Suspension Refresh Guide. Information w/ complete parts list.

Originally Posted by ryannel2003

Looks like I would need a shock/strut combo that accepts lowering springs, and the Bilstein Touring isn't one of them. I'll stick with my current springs. Going to be ordering all of this pretty soon. Looking forward to getting it on my car.

I have Bilstein Sports on mine and I absolutely love them. They perform REALLY well under aggressive driving!

Why isn't this thread stickied? Look at all the comments and discussion and wealth of knowledge when compared to the other thread


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Originally Posted by E46Mango

I have Bilstein Sports on mine and I absolutely love them. They perform REALLY well under aggressive driving!

I actually did end up with the Bilstein Touring and I have been very, very happy with them so far. They are said to be 10% stiffer than stock but I wouldn't know what a factory suspension felt like because all my suspension components had 153k miles on them. Both rear shocks were completely dead and I was basically riding on springs. Front struts had some rebound but was extremely slow to and the handling was very sloppy. Car rides 1000 times better and it handles great. I do have some slight understeer at the limit that I completely attribute to my worn, non sporty Continental tires. I'm looking at a few choices and I'm taking the car to get re-aligned in a few weeks because my buddy who did the previous alignment (no charge) didn't have the proper tools for the rear and the car tramlines like crazy.

One very happy BMW owner here. Total suspension rebuilt was $500. That's crazy cheap compared to my old Cadillac.

Originally Posted by ryannel2003

I actually did end up with the Bilstein Touring and I have been very, very happy with them so far. They are said to be 10% stiffer than stock but I wouldn't know what a factory suspension felt like because all my suspension components had 153k miles on them. Both rear shocks were completely dead and I was basically riding on springs. Front struts had some rebound but was extremely slow to and the handling was very sloppy. Car rides 1000 times better and it handles great. I do have some slight understeer at the limit that I completely attribute to my worn, non sporty Continental tires. I'm looking at a few choices and I'm taking the car to get re-aligned in a few weeks because my buddy who did the previous alignment (no charge) didn't have the proper tools for the rear and the car tramlines like crazy.

One very happy BMW owner here. Total suspension rebuilt was $500. That's crazy cheap compared to my old Cadillac.

Awesome!

And thanks Flash for the recommendation on this being stickied. Between the part#s and complete listing, I think it's helpful too!!

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Originally Posted by juslookin

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Good idea. I think this should be stickied since it appeals to a broad audience (pretty much the entire audience)

Hell, I even use it myself when friends ask me questions! I have to fish for it though!

Question for those that have updated their suspensions. I've attached a PDF of a list I've compiled of stuff to buy aside from shocks and struts. Is this overkill?

Originally Posted by moiz21

Question for those that have updated their suspensions. I've attached a PDF of a list I've compiled of stuff to buy aside from shocks and struts. Is this overkill?

Not in the slightest. I've replaced all of that stuff on mine. it's cheap

Would either one of these kits be a all in one besides the contrôlée arm bushings. For me to start my overhaul
Thanks in advance for your. Reply. I've been surching for days to find a full kit for best price because I am on a budget but want to do it right.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330...ngs/ES2593733/

Or

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E46-325X...71526f&vxp=mtr. Includes bumb stops

both look fine to me

Sweet thanks.

In your original post, you mention that one should get an alignment after doing the RTABs... but what about for other bits?

Do you recommend getting an alignment after doing the CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS only?

After replacing struts/springs?

After ANY suspension adjustments/replacements?

(Could get expensive unless you do everything at once, but just curious as to the consensus on this.)

Originally Posted by Mango

Associated hardware

Strut mount (2 per car), part number 31336752735

Regarding the front strut mounts (also called guide supports), the part number quoted above is for certain E39 and X3 models.

Per realoem, these days it appears BMW sells a kit which includes 5 different pieces, including the mount itself. Diagram below indicates part number for the kit you need depends on whether your E46 was built prior to November, 2003. But then again the "early" part number doesn't seem valid and or available.

If anyone knows if the "later" number can be used on <11/2003 build dates, do tell.

Note there is also apparently a core charge, so save your old parts.

Originally Posted by terzinator

In your original post, you mention that one should get an alignment after doing the RTABs... but what about for other bits?

Do you recommend getting an alignment after doing the CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS only?

After replacing struts/springs?

After ANY suspension adjustments/replacements?

(Could get expensive unless you do everything at once, but just curious as to the consensus on this.)

CABs=yes. Camber can change and as a result, toe could be affected.

RTABs=yes.

Struts=likely not affected but by removing the strut body, you can possibly change the camber slightly.

Springs=yes especially if different height.

Do as many components as you can together at one time. your car may/may not feel fine after getting the above components done, but unless you get it on a rack, you'll never know for sure. your tires will tell you though after some time

Bump for post #113.

Cannot imagine a standard wear part such as the strut mount is NLA on E46 cars built prior to November '03.

all e46 mounts should physically fit all years. i haven't seen any information that says otherwise. just go to your favorite vendor, plug in your car year and voila.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/ES50765/

I have done 1 and 2 already. 3 looks scary.

I just wanted to say thank you for putting this thread together. It was a great reference point as I got all my suspension parts together.

Hi all, I've got a 2001 325i with 185k and the sport suspension (or what's left of it, ha). I'm in desperate need of a suspension refresh. I've got a couple of additional questions on this incredibly useful thread.

1: I drive a lot in snow & rough roads - I live in Seattle but I ski almost 100 days a year, camp, etc. I am considering the Bilstein B12 kit (sport, with eibach prokit springs). Would the adjustment in ride height negatively impact my "offroad" activities much?
2: For such a non-stock strut and shock kit, such as the bilstein kit, are the bump stops necessary?

Thanks again - this forum has already saved me thousands of dollars.

Thanks for this thread. Still need some advice:

I have replaced my front control arms + bushings, tie rods and sway bar links. Still my e46 is very unstable at bulky roads, steering wheel pulls towards left / right creating dangerous situations.

The front struts seem a little bit rusted, could this be the issue of an unstable e46? My car has 110,000 miles and dont know if they recently been replaced. Hope someone can help me on this.