need some quick help from informed iXers

[yoni]

hey guys,

just need to know if the front sway bar links are iX specific..
or can i get any e30 ones?

same thing with tie rods.. also, i checked a couple places, and i have only been able to find the whole tie rod, nut just the inner.... is that just how it is ?

same question for front top plates (strut mounts..), iX specific?

THANK YOU!

[yoni]

no one knows...?

nando..?

[yoni]

someone should know...

i'm about to spend a lot on "iX specific" shit..

[nando]

yes they are ix specific

[Alkasquawlik]

theyre iX specific, due to the front drive shaft iirc

[nando]

theyre iX specific, due to the front drive shaft iirc

uh, I guess. You could say the engine harness is ix specific due to the front driveshaft as well, but that's not very accurate or clear. ;)

[supernaughtIX]

ok, due to the front axles the steering rack is mounted differently, and the tierods have a wicked bend to them so they clear the axles and attach to the strut housing differently. also due to the axles, the bottom of the strut insert is higher, and so BMW used special strut mounts with lots of flex and more overall height.
Because the strut housings are different, the sway bar links are different too. Check out the differences on www.realoem.com

It does suck, but must be done.
Also the control arms are different and can be a headache if you find a damaged inner balljoint. But there are a couple sources out there. I just bought one last week.

[Autobahn Sport]

iirc, M3's use the same endlinks.

[supernaughtIX]

Endlinks are a little different
IX

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=1593&mospid=47324&btnr=31_0044&hg=31&fg=10

M3

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=1003&mospid=47312&btnr=31_0041&hg=31&fg=10

[Autobahn Sport]

Ooh snap. NOT something you want to hear from a shop...

BTW, they are different, sry. It is still early here, still on coffee numero uno.

[nando]

iirc, M3's use the same endlinks.

nope, they are similar but M3 links are a little shorter and one end is turned 180 degrees from the ix.

but that just means adjustable endlinks from an M3 are a nice fit for us ix guys. they've also been cheaper than OEM most of the time, depending on where the dollar/euro conversion is...

[Autobahn Sport]

nope, they are similar but M3 links are a little shorter and one end is turned 180 degrees from the ix.

but that just means adjustable endlinks from an M3 are a nice fit for us ix guys. they've also been cheaper than OEM most of the time, depending on where the dollar/euro conversion is...

Thanks for the clarification. :D

[Need4Speed1299]

I bought a set of new links off bavauto for $47. Im new to the IX, would it be correct to assume these go bad often?

[Fidhle007]

Probably more often than those of a rwd E30 but no more than anything else with a similar design, like most newer BMWs. They're just wear parts like any other suspension component.

[nando]

I bought a set of new links off bavauto for $47. Im new to the IX, would it be correct to assume these go bad often?

I don't think so, but I'm thinking 90% of ix's out there have never had them (or many other suspension parts) replaced yet.