bilstein says about the different classifications:
SPORT (S)
For the performance-minded driver,Bilstein "Sport " shocks deliver absolute mastery of the road surface.. Designed to push a car ’s suspension to it ’s performance peak,these shocks are well suited for use with special springs,anti-sway bars or other suspension upgrades.
HEAVY DUTY (HD)
For most vehicles including full-size sedans,SUVs and trucks.These shocks provide improved handling and stability without sacrificing ride comfort.They offer super damping ability that makes them ideal for heavy hauling for occasional off-road use, while maintaining an exceptional "street " ride..
COMFORT (C)
For the driver who wants maximum ride comfort,with the virtual elimination of "bottoming out " and vehicle sway.. These shocks generally maintain and,in many cases,enhance a vehicle ’s original ride qualities while increasing road-handling and overall stability.
TOURING CLASS (TC)
Bilstein Touring Class original equipment replacement twin tube gas pressure shocks and struts feature the same German engineering and quality as the world famous Bilstein Monotube Gas Pressure Shocks in a new competitively priced twin-tube design.


I'm thinking either comfort all the way around, or maybe touring up front and comfort in the rear (though am considering heavy duty all the way around.)

My next issue after getting the gas shocks though, is getting springs to go over them. I can always use the stock springs, but I think after being on there for 20yrs I'd be best to get new ones (pelican parts doesn't carry them, nor any local shop - I'm sure I can get them @ the dealership... but oh the $$ spent there if I do.)