Front Suspension For 1994 318i

[morristhecoolcat]

Hey All:

Need some help! Can someone tell me a listing of parts I will need to replace my front struts on a 94 318i. I plan on putting in the M style struts (Boge Sport Struts). Should I replace the front strut mounts.?? Can I use most of the existing hardware from the current struts?? Please let me know! Any help would be greatly appreciated. (An accurate part listing would be helpful) I plan to only replace the struts only, not the springs.


Steve

[mech9T8]

You'll need the M spring perches.

[thekid]

The sway bar for the M cars attaches to the strut. I am not sure if you would be interested in switching to the strut tab mounted sway bar, but it improves handling at the cost of ride quality.

Your 318i springs will not fit into the spring perch for the M3. Return or sell the struts and just buy Bilstien heavy duty struts for the 318i.

[morristhecoolcat]

Originally posted by thekid@Apr 26 2005, 03:17 PM
The sway bar for the M cars attaches to the strut. I am not sure if you would be interested in switching to the strut tab mounted sway bar, but it improves handling at the cost of ride quality.

Your 318i springs will not fit into the spring perch for the M3. Return or sell the struts and just buy Bilstien heavy duty struts for the 318i.

[snapback]337982[/snapback]

Can I use most of the existing hardware from the current struts??

[tomctx]

Can I use most of the existing hardware from the current struts??

[snapback]338136[/snapback]

[/quote]


If they are in good condition, sure. If you want the "M" struts, you have to buy the springs and the strut mounts for the "M". Cheaper if you buy the the struts made for your ride.

[thekid]

Originally posted by morristhecoolcat+Apr 26 2005, 10:05 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(morristhecoolcat @ Apr 26 2005, 10:05 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-thekid@Apr 26 2005, 03:17 PM
The sway bar for the M cars attaches to the strut. I am not sure if you would be interested in switching to the strut tab mounted sway bar, but it improves handling at the cost of ride quality.

Your 318i springs will not fit into the spring perch for the M3. Return or sell the struts and just buy Bilstien heavy duty struts for the 318i.

[snapback]337982[/snapback]

Can I use most of the existing hardware from the current struts??

[snapback]338136[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]
If you are going to be using the M suspension then you basically need to replace everything, spring, strut, spring perch, strut housing, sway bar.. I think thats about it. If you do this though, the front of your car is going to sit up higher than it is supposed to because the front springs are set for a heavier car than yours. The M3 is a 6cly and your is a 4 cly.

However, if you simply replace your struts with struts designed for your can then all you need is the struts.

[triggrhaapi]

Originally posted by thekid@Apr 26 2005, 01:17 PM
The sway bar for the M cars attaches to the strut. I am not sure if you would be interested in switching to the strut tab mounted sway bar, but it improves handling at the cost of ride quality.

Your 318i springs will not fit into the spring perch for the M3. Return or sell the struts and just buy Bilstien heavy duty struts for the 318i.

[snapback]337982[/snapback]

I disagree. I had the non - m setup with nothing other than a beefier sway bar and I find that the more forgiving geometry makes technical terrain EASIER to handle. Remember, softer is better on these cars.

[thekid]

Originally posted by triggrhaapi+Apr 28 2005, 01:33 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(triggrhaapi @ Apr 28 2005, 01:33 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-thekid@Apr 26 2005, 01:17 PM
The sway bar for the M cars attaches to the strut. I am not sure if you would be interested in switching to the strut tab mounted sway bar, but it improves handling at the cost of ride quality.

Your 318i springs will not fit into the spring perch for the M3. Return or sell the struts and just buy Bilstien heavy duty struts for the 318i.

[snapback]337982[/snapback]

I disagree. I had the non - m setup with nothing other than a beefier sway bar and I find that the more forgiving geometry makes technical terrain EASIER to handle. Remember, softer is better on these cars.

[snapback]338691[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]
hmm. I have only heard that the 92 which up to a certain production date had tab mounted sway bars, and the handling was better, then they stopped for the 93s to give them a softer ride. However, they kept it for the M cars... So it would lead me to believe it is better.

When you say technical terrian what are you reffering to?