How hard is it to install shocks in this car? Been looking for articles but could not find any on this forum. It would be great if someone could point me to a detailed DIY post. Also there is some oil on the bottom part of the shock/strut assembly on the right side. Mechanic tells me it's the shock that's leaking oil. I thought these shocks were gas shocks. Do they have oil in them as well? Can they leak? I can see the oil but I can't see where exactly it comes from. I'll take the wheel off one of these days for a closer inspection. And one last question, Billstein shocks are the ones available quite readily. Are they good? Not sure what's recommended for this car but cost could be an issue. I've read something about Konis. somewhere.
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I cannot remember if the 325iS had Boge gas shocks like the M3 or if it had standard shocks with upgraded swaybars only. I would think so but I'm not certain. Maybe someone else can chime in. The oil could also have been added to the tube to cool the shock and not necessarily leaking from the shock."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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The 325IS has the sport suspension and the two numbers for shocks I've found on Real OEM.com are 31301133438 and 31321135892. Both gas I think but perhaps an expert can tell more or something different. Also they are named as Boge shocks but somewhere else as Bilstein. Even the Bilsteins are expensive so I would hate to buy a set, give to a mechanic to install or attempt it myself with some help only to find out they don't fit or not the right ones.Comment
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Either way, if original they are worn out by now. The 325iS uses 51mm struts/shocks so look for that diameter when shopping for replacements. It's a McPherson strut so it typically it needs to be removed from the car. Then of course you need a spring compressor, large pliers for the shock collar nut, etc. It's 100% doable for the DIY'er but you need various tools. The rear is pretty basic and straightforward. I recommended getting reinforced rear shock mounts though since the original designs don't last long with Bilsteins."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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Thanks that's very helpful. So basically I need 51 mm diameter gas shocks and struts need to be removed, guess on both sides as both shocks would need to be changed. The car is high mileage but runs well. Not sure if the shocks are original or not. They may have been changed in 98 or 99 as by that time the car had already run well over a 100 thousand miles. It used to be serviced by BM on a regular basis during the first 10 years of its life and they might have changed them but if they did it was over 25 years ago. Finally, I'll check out the Bentley manual for detailed removal instructions if there are any. Does it need a wheel alignment afterwards? I just had it done not long ago.Comment
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There are suspension kits for all wheels.
Konis are hydrolic, not gas-filled.
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