Re: E34 Strut Cartridge Replacement

["Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Alex,

The front suspension on the E34 is nothing like the suspension on the E30 or 
E36.  It's the same as the E32 (7-series), and uses control arms, thrust 
arms, recirculating ball steering, etc.  The E30 and E36 have the curved 
control arms and rack and pinion steering.

While I haven't replaced struts on my E34 yet, I have done some reading and 
studying, to prepare.  The E34 does have replaceable cartridges inserted 
into the strut assemblies, but it's like the E30, not the E36, in that the 
strut and wheel hub are all one assembly, so removing the strut means that 
you'll also be handling the wheel hub and brake disc (unless you remove the 
disc).  The nice thing about the E34 is that you don't need to separate a 
control arm from the strut assembly (which is a real PITA).  Instead, there 
are three bolts that hold the steering arm plate to the bottom of the strut 
assembly.  Remove the bolts, and the two are separated.

Once the strut is removed from the car, the procedure is the same as the 
E30: the spring is compressed, the strut bearing is removed, and the spring 
is uncompressed and removed.  Then, the strut cartridge retaining collar is 
unscrewed, and the cartridge can be replaced.


Ron Buchalski
BMWCCA #76387
1995 E36 M3
1993 E34 525iT
1999 Mazda Miata


>
>Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 15:29:01 -0600
>From: alex.fadeev@domain.elided
>Subject: Re: E34 Strut Cartridge Replacement
>
>"Chris Northover" <chris.northover@domain.elided> wrote:
> >
> > I need to replace the shock absorber cartridges on my 1990 525i.  I
> > went to buy some replacements but imagine my surprise when the chap
> > in the shop said that he wouldn't sell them to me unless "I could
> > satisfy him I knew what I was doing".  Apparently they are tricky
> > and "I could do myself an injury".
>
>Chris,
>Did you go to the dealer?
>That's the only place I can think off that would prefer to sell the parts
>to you.
>
> > Unwanted patronisation aside, (must be something about my grey hair
> > and wrinkles...) I asked around and it seems these things do have a
> > bit of a reputation for difficulty;  something about the top nut
> > being difficult to get on when reassembling the strut - the cartridge
> > sits well down in the strut housing? Has anyone done this job lately?
> > Is there a trick to it?  Do I need a special non-standard spring
> > compressor?  The Bentley Manual mentions no difficulties at all
> > except the obvious stuff like using a new nut and making sure you
> > get the spring compressor on right or risk losing your eye/hand/finger
> > etc...
>
>I have no experience with E34s, but I believe their front suspension is
>similar if not identical to E30/E36.
>There is absolutely nothing tricky about swapping front struts out.
>You will need a standard spring compressor ($10 at harborfreight.com or a
>free loaner at Autozone). Air tools or electric/battery impact wrench
>would be handy.
>Otherwise use common sense and page through Bentley beforehand for
>encouragement.
>First time around it may take a whole day. Second time about 1 hour per
>side.
>
>One suggestion: replace both front struts at the same.
>
> > BTW has anyone used the Bilstein inserts?  Not all suppliers refuse to
> > supply these weapons of mass amputation, and I have been offered a pair
> > for $NZ280 which is about $US150.  Also available for the same price are
> > Japanese manufactured KYBs, which I haven't heard of before.  Or I could
> > purchase OE from the dealer for a mere $US440 the pair.
>
>I'm going on a limb here since I am not sure if E34s use strut cartridges
>(like E36s, but unlike E30s). And if they do, whether Bilstein come with
>their own cartridge (they do for E36s).
>I would definitely get the Bilsteins assuming you were buy all 4. Rear
>struts are brain dead simple to replace, and will not last much longer
>than the fronts.
>The worst case scenario is that E34s use front strut cartridges and
>Bilsteins come as only inserts. But even than you can hack saw the OE
>housing and drop Bilstein inserts (just make sure they are of the right
>diameter).
>I would not pay good money for another set of soft and fragile OE Boges.
>
>HTH,
>alex f



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