Other shock/strut choices

[3ZHP]

Looking for low cost for the wives vert, anyone using anything other than Koni or Bilstein?

[static667]

Sachs makes good stuff at a decent price. If BMW uses them as their OE provider...

[danewilson77]

Honestly.....for decent setup...you won't get much cheaper than the H&R cupkit touring.


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[3ZHP]

Honestly.....for decent setup...you won't get much cheaper than the H&R cupkit touring.


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Looks good but, I'm not planning on doing the springs. I need to look at control arms and bushings first.

Thanks for the suggestion

[bimmeryota]

Both are good brands but between the two I'd be partial to the Bilsteins. For stock springs and a more controlled ride I think the HDs would be my choice. Not sure if they have them for E46s but Bilstein also makes a Touring line that is black rather than yellow. We put a pair of those in the front of my gfs E36 and they are smooth! And not to mention quite a bit cheaper than the HDs. They are considered an OEM level replacement.

[Cadeez]

I just bought a right front Sachs strut from these guys because I bent one, best deal I could find. I trust Sachs-Boge, that's what came on our cars so...

http://www.4wheelsautoparts.com/strut-assembly-parts-c-23_318.html

[3ZHP]

Thanks guys, I just ordered Bilstein Touring from ECS Tuning. I never knew about ESC Tuning before the Mafia, even though it's right hear in Ohio. Also; I never heard of the Bilstein Tourings until this post. I don't know how I made it before the ZHP Mafia. LOL

[danewilson77]

Thanks guys, I just ordered Bilstein Touring from ECS Tuning. I never knew about ESC Tuning before the Mafia, even though it's right hear in Ohio. Also; I never heard of the Bilstein Tourings until this post. I don't know how I made it before the ZHP Mafia. LOL

Glad we could help. That's a solid setup, and a solid company. My coilovers came from them as well.

[static667]

I had the Bilstein Touring shocks and struts on my E36. I was really happy with the ride quality and performance from them.

[3ZHP]

The shocks arrived Tuesday and I installed them tonight. I have never done them on a vert and found only one tread to help me out so, I decided to take some pictures to help out you guys with ZHP verts. I must say the vert was easier then my Saloon.

First; jack up the car, remove the wheel and place a jack stand under the rear control arm. Let the jack down so the car is supported by the jack stand, otherwise you will have to do this to get the shock in.

Next; open the top half way and stop, shut off the car.

http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss351/3zhpguy/2011/325CIc%20June%202011/Maintenence/RearShockReplaceE46_325CIc_1.jpg

Next; locate and remove the two plugs over the shocks from both sides.

http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss351/3zhpguy/2011/325CIc%20June%202011/Maintenence/RearShockReplaceE46_325CIc_8.jpg

http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss351/3zhpguy/2011/325CIc%20June%202011/Maintenence/RearShockReplaceE46_325CIc_7.jpg

Carefully remove the two attaching nuts. I used a needle nose pliers to retrieve them after they were un-threaded all the way.

http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss351/3zhpguy/2011/325CIc%20June%202011/Maintenence/RearShockReplaceE46_325CIc_2.jpg

Next, remove the lower bolt. FYI this is a great place to use the air impact, otherwise you may need a pipe on the end of your beaker bar.
http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss351/3zhpguy/2011/325CIc%20June%202011/Maintenence/RearShockReplaceE46_325CIc_3.jpg

Now that the shock is out, remove the shock mount. Use a Vice grips to hold the shock from rotating while removing the nut. Another good place for the air tool.

http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss351/3zhpguy/2011/325CIc%20June%202011/Maintenence/RearShockReplaceE46_325CIc_5.jpg

http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss351/3zhpguy/2011/325CIc%20June%202011/Maintenence/RearShockReplaceE46_325CIc_6.jpg

Just reverse the process to put it back together. Total job 1.5-2 hours. Only trouble spot was removing one of the mounts. I needed to use a hammer that didn't work but, was able to get it by butting a Vise grips in the shaft and using a big screwdriver to rotate the mount by the attachment bolts. Then again i used the BIG screwdriver to smack the plate at the shaft intersection rotating it after every hit. Got er done!

http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss351/3zhpguy/2011/325CIc%20June%202011/Maintenence/RearShockReplaceE46_325CIc_11.jpg

Lastly; Get someone to help get the top back in order. I had to move it manually, It's a bit tricky, be careful.

[danewilson77]

Well done. Thanks for the writeup.

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[spencers]

Nice! I never knew how the rear shocks were attached on verts. Very smart, BMW.