Shocks arrived :) - BMW Forum

tAgC · 10-20-2006, 03:17 AM

Ye after 5 weeks my new Koni's and H&R coils have arrived :lol: While I am installing them I'd just like to know if I should replace the shock mounts? I also have abit of a shake at about 80km on the steering from past experience (E34) it was the control arms, so I will replace these also. Is there anything else I should look for or replace?

Eric S. · 10-20-2006, 06:51 AM

Replace all 4 strut mounts, and upper and lower spring cushions on each strut. Also replace each strut's bump stop. You can probably re-use the dust boots unless they're torn (they were like $22 each from my dealer). Some of these things I could get from getcoolparts.com or autohausAZ.com, but most of it I could only get from the dealer.

Oh, and go to the dealer and get a new lock nut for every one that you remove. The Konis come with some, but you will need many. This is what my assortment of parts looked like when I was ready to install my Konis and H&Rs:

tAgC · 10-21-2006, 05:19 AM

Thank you, I had to replace my dust boots they where torn. I followed the instructions in the koni box on fitting the front shocks only problem is the original shocks where insalled differantly ie when sitting behind the steering wheel the koni instructions state left front shock is turned to L and right front shock is turned to R, the original shocks where turned the other way though left front set to R right front set to L.
I am a little confused as to witch is right, I did follow the koni instructions though just wanted to make sure this is right.
The other problem is that my kar is sitting much higher, the H&R coils are supposed to give a 3cm drop in front and 1.5cm drop at back did I do something wrong? Ride hight increased 3cm at back and about 2cm in front. Can anyone please point me to instructions and or photos, I followed instructions in BMW TIS so I doubt I did something wrong just want to double check myself.

tAgC · 10-21-2006, 05:53 AM

Eric S I just read jour post on your install my car now looks like yours before your install

used:

Eric S. · 10-21-2006, 07:00 AM

Up front it sounds like you got your L&R mixed. The driver's side strut should have the "L" in the strut-holder slot of the knuckle and on the passenger side it's the "R" that lines up with the slot. I also recommend using a sharpie or other marker to extend those "L" and "R" markings so there's no question about lining them up (using a floor jack and not a lift, you must tilt you head a little to see in there and it's hard to tell if those things are lined up without the markings (see photo).

Also, it's very important to make sure the strut is FULLY seated in that knuckle before you tighten that pinch bolt. And that bolt should only be tightened with the suspension under full load (which usually seats the strut, unless you somehow got it crooked).

In the rear, did you put the spring perch ring on the lowest setting? That ring should be in the slot closest to the bottom of the strut. Also, make sure your springs are situated correctly.

Here are some photos of my completed install in hopes that it helps you.

tAgC · 10-21-2006, 07:23 AM

Thanks Eric you are helping alot, I put the rear shock adjusting rings at the top thinking this is the sport setting, car is still stripped though so I will go change that. Your front shock also look like they sit alot lower in the knuckle than mine.
My car is right hand drive from your pics you have a left hand drive, sorry just want to make sure I get it right. I am attaching a pic of instructions I used.

Eric S. · 10-21-2006, 08:20 AM

Oh, sorry, I forgot you are in a right-hand-drive country. I was referring to standard USA driver-and-passenger sides.

So as you are sitting you one of the front seats looking forward, the "L" is on your left, and the "R" is on your right, just like on your photo.

tAgC · 10-21-2006, 10:32 AM

Thanks alot I am going to try your sugestions now. Just for interest sake my original shocks was fitted incorrectly then. Thanks again and I will post the out come, hope this works

Eric S. · 10-21-2006, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tAgC

Thanks alot I am going to try your sugestions now. Just for interest sake my original shocks was fitted incorrectly then. Thanks again and I will post the out come, hope this works

Who knows, maybe your original shocks were fitted correctly, for those particular (brand of) struts. However, the Koni's definitely follow the L-R convention set forth in the wordless instructions provided by Koni.

Let us know how it goes!

tAgC · 10-21-2006, 04:46 PM

Eric S I could kiss you :lol: Thanks so much I put the ring on the rear shocks on the bottom and loosend the front ones put the car on the floor and boom they settled in.
Car looks perfect now

Will post some pics when I've cleaned her, thanks again.

Eric S. · 10-21-2006, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tAgC

Eric S I could kiss you :lol: Thanks so much I put the ring on the rear shocks on the bottom and loosend the front ones put the car on the floor and boom they settled in.
Car looks perfect now

Will post some pics when I've cleaned her, thanks again.

Just pics (before and after preferably). Leave the kissing to my wife & daughters, thanks!

tAgC · 10-23-2006, 04:00 PM

I must agree I do prefer kissing my wife

I am posting before and after pics under "Before and After" title as I would like to know what everyone thinks, thanks alot Eric S you where a great help.