Suspension Help!

[e thirty 325i]

I had my '87 325i checked out and was told that the front struts were blown. Told me i was pretty much just riding on the spring. So, i bought what you see in the picture. They are telling me that the rear shocks are fine but that there is supposed to be some kind of assembly that comes with the front struts. I thought this was pretty much drop the cartridge in and call it a day? basically telling me parts are missing. What am i missing?? I'm a dunce when it comes to suspension work so any help is greatly appreciated!!

[DRTSRFR]

Those assemblies do not appear to be for an e30.

The rear shocks should not have perches as the spring is divorced from the damper in the rear.

[Jean]

What did you purchase, link with description?

[e thirty 325i]

Those assemblies do not appear to be for an e30.

The rear shocks should not have perches as the spring is divorced from the damper in the rear.

Might you have a link or picture of what exactly i need to replace blown struts? It's much appreciated!

[DRTSRFR]

I don't personally have any basic pics, though they will look similar to what you have pictured.

And it depends on your budget, the least expensive will be Tokico or Bilsteins.

I'm sure a quick search will yield some pics for you.

[CW325]

i dont think you should worry to much about the rear since its most likely a universal shock that fits the e30 and other cars. as for the front, i dont see anything missing that you would need, what exactly did they say you were missing?

[DRTSRFR]

It could be the camera, but the shocks look quite short and the inserts long.

Also, you don't know what the shocks were built for. If they are for something heavy(e34?) they won't ride well due to more aggressive bump valving.

[e thirty 325i]

i dont think you should worry to much about the rear since its most likely a universal shock that fits the e30 and other cars. as for the front, i dont see anything missing that you would need, what exactly did they say you were missing?

They called it the strut assembly. He basically described it as the place where the spring sits. That would be the spring plate and that's already on the car if im not mistaken. He referenced the picture below and said it should look like this (the 1 on the left). I'm at a total loss here. I just need my struts replaced so i can get the car on the road.

[nrubenstein]

Your guy is an idiot. It's a strut insert and reuses the existing assembly. If he doesn't know that much, he really should *not* be touching your car.

Also, I really have doubts about whether or not the perch on that rear shock will clear your tires.

So, what the hell did you buy, anyway?

[bernzpeed]

your guy is an idiot. It's a strut insert and reuses the existing assembly. If he doesn't know that much, he really should *not* be touching your car.

+100

[dark325]

Your guy is an idiot. It's a strut insert and reuses the existing assembly. If he doesn't know that much, he really should *not* be touching your car.

Also, I really have doubts about whether or not the perch on that rear shock will clear your tires.

So, what the hell did you buy, anyway?

What he said

[e thirty 325i]

Your guy is an idiot. It's a strut insert and reuses the existing assembly. If he doesn't know that much, he really should *not* be touching your car.

Also, I really have doubts about whether or not the perch on that rear shock will clear your tires.

So, what the hell did you buy, anyway?

That's exactly what i thought. That insert should just replace the insert that's in there now. The housing is already there. Wow! I was going through this guy to try to save money but screw that. The rear shocks should clear. I had the same concern so i asked the company and they confirmed they'll fit.

[DRTSRFR]

That's exactly what i thought.

You're already smarter than the mechanic...

I wouldn't trust a company that suggested something like that. They're not designed for your car...Nick's right about tire clearance. Did they ask you what width and offset wheels you're running? My bet is no, so how can they guarantee fitment?



I could shoehorn Escalade seats in my car, but that doesn't mean it would be a good idea.

[e thirty 325i]

You're already smarter than the mechanic...

I wouldn't trust a company that suggested something like that. They're not designed for your car...Nick's right about tire clearance. Did they ask you what width and offset wheels you're running? My bet is no, so how can they guarantee fitment?



I could shoehorn Escalade seats in my car, but that doesn't mean it would be a good idea.

Makes sense. Thanks a lot for your help man. I think i'm going to get myself some Bilsteins and have a GOOD shop do the work. Thanks again bud!

[Jean]

WHAT DID YOU ORDER....You obviously picked those, right? Ebay? Local 7/11?