3-Series (E36)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1992-1999. Autodoodad
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I am trying to troubleshoot an awful thumping sound coming from the rear right of my 325i. It happens when I hit bumps in the road, so I assume the problem is the shock. If it is, can anyone tell me if I need to replace the whole shock assembly or if I can get away with just replacing smaller (cheaper) parts? If it isn't, any ideas?
Ok, I just took a drive and watched the action. The sound is definitely the shock. It hits metal-on-metal when returning after hitting a bump (or rattles rapidly on uneven pavement). The piece of rubber between the two pieces of metal is almost completely disintegrated. So, the question stands: do I need a new shock assembly or can I just order a few small parts? Also, does anyone have a photo of one in good condition?
Ok, I just took a drive and watched the action. The sound is definitely the shock. It hits metal-on-metal when returning after hitting a bump (or rattles rapidly on uneven pavement). The piece of rubber between the two pieces of metal is almost completely disintegrated. So, the question stands: do I need a new shock assembly or can I just order a few small parts? Also, does anyone have a photo of one in good condition?
RFT
u need new Rear Shock Mounts, my recomendations would be either E46 M3 mounts or Ground Control.
how many miles do you have on the struts? if they are stock struts and have say... more then 50,000 miles on them they most likely need replacing anyways... your problem with the sound is your RSM (rear strut mounts) this is a common replacement in e36's so its no surprise... youve got a couple options... i sugest the e46 m3 vert RSM's because i hear that they are stronger then the regular m3 mounts and you can find these for around $12 each?? maybe pair? but ya those will need replacing after a little while too but they should last you for a decent amount of time... there are also aftermarket RSM's that cost close to $100 and have lifetime warrenties on them if you want to invest... i figure ill get other suspension mods over time and just replace the RSM's with them and id rather just spend $12 a couple times then pay 100 once...
judging by the pictures and your description you do need new rsm's, you can get oem ones from bavauto for like 20 bucks or less or you can go to your local dealership and pick up a pair for cheap if you don't want to spend $100 on aftermarket ones, i've had the same problem for quite a while, but have yet to figure out the culprit, i was about to warn you that rsm's might not be the answer but as i stated before juding by the pictures and your description that is most likely what you need to buy, very simple install so you shouldn't have any problem
I just ordered the shock mounts from Rogue Engineering. I have a fairly bumpy commute and don't need to be replacing OEM ones every few months. Now I'm trying to decide if I want to order new shocks too, or just chance it with the ones I've already got.
I just ordered the shock mounts from Rogue Engineering. I have a fairly bumpy commute and don't need to be replacing OEM ones every few months. Now I'm trying to decide if I want to order new shocks too, or just chance it with the ones I've already got.
RFT
replace the shocks at the same time... even if you just go to Auto Zone and get AC Delco or w/e they sell. Yours look beat, and it wouldnt be much harder to do it right. Plus rear shocks are cheap.
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