What extra parts do I need for suspension refresh

Just ordered koni yellows and some springs... what do I need to complete the install (not tools, just parts)?

Do I need these?
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/show...e46-z3-z4-pair

Or tower reinforcement plates??
http://store.bimmerworld.com/e36e46e...tes-p1219.aspx

if I can safely re-use parts (nothing I can see is cracked) then I will, no need to throw parts at it if I don't need to.

Thanks

The front reinforcement plates are not necessary but gives a piece of mind. Also get:
New FSM's (I only advise this because if/when they do go bad you have to uninstall your entire front suspension and pay for another alignment)
RSM gaskets
RSM Z3 reinforcement plates
And maybe all new nuts (not necessary but i like to have never been torqued nuts, plus it's cheap)
You could wait on the RSM's. They are easy to replace later down the road and don't require another alignment so I would hold off if they're not bad.

Maybe just get this and be done with it?

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-11...m3-not-xi.aspx

Originally Posted by euG!

The front reinforcement plates are not necessary but gives a piece of mind. Also get:
New FSM's (I only advise this because if/when they do go bad you have to uninstall your entire front suspension and pay for another alignment)
RSM gaskets
RSM Z3 reinforcement plates
And maybe all new nuts (not necessary but i like to have never been torqued nuts, plus it's cheap)
You could wait on the RSM's. They are easy to replace later down the road and don't require another alignment so I would hold off if they're not bad.

Looks good

Guys, I'm not sure about that "repair shop" rear shock upper mount:
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/show...e46-z3-z4-pair

The design looks pretty far off from the original part. For about the same price you can get Sachs or Meyle HD strut mounts. For a little more you can get the Genuine BMW mounts.
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330...n/Shocks/Rear/

As far as other hardware, like euG! mentioned you will need to replace all the following:
2 front strut pinch bolts
6 front strut self-locking tower mouting nuts
2 front strut self-locking shaft nuts (if not already included with the Konis)
2 rear shock self-locking shaft nuts (if not already included with the Konis)
2 rear shock lower mounting bolts
4 rear shock self-locking upper mount nuts
2 rear shock upper mount gaskets

May or may not need, depending on condition:
foam bump stops
rubber boots for front struts
rubber spring pads for front struts
plastic boots for rear shocks

I usually consider reinforcement plates optional for daily driving, but since you are installing a stiffer aftermarket suspension it might be a good idea. Get the rear reinforcement plates, too.

This list helps a ton LeMansteve and euG! Here is what I ended up with:




$250 later....this is expensive! almost 1/2 the price for the struts/shocks for mounting hardware...jeez (end btch session)

Originally Posted by LeMansteve

Guys, I'm not sure about that "repair shop" rear shock upper mount:
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/show...e46-z3-z4-pair

The design looks pretty far off from the original part. For about the same price you can get Sachs or Meyle HD strut mounts. For a little more you can get the Genuine BMW mounts.
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330...n/Shocks/Rear/

As far as other hardware, like euG! mentioned you will need to replace all the following:
2 front strut pinch bolts
6 front strut self-locking tower mouting nuts
2 front strut self-locking shaft nuts (if not already included with the Konis)
2 rear shock self-locking shaft nuts (if not already included with the Konis)
2 rear shock lower mounting bolts
4 rear shock self-locking upper mount nuts
2 rear shock upper mount gaskets

May or may not need, depending on condition:
foam bump stops
rubber boots for front struts
rubber spring pads for front struts
plastic boots for rear shocks

I usually consider reinforcement plates optional for daily driving, but since you are installing a stiffer aftermarket suspension it might be a good idea. Get the rear reinforcement plates, too.

Originally Posted by mrbcc

$250 later....this is expensive! almost 1/2 the price for the struts/shocks for mounting hardware...jeez (end btch session)

Indeed. If you replace all the hardware, pads, mounts, etc it really does add up. When I bought parts to replace my shocks and struts, I was surprised how expensive the molded foam bump stops are.

Originally Posted by LeMansteve

Guys, I'm not sure about that "repair shop" rear shock upper mount:
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/show...e46-z3-z4-pair

The design looks pretty far off from the original part. For about the same price you can get Sachs or Meyle HD strut mounts. For a little more you can get the Genuine BMW mounts.
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330...n/Shocks/Rear/

As far as other hardware, like euG! mentioned you will need to replace all the following:
2 front strut pinch bolts
6 front strut self-locking tower mouting nuts
2 front strut self-locking shaft nuts (if not already included with the Konis)
2 rear shock self-locking shaft nuts (if not already included with the Konis)
2 rear shock lower mounting bolts
4 rear shock self-locking upper mount nuts
2 rear shock upper mount gaskets

May or may not need, depending on condition:
foam bump stops
rubber boots for front struts
rubber spring pads for front struts
plastic boots for rear shocks

I usually consider reinforcement plates optional for daily driving, but since you are installing a stiffer aftermarket suspension it might be a good idea. Get the rear reinforcement plates, too.

Hey guys. I am in the same process so I was wondering why you recommend getting new "front strut pinch bolts" and "rear shock lower mounting bolts". Just wondering what the reason is as its not the first time I have read this recommendation.

So far I have this :
Hope you don't mind me hopping on this thread also as I'm doing the same for my 2000 328Ci AT sport suspension. So far waiting for delivery I have:
Koni FSD's (Modbargains)
Eibach front and rear sway bars (Tire rack)
Front & rear sway end links (meyle hd)
Eibach pro-kit springs
Coil spring pads
Rear bump stops (sport)
Dust boots
Front & rear reinforcement plates (ECS Tuning)
Front and rear strut mounts (Sachs)

**** wasn't cheap smh... (wish I knew how to insert those smileys)

I also am wondering if I'm missing something.

Originally Posted by Platano20

Hey guys. I am in the same process so I was wondering why you recommend getting new "front strut pinch bolts" and "rear shock lower mounting bolts". Just wondering what the reason is as its not the first time I have read this recommendation.

It's my personal preference to get new hardware, especially if it is relatively cheap. I don't think these two bolts are torque-to-yield, but suspension fasteners generally take a beating and I always prefer to replace them when doing a job.