For those with coilovers or LOTS of experience with front mount issues...

[ajacks8]

I recently picked up a set of KW V3's for my 4.8is because my B6/H&R combo causes oem top mounts to blow out after 6-8mo. My fear is that running lemforder top mounts with the KW's will result in a similar annoyance? Upon researching, I did find AN alternative (the day after buying KW's). It was on titansuspension.com. They sell a solid aluminum top mount for THEIR coilover setup for e53. While they claim that they are designed specifically for THEIR coilover setup...it appears to look like they could be universal. I'm in search of impressions with factory top mounts now that many have switched over to BC Coilovers, and possibly others? Have the top mounts been an issue? Has anyone seen anything besides factory top-mounts? I am currently running the K-Mac adjustable plates, but they screech and don't seem like they will last all that long (at least while over my Bilstein setup). I had never run them before a month ago, but with all that screeching at low-speed turns (parking)...I cannot imagine them lasting. Anyway - I would love some feedback on others' experience or advise on the matter of LONG-TERM top mounts! Thanks!

[ajacks8]

[nick325xit 5spd]

The issue is that the strut shaft at the top can be very different from strut to strut. So you'd need to figure out if the Titan struts are similar to stock.

How are your top mounts blowing out? I can't speak to the X5 specifically, but it's very common for the B6 struts to have bump stops that are too long for the application. Add in lowering, and you basically end up sitting on the bump stops full time. Which is... not great. You may be able to fix / improve the situation by shortening the internal stops.

Net-net, I'd bet that the KWs would actually solve this issue.

[nick325xit 5spd]

Originally Posted by ajacks8

Ooof. No, don't install that. Ick.

[ajacks8]

Thanks for help. By "blow-out"...I mean the strut rod ripping out center chunk of top mount and lodging the top nut next to mount in the shock tower. Those factory shock mounts seem like they SHOULD be more durable, but I could not find any "heavy duty" alternatives like other vehicle applications offer.

[nick325xit 5spd]

Originally Posted by ajacks8

Thanks for help. By "blow-out"...I mean the strut rod ripping out center chunk of top mount and lodging the top nut next to mount in the shock tower. Those factory shock mounts seem like they SHOULD be more durable, but I could not find any "heavy duty" alternatives like other vehicle applications offer.

Uh, are you sure you have all the washers installed?

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=31_0524

In particular, #8.

[ajacks8]

Originally Posted by nick325xit 5spd

Uh, are you sure you have all the washers installed?

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=31_0524

In particular, #8.

As far as know, yes…HOWEVER, with me not seeing it as part of the conversion kit used, I’m am starting to question it!

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...3cupkitconvkt/

I’ll don’t think I’ll be able to see it up there either, with dust boot blocking view. If these solid aluminum mounts are a bad idea, I’ll make sure I have ALL mounting parts shown in diagram for install of coilovers!

[nick325xit 5spd]

Originally Posted by ajacks8

As far as know, yes…HOWEVER, with me not seeing it as part of the conversion kit used, I’m am starting to question it!

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...3cupkitconvkt/

I’ll don’t think I’ll be able to see it up there either, with dust boot blocking view. If these solid aluminum mounts are a bad idea, I’ll make sure I have ALL mounting parts shown in diagram for install of coilovers!

The washers aren't really wear items and are usually omitted from kits on the assumption that you will reuse. If you're punching out the center of the mount, it's highly likely that you're missing parts. And the bottom one is the easiest to leave out as it might seem unnecessary with the removal of the standard bump stop.

[X5only]

Originally Posted by ajacks8

As far as know, yes…HOWEVER, with me not seeing it as part of the conversion kit used, I’m am starting to question it!

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...3cupkitconvkt/

I’ll don’t think I’ll be able to see it up there either, with dust boot blocking view. If these solid aluminum mounts are a bad idea, I’ll make sure I have ALL mounting parts shown in diagram for install of coilovers!

Did you do the install yourself?

[ajacks8]

Tragically, not this time. My local Indy performed conversion with kit I had purchased from ECS. I told them everything needed was in the kit.