[e90yyc]

Car on original suspension. Seems to track fine, tire wear appears normal, and there's nothing noteworthy other than it being extremely soft and a squeak coming from one of the front corners when going over large bumps, especially in the cold.

Going with Bilstein B4's. I don't have the sport suspension so these seem like the right choice.

For the rears, I'm going with this mounting kit from FCP, which includes the necessary components: BMW Shock Mounting Kit

For the fronts, I'm a little less sure about what needs to be replaced. I've done some reading, but am hoping to get opinions in this thread. I'd like to be thorough and do this job only once, but also not replace anything that doesn't truly need to be done, or that could be replaced later without pulling everything apart again (ex: stabilizer bar links/bushings).

What parts in this diagram would you suggest replacing as part of this job?

Thanks!

[RomKaN54]

the problem with Bilstein B4's i ran when i refreshed my suspension is that the shock was about 1inch shorter which was pain to put on stock spring on, i had to go 3 different shops to finally put it on. best option would be Bilstein B8 with eibach springs but they were on backorder when i needed them.

[porsche959]

havnt done my fronts yet but i bought two of: 13,12,11,10.

planning to reuse everything else.

this is for stock oem replacement.

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by RomKaN54

the problem with Bilstein B4's i ran when i refreshed my suspension is that the shock was about 1inch shorter which was pain to put on stock spring on, i had to go 3 different shops to finally put it on. best option would be Bilstein B8 with eibach springs but they were on backorder when i needed them.

Hmm. So you’re saying you brought your old strut (w/ spring) to a number of shops in order to get the spring swapped over?

I don’t want to have unnecessary headache so I definitely appreciate this input. But also, I want to avoid spending extra on stuff like higher performance shocks and replacement springs. Also looking to stick with original ride height; not sure if the Eibach springs would change that (haven’t looked into them).

Perhaps I should also order the CTA spring compressor? I was planning on just renting one from a local parts store. My guess based on your feedback is that it won’t compress sufficiently to remove old shock...

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by porsche959

havnt done my fronts yet but i bought two of: 13,12,11,10.

planning to reuse everything else.

this is for stock oem replacement.

Thanks!

Think there is any value in replacing #1? I’ve heard the bearing can wear out, so I definitely don’t want to bolt everything back together and discover I should have replaced this.

Are you sticking with original springs? Are you also using B4’s?

[ppointer]

I used B4’s on my e46 and e60. Both have sport suspension. Had no problems and very happy with the results. Went with B6 on my M roadster - no issues there either and very happy with how they perform. Will be going with B4’s on my e91

[Wolf 335]

At 300,000 km the only thing you don't need to replace are #2, #5, and #9.

Everything else gotta go.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by Wolf 335

At 300,000 km the only thing you don't need to replace are #2, #5, and #9.

Everything else gotta go.

Agree.

[Dabrwright]

You should replace top mount nuts as they are self locking

[e90yyc]

Thanks to all who replied.

Would rather do this right, so I’ll replace the bulk of those parts.


How about spring compressors? Anyone have any recommendations? My preference would be to use one I can rent locally for free, but if I need something that’ll compress further or is otherwise different, let me know.

Thanks!

[gbalthrop]

Strut/Shock Type & Part#:

I would personally go with the OEM Bilstein Shocks & Struts. That is what is on my 2007 328xi E91, and I think it's a good compromise between comfort and ALSO good on winding roads with turns posted 35 that you can easily take at 55 with NO DRAMA. Now if you wanted all-out race-course performance with stiffer springs, shocks/struts, heavier sway bars, more Negative Camber, etc., as opposed to comfortable highway cruising, that "compromise" is NOT right for you.

I had expected that the same shocks & struts were used on the wagon (E91) as on the sedan (E90), but on comparing several vendor sites & RealOEM, it would appear that at least SOME of the listings show different parts. Form my E91 Wagon, I can get replacement Bilstein Shocks & Struts (front struts differ, L & R) for $68 each for the rear shocks, and $135 each for the front struts. That is from AutohausAZ and does NOT include any of the other mounting hardware,

I think when I have to do that, I will replace the upper strut mounts, bumpers and perhaps dust shields if NOT intact. If you get an "explosion" if you hit a pothole, that may indicate the upper bumper (auxiliary damper) is NOT intact, and the TIS Procedures state to ALWAYS replace that when replacing strut.

REMOVAL PROCEDURE:
I trust you are aware that the procedure for REMOVING the front strut assembly is MORE INVOLVED on the X-drive (xi) models than the RWD (i) models. Unless I "mis-remember", Bentley does NOT cover the procedure for X-drive at all (just the RWD), and TIS is either confusing or omits significant steps. I have NOT done the procedure on X-drive (it was simple on E30 RWD ;-), but it appears you need to disconnect everything from the spindle or "Swivel Bearing." Here is the TIS Procedure for "Removing and Installing Front Strut Assembly":
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...struts/GToXFeU

Once you have the Assembly out of the vehicle (without damaging the drive axle), removal of the spring from the old strut and installation to the new strut is basic procedure:
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...struts/GM75AvF

ANYONE who has done strut assembly removal on an X-drive, and can offer specific steps, or at least add to the TIS steps listed above (how to withdraw the strut/get it free of clamp, particularly ;-) please advise. Just reading the procedure, my SWAG is that you have to essentially LOWER the clamp & Swivel Bearing from strut?

George

[porsche959]

Originally Posted by e90yyc

Thanks!

Think there is any value in replacing #1? I’ve heard the bearing can wear out, so I definitely don’t want to bolt everything back together and discover I should have replaced this.

Are you sticking with original springs? Are you also using B4’s?

whoa good catch. yes i ordered #1 as well.

yes original springs (105k miles). planning to borrow 2 compressor kits from advanced auto parts and using my impact gun.

i have a non sports sus car so i bought the cheapest oem replacement struts with lifetime warranty from fcp euro (sachs).

i would have preferred a set of B8s, but FCP was sold out and i want the lifetime replacement.

[porsche959]

Originally Posted by Wolf 335

At 300,000 km the only thing you don't need to replace are #2, #5, and #9.

Everything else gotta go.

had i known i probably would have just followed what this guy said

[RomKaN54]

Originally Posted by e90yyc

Hmm. So you’re saying you brought your old strut (w/ spring) to a number of shops in order to get the spring swapped over?

I don’t want to have unnecessary headache so I definitely appreciate this input. But also, I want to avoid spending extra on stuff like higher performance shocks and replacement springs. Also looking to stick with original ride height; not sure if the Eibach springs would change that (haven’t looked into them).

Perhaps I should also order the CTA spring compressor? I was planning on just renting one from a local parts store. My guess based on your feedback is that it won’t compress sufficiently to remove old shock...

i rented tools to remove the spring but i couldn't put the spring on B4 as it was 1in shorter, broke the rental tools and almost took my head off when it slipped so yes might need to find a shop with a good spring compressor.

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by gbalthrop

Strut/Shock Type & Part#:

I would personally go with the OEM Bilstein Shocks & Struts. That is what is on my 2007 328xi E91, and I think it's a good compromise between comfort and ALSO good on winding roads with turns posted 35 that you can easily take at 55 with NO DRAMA. Now if you wanted all-out race-course performance with stiffer springs, shocks/struts, heavier sway bars, more Negative Camber, etc., as opposed to comfortable highway cruising, that "compromise" is NOT right for you.

I had expected that the same shocks & struts were used on the wagon (E91) as on the sedan (E90), but on comparing several vendor sites & RealOEM, it would appear that at least SOME of the listings show different parts. Form my E91 Wagon, I can get replacement Bilstein Shocks & Struts (front struts differ, L & R) for $68 each for the rear shocks, and $135 each for the front struts. That is from AutohausAZ and does NOT include any of the other mounting hardware,

I think when I have to do that, I will replace the upper strut mounts, bumpers and perhaps dust shields if NOT intact. If you get an "explosion" if you hit a pothole, that may indicate the upper bumper (auxiliary damper) is NOT intact, and the TIS Procedures state to ALWAYS replace that when replacing strut.

REMOVAL PROCEDURE:
I trust you are aware that the procedure for REMOVING the front strut assembly is MORE INVOLVED on the X-drive (xi) models than the RWD (i) models. Unless I "mis-remember", Bentley does NOT cover the procedure for X-drive at all (just the RWD), and TIS is either confusing or omits significant steps. I have NOT done the procedure on X-drive (it was simple on E30 RWD ;-), but it appears you need to disconnect everything from the spindle or "Swivel Bearing." Here is the TIS Procedure for "Removing and Installing Front Strut Assembly":
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...struts/GToXFeU

Once you have the Assembly out of the vehicle (without damaging the drive axle), removal of the spring from the old strut and installation to the new strut is basic procedure:
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...struts/GM75AvF

ANYONE who has done strut assembly removal on an X-drive, and can offer specific steps, or at least add to the TIS steps listed above (how to withdraw the strut/get it free of clamp, particularly ;-) please advise. Just reading the procedure, my SWAG is that you have to essentially LOWER the clamp & Swivel Bearing from strut?

George

As always, thanks for your valuable input!

I didn’t even consider the difference between RWD and AWD procedures.

Am I going to regret doing this myself? Im sure the rear will be no problem, but I’m beginning to have second thoughts about the front!

Edit: And when you say OEM Bilstein, which Bilstein model are you referring to?

[alfazrus]

B4's have 2 different ones. One for the standard suspension and one for sport. I used the B4 sport with eibach and had no problems.

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by alfazrus

B4's have 2 different ones. One for the standard suspension and one for sport. I used the B4 sport with eibach and had no problems.

Gotcha. Non-sport on mine, so I’ll note that when ordering parts.

I plan to reuse original springs.

[e90yyc]

Got my cart all loaded up on FCP. I'm getting a few "Part does not fit!" errors. This confuses me though, as the part number clearly matches what I'm seeing on RealOEM, where I have input my VIN.

For example, FCP's site says 31336777636 (strut bump stop) fits the coupe but not the sedan...

Anyone else had this happen?

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by e90yyc

For example, FCP's site says 31336777636 (strut bump stop) fits the coupe but not the sedan...

As you say, RealOEM says that's correct part# for E90. BOTH Autohaus & ECS indicate that part is same for ALL 328xi (sedan, wagon, coupe/E90,E91,E92):
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/31336777636/
https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/BM-31336777636

Is there even a search box for BMW Part# on FCP site?

George