What front struts to go with 2000 323I E46
 

Hey guys what's up. I'm in the market for new struts in the front on my beamer. I don't want to go with the oem for like 275 a piece, i just don't have that cash flow. Can you guys recommend some good struts to go with that wont break the bank and won't totally suck ans will be redoing in 50000 miles. My budget would be around 150$ per shock, unless you think a cheaper one is as same quality. Remember i do want quality and something to last but just not $900 for two shocks and installation. thanks in advance and let me know what you think. Any thing else i should be considering doing around this time either? I have 125000 and just redid trans, control arms ,bushings, thermostat and a few other little things. I think i might need a wheel bearing in front left bc of sound i have coming from that area sounds like a rock is stuck in wheel but its not a rock obviously. Not sure it tire is just shot or the struts could cause this problem. Please let me know ASAP need to get this done. Thanks everyone in advance.

check tirerack.com

You can by Monroe on Amazon or Advance auto parts for about $75 each. I have been satisfied with the ride. I compared Monroe shocks to Sachs $160 shocks and did not see any difference. Monroe ate also lifetime at Advance.

Bilstein Touring is $319 for all 4. Have them on my 323 and they are great.

ryannel2003


Nice where did you buy them? I do mostly highway so would these be good for that? How many miles have you had on them?

How long have you been riding with them? milage wise?

Nice where did you buy them? I do mostly highway so would these be good for that? How many miles have you had on them?

Bought them from eShocks.com. I've put about 2k miles on them so far and have enjoyed the noticeable difference in comfort. Bumps that used to rattle inside the cabin no longer exist and I don't have any strange noises coming from the front either.

Just ordered touring fronts for 200$ total.i hope they ride real nice and get rid of that thumpimg sound I have coming from left front wheel,you ever had this problem? I'm starting to think sway bars links or sway bar bushing but my mechanic just told me it was the wheels old out of shape dry rot....I have no idea but the struts are on way and I'll let you know how I like them after they are installed in next couple of weeks. Thanks for the info about the touring ,I hope I like them....

Make sure you replace your strut mounts too.

You also have to grease the new strut mount bearings after they are installed too.

Ok cool,just picked up a pair. What do you think about sway bar links,it's like we're do you stop when doing suspension work. I have previously done control arms and bushings. I still have this thumpimg sound coming from right front though...

since you did the other stuff I would do the end links and swaybar bushings then your front is done. that clunk could be a bad swaybar bushing.

Yeah I think I will do them. Do you know how much more labor the sway bar bushing would be? it's pretty simple job from what I've heard. The sound I have is more of a thumpimg sound but I'm hoping it lies somewhere in the parts I will be changing .

Its an easy DIY. jack up the front and take off both front tires and the endlinks are right there, the bushings are just a tad bit further in. I just did my Control Arm Bushings along with these and all were easy IMO. Amazed with how well the car drove today. I had a a noise on the passenger side that I thought was the sway bar but since I replaced everything it went away. I also converted to the powerflex bushings for the control arms and the swaybar and glad I did. I was a bit worried about ride quality but given the crappy roads in Chicago with the winter I couldn't be happier. Next I plan to do the same with the rear bushings.

You asked about suspension, I can't say how well the ride quality is, but have you considered Suspension Techniques? I was considering this as an option when I tackle this. Normally I would do coils on a car but I picked this car up cheap and given its age/worth I just can't see dumping money towards a nice set of coils. If your interested PM me I can put you in contact with the guy I have been working with. Best price I have found so far and it was only $379 shipped:) (that's for all 4)

No coil over for me thanks for the offer though. I will do sway bar links and bushings along with the struts and I'll report back to everyone. Thanks for all the info

your welcome, there not coils but replacement struts. that cost is for all 4 (front and rear)

link

Oh ok I bought bilstein tourings already, thanks again though.

UPDATE, Replaced shocks with Bilstein Touring and they are really nice. Also had the mounts,end links and sway bar bushings changed. Car is running great. Still have the thumping coming from what feels like by the gas pedal area and a smell of burning rubber coming from the under hood up by windshield wipers. Any body have any clue on what is located under the floor board by gas and brake pedal that could cause this thumping sound i have. It doesn't effect steering either. What could it be?

Burning smell is most likely your valve cover gasket. Buy OEM only for this part; I replaced mine with the Victor Reinz 6 months ago and it's starting to weep a little bit. Not sure about the thumping... how are your control arm bushings looking?

control arm bushings replaced about 6 months ago along with control arms so with the stuff i did today the front end is pretty much new again. Valve cover is definitely leaking that is the next thing to do. Will go with factory, thanks. This thumping sound is driving me crazy.....It sounds like something is stuck in tire but its down by my feet. The faster i go the faster the sound goes and the slower, you get the point.