? on rsm

[AutoFan]

What year bimmers were affected by the bad rear strut mounts? i read somewhere just the 92-93 but than i went to dtmpower.net and found people with like 96 cars have the mounts go bad and problems with bad sub frames as well?

[Kevin325i]

I'd probably replace them just to be safe. I think all e36s share the same rsms and the reason you're hearing about olders models always having the problem is because many of the newer models haven't hit 100k yet.

As for the subframes, even the welded plates can still crack but that's an easier fix than a hole in your subframe.

[Autotechnica]

92-93 model E36's had weaker rear sub-frames. 94 and later they improved the sub-frame by welding peices of metal onto it. Any sub-frame will crack or flex if you drive your car hard enough, especially cars which constantly see a lot of track use.

All E36 rear shock mounts are the same. I suggest either using an E46 shock mount or buying aftermarket Urethane mounts.

Bry

[bitcore]

What auto said...
My RSM's are on their way out too, they creak like cray when I back out of my driveway.

[AutoFan]

so how hard is it to change these? ( rsm)

[Autotechnica]

Originally posted by AutoFan@Aug 7 2004, 06:04 PM
so how hard is it to change these? ( rsm)

That depends. If you have trouble removing your wheel nuts, chances are you won't be able to do this yourself.

You will need to remove the bolt under the car holding the shock in place. After that, simply pull back the inside trunk carpet covering the top shock mount. Remove the 2 nuts on the shock mount and the shock should drop down from under the car. Put the shock on a vice and remove the shock mounts, reinstall everything in the opposite order. When your car is jacked up, you will need to jack up from the rotor inorder to reinstall the bottom bolt for the shock.

Only you know how mechanically inept you are.

Bry