Help me identify these Bilsteins

[tjts1]

I found a nice looking set of Bilstein HDs at the junkyard from a 91 325i to install in my 91 318i 4 door. I thought it would be a direct swap. Then I got home learn about the different diameter strut tubes on early cars. Thanks a lot intratubes! The part number on this Bilstein strut insert identifies it as a 30mm diameter skinny strut insert that should only fit the early pre 1987 cars with 45mm diameter strut tubes.

http://www.bilstein.com/mistore/productdisplayf.php?sku=109478&hdwt=31101&loc=101&dealer=&company_id=100484

But the big collar nut that screws the strut insert into the strut tube has a 36mm outside diameter.


My 91 318i has 51mm (outside diameter) strut tubes which is supposed to use 36mm strut inserts. Can I use these inserts on my car? In hind sight, I should have the strut tubes at the JY.
thanks
Justin

[Teaguer]

If you pulled them from that 91 325 then YES they will work on your POS 318 sedan .

[george graves]

You can also call them - very helpful folks

[tjts1]

You can also call them - very helpful folks

Thanks, I just might do that. I kind of suspect the owner of the POS 325 sedan at the JY might've swapped the Bilsteins in along with the skinny struts from yet another car. I read somewhere that theres an adapter collar nut that will make the skinny strut insert work in the wide diameter strut tube. I suspect thats what I have. Does anybody have a picture of collar nut on regular 30mm and 36mm bilsteins?

If you pulled them from that 91 325 then YES they will work on your POS 318 sedan.

Looks who's talking.

[Teaguer]

Looks who's talking.

Hahaha , thats great . :D

But seriously , you have already taken measurements and know what you are dealing with and have your answer on what will work.....so I don't really know what you want by asking us or starting this thread .

Only thing I can see is that maybe you don't want to waffleswaffleswaffleswaffleswaffleswaffles-rig your shit ...but if that were the case you would not be installing unknown type and quality shocks from the junkyard .

[george graves]

Have that part number handy when you call...They will tell you exactly what it is.

[tjts1]

Well, they fit. As promised, the Bilsteins are 6mm thinner and about 4" longer than the stock BMW/BOGE inserts. I guess most of the oil from the old shocks was in the strut tube.
LOL