difference in early 92 E36 front suspension

[miatawnt2b]

I have a early 92 325is. The build date of the car is 2/92, so I believe that the front struts and such are different on my 325is than lets say one built after 6/92. Can someone confirm this?

Please tell me what the difference is. I am very confused. Are my struts the same as an e30?

Jim

[Andrewsd1985]

Not sure what the difference is but I know they aren't the same as the later e36s. Maybe its e30 suspension.

[Autotechnica]

I'm not sure if your model was the first month/year production E36. If it was, the front struts have tabs for strut mounted sway bars like the M3 design as compared to the later models which had control arm mounted front sway bars. The strut mounted front sways are more efficient in reducing body roll and overall it makes the car handle better. The ride is more harsh and puts more stress on the struts. BMW changed this on later models because they realized that their customers preferred comfort over handling so they changed the design to the control arm mounted sways. Just for your own info, a thinner strut mounted sway bar is stiffer and more efficient than a thicker control arm mounted sway.

I am not aware of any other differences although they have different part numbers, all suspension on E36's are interchangable.

Bry

[Doogle325]

thanks for the super explanition AUTOTECHNICA, I too have an early 92 and were looking for that same answer....where were you when I posted that question????
Sooooo...it looks to me like I have that better suspention ....well... for my purposes ...thanks man!

[Doogle325]

this brings up another question...........will I have to get special sway bars or will any e36 bars work??????

[Autotechnica]

Any E36 sway bar will fit, but inorder to have them balance properly, you should be looking for sway bars made for M3's. Check to see whether or not you have a strut mounted front sway bar, or a control arm mounted front sway bar.

If you use a set of sways meant for the control arms and attach it to your front strut, you'll end up with an very stiff front end (lots of understeer).

I'm not positive which production dates. But I'm sure it's something like late '91 to early '92 models.

Bryan

[Doogle325]

i have a 92 with prod date of 7/91. So therefore I should be looking for M3 swaybars??????? Would our sponsor or Bav Auto insure that I get the right part for my needs?????

[Autotechnica]

Originally posted by Doogle325@Mar 23 2004, 06:49 PM
i have a 92 with prod date of 7/91. So therefore I should be looking for M3 swaybars??????? Would our sponsor or Bav Auto insure that I get the right part for my needs?????

I'm not sure if companies make aftermarket strut mounted sway bars for non M3 E36's. But you can call the company to check.

Anyways, it's not hard to check whether or not the front sway bar is connected to the strut or the control arm. Just have a peak under the car. You don't even need to jack it up.

Bry

[Andrewsd1985]

Check on understeer.com, they actually have a conversion for your car for like $100 it allows you to use m3 suspension parts, or atleast that was my understanding.

[Autotechnica]

Originally posted by Andrewsd1985@Mar 24 2004, 11:22 AM
Check on understeer.com, they actually have a conversion for your car for like $100 it allows you to use m3 suspension parts, or atleast that was my understanding.

They already have the strut mounted sways which is the same as the M3 setup.

The M3 weld-on conversion brackets are only for the late 92-99 models with control arm mounted front sways.

[Laxiepoo]

Doogle, got any pics? I'll check my 92 325is when I get home today - where can you find out your build date?

[Doogle325]

ill snap a few and have them up here in the morning. Im gunna pullthe tire so I can get a couple of good clear shots of the suspention. as for the build date, youcan find it in the drivers side door well on a sticker.

[Laxiepoo]

Found mine - 03/92 (same month and year I got my driver's license - this car was made for me =)

I'll check my struts tomorrow - got home after dark and didn't feel like breaking out the flashlight.

[Doogle325]

heres the pics...I snapped them this morning.

[Doogle325]

whatsup guys ........sorry about that F'd up post, and the [SIZE=7]Huge [SIZE=1]pic..... Im not sure how to get it smaller. Im gunna try it again with some other shots I took.