Drop Hats.....

[S62]

Wtf im running these drop hats with bilstein sports and H&R races and they make grinding noises when turning. What the hell?

[Sagaris]

They are not completely concentric with the strut shaft so the oblong portion of the "drop hat" rubs on the inside of the strut tower. I had to grind mine down so that they were round/concentric in order for it to not rub. Also had to POR15/repaint the inside of the strut tower from where it scraped. Take care of this before the steering binds up on a corner like mine did. Not fun.

[Bimmerguy91]

So can anyone give me the part number for these? Im trying to order some.
I was given this part number 31-33-6-764-093. When I type it in on Tischers site it says its for a 128i? Is that the same part as the e90 3 series?

[Bimmerguy91]

I think I may have found it. Is it part #15 in this diagram

http://www.trademotion.com/parts/2010/BMW/328I/?siteid=214672&vehicleid=1445221&diagram=F272050&diagramCallOut=15

[jeffnhiscars]

So can anyone give me the part number for these? Im trying to order some.
I was given this part number 31-33-6-764-093. When I type it in on Tischers site it says its for a 128i? Is that the same part as the e90 3 series?

I asked for an e90 drop hat today and I'm holding that PN in my hand after buying it at the dealer for $10.91. After comparing it to the e30 version they sure look totally identical except for the height, the drain holes are in different positions & there is a spacer welded to the bottom of the e90 version that I'm sure I will have to deal with somehow.

The e90 one is thicker and being non magnetic also seems to be aluminum.

[SmokeE30]

the spacer on the e90 hats are not welded on they are splined and pressed on

[jeffnhiscars]

Now that I've peeled the label from over the hole I can see that..lol..(putting away my grinder)

[RobertB]

They are not completely concentric with the strut shaft so the oblong portion of the "drop hat" rubs on the inside of the strut tower. I had to grind mine down so that they were round/concentric in order for it to not rub. Also had to POR15/repaint the inside of the strut tower from where it scraped. Take care of this before the steering binds up on a corner like mine did. Not fun.

Do you have a photo showing where to grind?

Thanks

[RobertB]

Now that I've peeled the label from over the hole I can see that..lol..(putting away my grinder)

[RobertB]

I have a pair of E90 hats here and noticed the hole for the shock is larger than the E30 ones. There's also some sort of countersunk bushing there. Do you install as is or do you remove that "bushing"?

Do you have this on your M3? I'm thinking of getting a spring hat... until I saw this E90 spring hat thread. :)

[jeffnhiscars]

I thought the spacer was welded in since the PN label was over the hole. Once I peeled the label off I could see it was pressed in so I did not need to grind it off. Hence "I put my grinder away".

As for the drop hat rubbing on the strut tower, theres room to run your fingers between the lip of the hat and the tower and the strut doesnt normally have that much side to side movement (especially at the top). I have trouble seeing how thats possible unless something is damaged.

[standard125r]

So you just punched the insert out?

FYI:After posting this I went directly to the garage, and hit the insert directly from the top with a punch and hammer. It popped out after just one hit. No grinding, no waking the wife up, and no mess. All good things.

[RobertB]

Will this fit M3's?

[Sagaris]

Do you have a photo showing where to grind?

Thanks

I unfortunately do not have the photo uploaded anymore but it should be apparent what needs to be ground off. It is the same idea as if you were to grind down a cam lobe down to its base circle. Only a small section of it causes interference.

[///MPOW33R]

OK Wow I just read alll 16 pages of this thread to save redundency. Great effing info you guys are awesome.
Richard - i dont know you never bought from you but Im a business owner and get it.

That being said

I have a 91 318is Coupe (sewing machine) Im currently running -

Ireland Racing Stage 3 Lowering Springs (IE3) on Bilstein Shocks. 205/45/16s all around
My front gap has been buggin the sh*t out of me. I was about to cut 1 coil from the front today until
I saw a post about the e90 drop hats.
I drive 100 miles a day and reallly enjoy how my car rides currently.
But hate the freaking gap reverse rake nonsense. Im also petrified at the thought of busting thru my oil pan.
Now can anyone tell me my best option? My issue is only with my front end.

In cutting dont mind a little stiffness from the front, just feel 1 coil is too low for my oil pan.

Now im reading that the e90 drop hat is the way to go, however I may experience a bottoming out problem in my shock,
buttt ill be saving my oil pan and ill get the desired height. 15mill is all i really need.

Can anyone tell me their experience(s) with my same set up please.

How did you ride with 1 cut coil from 1E3s n Billies?
and from
e90 drop hats on (un-cut) IE3 coils and Billies??

Please. and THANK YOU in advance.