HELP!!! 1988 325ix

[ZuS]

Hello all! I am a new member and I am in some need of help. See I bought a 1988 325ix about 2 months ago. When I got it, I notice that the steering wheel was a bit too hard to steer. I didn't think nothing of it as it was drive able. So I took it to a local mechanic in upstate NY. The name of the work shop is "Get R Done" where they claim they specialized in all sorts of European vehicles as well as Japan imports.

They told me that the front struts, the coil springs, the steering shaft coupler, and the front stabilizer links were all shot and needed replace. They said the price to order from BMW plus labor would be $1,561.14. This seemed too high for me but I said ok let's get it fixed as I am in need of the vehicle. Now they are telling me that one side (the left front) needs a complete swap and that this would cost another $1,000 in parts and labor yet they can't quite explain what is it and prefer to just show me the parts. I don't know much about certain parts of the vehicle, but this all seems to high in price for me.

My question to all the 325ix and all the experts here is what is the cost with parts and labor on the coilover/struts complete set up for an e30 325ix? I am running out of resources, and I simply need some advice from some experts here. A trustworthy local shop in the Watertown area? Prices on parts? If anyone has run through similar issues with their vehicles before, what have you done and what has been the damage $$$ wise? Any advice would really help!

[spdracrm3]

well if they are using all BMW factory parts /with labor that sounds about right

since you live in the RUST belt they probably started to dis-assemble and found the strut tube rusted badly and the nut retaining the shock insert siezed or broke off ,and so need to replace the strut tube completely with wheel bearing and maybe even the lower control arm or some tie rods on the steering rack . all of which can be affected badly by rust conditions and made unservicable (not knowing until its taken apart). and it can add up fast when using factory parts and all the additional labor

( can get very expensive when you cant do the work yourself) which is why so many bail on them and end up selling them to local enthusiast

[ZuS]

I believe you spdracrm3, I went to the mechanic today and he showed me all the parts that I need. He also show me all the rusted and broken parts :(
Now all I need is both front strut housings, the bump stop, the rubber boot, and the nut to keep it in place. Been looking around, I need to see if some one here might have any for sale.

Appreciate your response!

[spdracrm3]

used strut housings for the IX can be hard to find because most were used in snow/rust belt so all are in the same shape used as yours ,unless you find some off a west coast car and there were fewer IX's sold in USA then M3's

if they are available new from BMW they wont be cheap

post a wanted add in the IX section http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=150
there are usually some being parted out

[ZuS]

Appreciate the help, I'll be posting a wanted add with all the parts I need. Hopefully I'll be able to get them and at a good price.

[spdracrm3]

FYI there is an online BMW parts catalog with diagrams/part numbers and close prices at RealOEM.com

example go to home page and enter last 7 of VIN in search for full part catalog for your car (this is the IX struts)

[Dirty325ix]

Hey I have an extra set of ix struts if you need any
Which side
I also have some used control arms

[fight4life28]

I have set of used stocks..

[ZuS]

FYI there is an online BMW parts catalog with diagrams/part numbers and close prices at RealOEM.com

example go to home page and enter last 7 of VIN in search for full part catalog for your car (this is the IX struts)

Thanks a lot man, I really needed to see a chart like this one. This def gives me a better idea of the things I need and the $$$ I'll be spending.

[ZuS]

Dirty325ix and fight4life28

I already have both front struts, thanks for the offer. But what I am looking for now is both front strut housings. If you guys have them for sale let me know $$$?

Appreciate your help guys!

[JIM1inWisconsin]

strut housings

Good used strut housings for an IX will be very difficult to find and the seller will know this and they won't come cheap either.

It's just the tips of the housings that rust out. I've heard that perhaps you can get strut housings off of a non-IX E30 from a junk yard for cheap and then have a shop do some cutting and welding of the tips onto the IX housings. I'd ask around if I were you.

Otherwise if you intend to keep the car for a significant length of time buy new. It will solve your problem and it will add some value to your IX as well. Strut housings are weak point with these cars.

Also with your steering problems have you ever lubricated the steering mechanism on the engine side of the fire wall? You can also drill a small hole in the steering shaft and provide lubrication internally. It's a ten minute almost zero cost fix.

[Kershaw]

cut the tops (which are the part that usually rust) off and go straight to coilovers.

:-p

[nando]

the non-ix strut tubes are thinner wall tubing. you could use the tops of E36 M3 tubes though..

or, just go with coilovers. serisouly, get the Koni race inserts and a Ground Control kit with like 400/600 rates. it'll ride pretty nice and cost about as much as 1 new strut housing.

[EyExR]

Also with your steering problems have you ever lubricated the steering mechanism on the engine side of the fire wall? You can also drill a small hole in the steering shaft and provide lubrication internally. It's a ten minute almost zero cost fix.

I'm confused by this. What are you lubricating exactly? I'm aware of the U-joint (steering coupler) and then it goes to a collar and guibo. What else is there?

ZuS - I have a front right strut housing for an iX in good shape that I'd be willing to part with. PM me if interested. I can send you some pics.

[ZuS]

Thanks a lot gentleman, I actually ended up settling for a new set. I had to order them from turner motorsports. I am waiting for delivery but I will def post some pics up once the vehicle is ready!