Oops - KYB E36 struts = wrong spring perch etc.

[funcrew]

E36 5-lug; I'm switching to a softer, higher setup using E30 H&R OE sport springs for a daily driver cabrio. I pulled the PO-installed Bilstein sport struts out of my E36M3 front end. Confirmed from the P/N F4-VE3-A585-H0 that this is indeed a sport shock for the '97 M3. The replacement strut from KYB P/N 334938 is listed for '97 328is. BUT the new strut has a way bigger diameter spring perch and the total length of the KYB is way shorter than the Bilstein. I expected the KYB to be longer as it is designed for stock springs and the Bilstein is designed for lowering springs.

Where did I go wrong on these parts? does the E36 non-M have bigger springs for some reason? I thought all E36 had the same spring diameter, but who knows?

Thanks for any tips.

[MR 325]

Yes sir, the non-M uses bigger springs. You'll need to order the struts for an M3. Why not just use the Bilstein Sports with the new H&R springs? It should ride well with that setup.

[funcrew]

Thanks Matt - I got burned by listening to mis-information on R3V without checking the facts. Anyway, I had suspected that one of the struts was blown, however they both seem to be in excellent working order. The R&R process was easier than I expected - did not need to separate the CA or the tie rod - so I'm going to try the H&R OE sport/Bilstein combo and see how it works. With the extra nose weight from the S52, it might be tolerable, and I already have KYB's in the back. Will switch later if the ride is still too harsh.

[MR 325]

Thanks Matt - I got burned by listening to mis-information on R3V without checking the facts. Anyway, I had suspected that one of the struts was blown, however they both seem to be in excellent working order. The R&R process was easier than I expected - did not need to separate the CA or the tie rod - so I'm going to try the H&R OE sport/Bilstein combo and see how it works. With the extra nose weight from the S52, it might be tolerable, and I already have KYB's in the back. Will switch later if the ride is still too harsh.

Yeah, it's a lot easier to do struts with E36 suspension! :)

I think you'll like the combo up front. I'd just leave the KYB out back, should be fine.