[Mikez306]

I am installing new shocks on my 2009 E90 335xi.

Here's my issue, when I lower the car and place weight back onto the new shocks, they compress upwards cause the upper mount (in the trunk) to move upwards and the whole upper mount becomes loose. I have put the bump stops and bushings on the exact way they came off the old shocks.

Any ideas what going on?

Thanks in advance.

[relative4]

Have you re-torqued the upper mount?

[Mikez306]

Yes, I have retorqued the upper mount, yet the whole upper mount assembly moves up when weight is applied to the tires.

[///MCollection]

If I remember correctly the first bit to go on the shock is a tiny thin washer, is that there as sometimes they get left behind. This may cause your issue

[Mikez306]

Yeah, that was my first thought as well, that tiny collar that sits on the upper shock. Its there. I will upload a of the upper mount, with the car on the ground.

[PerfectAce]

Did you counter-hold the strut and/or strut shaft while tightening the upper and lower strut mounting nuts?

[Mikez306]

I did counter hold....i think I may have discovered the problem, the bilstein part# says for vehicles without sport suspension. My M-sport I believe has sport suspension.

[PerfectAce]

Also, how loose are we talking here? a couple of millimeters of play or several inches?

[Mikez306]

I would say 1"1-5". I am trying to up load a pic. Hopefully it will work this time.

[Mikez306]

I just wanted to post a quick update. Thank you to those who responded. I did in fact order the wrong shocks. Bilstein B4s definitely do not fit my 335xi Msport. There were some questions whether the B6's would fit, however i didnt take a chance and ordered B8's and the installation was quick and easy. I knew my car had the sport package, however I used the rear shock part # listed on RealOEM.

Hopefully this will help avoid someone from making the same mistake.

[///MCollection]

Glad you got there!