Bilstein sport shock fitment issue

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  • OttoBob
    Member
    • Dec 2010
    • 88

    #1

    Bilstein sport shock fitment issue

    I bought Bilstein sport shocks for my 1987 325is and asked my mechanic to install them. He is reluctant to install them because he sees play between the shock rod and the opening in the shock mount. Take a look at the video he sent me and let me know what you think please. https://photos.app.goo.gl/wABdu6FDcDm6m68cA
  • 2mAn
    Señior Mod
    • Aug 2010
    • 20288

    #2
    Not sure if this applies up front, but I know that the Stems on the rear Bilsteins & Konis are ~2mm difference. I also know theres a thick washer missing from that top mount that goes under the big nut
    Simon
    Current Cars:
    -1966 Lotus Elan
    -1986 German Car
    -2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

    Make R3V Great Again -2020

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    • reelizmpro
      R3V OG
      • Dec 2003
      • 9476

      #3
      Yes he needs to have the large bottom washer that covers the bearing. Even then, it looks like the play is marginal. When he torques everything down, it won't be an issue.
      "I'd probably take the E30 M3 in this case just because I love that little car, and how tanky that inline 6 is." - thecj

      85 323i M TECH 1 S52 - ALPINEWEISS/SCHWARZE
      88 M3 - LACHSSILBER/SCHWARZE
      89 M3 - ALPINEWEISS II/M TECH CLOTH-ALCANTARA
      91 M TECHNIC CABRIO TURBO - MACAOBLAU/M TECH CLOTH-LEATHER

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      • uturn
        E30 Modder
        • Dec 2010
        • 995

        #4
        The Bilstein shaft should be about 14mm and the strut mount should be a nice fit. I'm going to say the upper strut mount he ordered is for a larger shock, not the standard stock.

        Comment

        • relaxedthrush
          Noobie
          • Jan 2026
          • 1

          #5
          Originally posted by OttoBob
          I bought Bilstein sport shocks for my 1987 325is and asked my mechanic to install them. He is reluctant to install them because he sees play between the shock rod and the opening in the shock mount. Take a look at the video he sent me and let me know what you think please. https://photos.app.goo.gl/wABdu6FDcDm6m68cA Geometry Dash
          It could be due to purchasing the wrong shock absorber code for the housing, or a worn or warped mount/strut tower. I think you should check the shock absorber code against the E30's 51mm front strut housing for the 6-cylinder and IS, or try replacing the mount/plate/lift/reinstallation to see if it fits better.

          Comment

          • MrBurgundy
            R3V Degenerate
            • Mar 2012
            • 5360

            #6
            Not an issue.

            to echo what was said, when everything is torqued down you’re not going to have any play.

            shocks going thru shock mounts in the front don’t have tight tolerances like they do in the rear. You also have the force of the spring keeping everything snug when it’s loaded
            Current Collection: 1990 325is // 1987 325i Vert // 2003 525i 5spd // 1985 380SL // 1992 Ranger 5spd // 2005 Avalanche // 2024 Honda Grom SP // 2024 Yamaha XSR700 // 2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X

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