Blown front strut?

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by nick325xit 5spd

I'm pretty sure that the OE Bilsteins are different from the B4s. That said, I'm very happy with my Bilstein B4s. You definitely want to do the rears when you get a chance. Hopefully they come off backorder sometime soon.

Perhaps they are different but I researched this carefully and the BMW part number (31316764600) cross references to Bilstein part number 22-119261 - the Bilstein B4 item I've purchased.

At any rate, they are going to be better than the pogo-sticks I current have fitted!

[nick325xit 5spd]

Originally Posted by wpoll

Perhaps they are different but I researched this carefully and the BMW part number (31316764600) cross references to Bilstein part number 22-119261 - the Bilstein B4 item I've purchased.

At any rate, they are going to be better than the pogo-sticks I current have fitted!

Part cross references are meaningless as far as originality goes. BMW might even be supplying the B4 across the counter today, but that doesn't mean it's the original part.

IIRC, the factory struts are made by Delphi. The rear shocks were Bilsteins.

Like I said, I'm running the B4 Tourings all around. They're great. Highly recommend. They're just not the original part is all.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by nick325xit 5spd

Part cross references are meaningless as far as originality goes. BMW might even be supplying the B4 across the counter today, but that doesn't mean it's the original part.

IIRC, the factory struts are made by Delphi. The rear shocks were Bilsteins.

Like I said, I'm running the B4 Tourings all around. They're great. Highly recommend. They're just not the original part is all.

Thanks - good to know.

I didn't own this car from new, I have no idea what the factory suspension was like when it was "fresh" so I'm pretty sure I'm going to be impressed by the B4s!

[zener]

Anyone tried TRW shocks on these. They seem too cheap to be "better" brand. 200euros all around.

[nick325xit 5spd]

Originally Posted by zener

Anyone tried TRW shocks on these. They seem too cheap to be "better" brand. 200euros all around.

I can't speak to the shocks, but TRW is an OE BMW suspension manufacturer. All my E90 M3 control arms are TRW for example.

[zener]

Yep, I know. That's why I asked have anyone tried them. ZF bought TRW in 2016.

[wpoll]

So.... preparing to swap out the shocks/struts.. making sure I have the required tools becasue.... BMW.

Firstly, the torque spec on the lower bolts is nuts!

31 31 3AZ Spring strut shock absorber to pivot mount (Replace screw & nut) 250Nm !!!

31 35 7AZ Stabilizer link on spring strut shock absorber and stabilizer (wrench surface on ball head must be parallel to absorber axle) 100Nm

31 31 1AZ Spring strut support bearing (Flanged hexagon nut dia. 21 mm - Replace nuts) 34Nm

31 31 2AZ Shock absorber piston rod on thrust bearing (Replace nut) 64Nm

Secondly, the factory spring strut shock absorber to pivot mount nut is 21mm and requires a special tool.

The Bilstein B4 uses a 22mm nut and also requires a special tool.

I have a 22mm O2 socket that fits the 22mm Bilstein nut, so the more important task of torquing this nut down correctly is good to go. Might have to make do with a 13/16" spark plug socket, allen key and ring spanner to released the old 21mm nut, where accurate torque is not an issue...

Oh and I'll have to buy a 7mm allen key too - which is at least useful for working on the brake giude pins too (and saves using a T45 Torx like I have been up until now!).

[andrewwynn]

I bought a torque multiplier for exactly such tasks as the 250 N·m bolt!

Before that I would use math and an inline scale and pulley system.

(How I was able to torque to 350 ft·lb).

The torque multiplier is a favorite tool. It has a 3.3:1 planetary great set that with losses gives a fairly precise 3:1 torque multiplication.

250 becomes 83.3 which is far more manageable!

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

I bought a torque multiplier for exactly such tasks as the 250 N·m bolt!

Before that I would use math and an inline scale and pulley system.

(How I was able to torque to 350 ft·lb).

The torque multiplier is a favorite tool. It has a 3.3:1 planetary great set that with losses gives a fairly precise 3:1 torque multiplication.

250 becomes 83.3 which is far more manageable!

What multiplier are you using. I purchased one that they advertise for removing lug nuts. Tested it putting them back on and the torque wrench never clicks and the multiplier keeps turning, grossly over torqueing the bolts. Needless to say that went back. The only place I've found I absolutely need 350 ft/lb is at the axle nut.

[andrewwynn]

I looked into the type your describe and they have a utility of removing lug bolts or axle nut but can't be used for installing as the gear ratio is typically something like 50:1 and no way to accurately ratio the tightening torque.

On the other hand I've meausured goesin vs. goesout torque with my multiplier and it's spot on 3:1 ratio. 50 in 150 out within 2%

NEIKO PRO 03715B 1/2" Torque Multiplier Power Wrench | 1100 Foot-Pound | Cr-Mo/Cr-V Steel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017K5ARU...ing=UTF8&psc=1

The exact one I bought. One of my favorite tools. Especially useful for bearing press operations