HELP!!! 1988 325ix

[ZuS]

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 have not done that since I got the vehicle but I will def have to do more research on it and will give it a try. I appreciate the information on that!

[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!

[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.

[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.

[Kershaw]

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

:-p

[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.

[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!

[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.

[fight4life28]

I have set of used stocks..

[Dirty325ix]

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

[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)

[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]

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]

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]

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