Re: E34 Strut Cartridge Replacement

[alex.fadeev@xxxxxxxxxxx]

"Chris Northover" <chris.northover@domain.elided> wrote:
> 
> I need to replace the shock absorber cartridges on my 1990 525i.  I 
> went to buy some replacements but imagine my surprise when the chap 
> in the shop said that he wouldn't sell them to me unless "I could 
> satisfy him I knew what I was doing".  Apparently they are tricky 
> and "I could do myself an injury".

Chris,
Did you go to the dealer? 
That's the only place I can think off that would prefer to sell the parts 
to you.

> Unwanted patronisation aside, (must be something about my grey hair 
> and wrinkles...) I asked around and it seems these things do have a 
> bit of a reputation for difficulty;  something about the top nut 
> being difficult to get on when reassembling the strut - the cartridge
> sits well down in the strut housing? Has anyone done this job lately? 
> Is there a trick to it?  Do I need a special non-standard spring 
> compressor?  The Bentley Manual mentions no difficulties at all 
> except the obvious stuff like using a new nut and making sure you 
> get the spring compressor on right or risk losing your eye/hand/finger
> etc...

I have no experience with E34s, but I believe their front suspension is 
similar if not identical to E30/E36.
There is absolutely nothing tricky about swapping front struts out. 
You will need a standard spring compressor ($10 at harborfreight.com or a 
free loaner at Autozone). Air tools or electric/battery impact wrench 
would be handy. 
Otherwise use common sense and page through Bentley beforehand for 
encouragement. 
First time around it may take a whole day. Second time about 1 hour per 
side. 

One suggestion: replace both front struts at the same.

> BTW has anyone used the Bilstein inserts?  Not all suppliers refuse to
> supply these weapons of mass amputation, and I have been offered a pair
> for $NZ280 which is about $US150.  Also available for the same price are
> Japanese manufactured KYBs, which I haven't heard of before.  Or I could
> purchase OE from the dealer for a mere $US440 the pair.

I'm going on a limb here since I am not sure if E34s use strut cartridges 
(like E36s, but unlike E30s). And if they do, whether Bilstein come with 
their own cartridge (they do for E36s).
I would definitely get the Bilsteins assuming you were buy all 4. Rear 
struts are brain dead simple to replace, and will not last much longer 
than the fronts. 
The worst case scenario is that E34s use front strut cartridges and 
Bilsteins come as only inserts. But even than you can hack saw the OE 
housing and drop Bilstein inserts (just make sure they are of the right 
diameter). 
I would not pay good money for another set of soft and fragile OE Boges. 

HTH,
alex f

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