[The Nightman]

I'm replacing my suspension with Sport package springs and Bilstein B4s. The current plan is to pre-assemble the new struts. I'd appreciate it if you could go through the following list and let me know if I'm missing anything!

Also, any installation tips are welcomed. I have spring compressors and have worked with MacPherson suspension before but not on a BMW. From what I've seen so far, the hardest part appears to be removing the strut from the wheel well? I've also noted that washer #8 is installed with the black stripe facing up.

Thanks

Update: I ended up reusing many components as I saw no reason to replace them. At 75k miles, the strut mounts (31306775098) and front bump stops (31336767333) were quite worn and the rear bump stops (33536767335) had failed. The rear lower shock mount seemed fine but I replaced it anyway. I reused my Monroe rear upper shock mounts. I've updated the lists below accordingly.

Front:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=31_0716

05 Covering cap			2	31306774021	Reuse
04 Self-locking hex nut		2	31336764470	Included w/ struts
06 Washer-gasket		2	31306772226	Reuse
02 Self-locking collar nut	6	31316769731	Reuse
01 Guide support (sport)	2	31306775098	Replace (Lemforder)
07 Dust protection collar	2	31331110196	Reuse
08 Washer			2	31306763966	Reuse
09 Upper spring plate		2	31336764093	Reuse
10 Upper spring pad		2	31336767500	Reuse
11 Add shock absrb (sport)	2	31336767333	Replace (Rein)
12 Protection tube		2	31331094749	Reuse
13 Lower spring pad		2	31336764372	Reuse

Rear:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=33_1263

07 Guide support, upper part	2	33506771737	Reuse (Monroe)
05 Sealing grommet		2	33506767010	Reuse
06 Guide support, lower part	2	33506771738	Reuse (Monroe)
04 Supporting cup		2	33526764418	Reuse
03 Add shock absrb (sport)	2	33536767335	Replace (Febi)
02 Hex nut with flange		2	33506784003	Included w/ shocks
?? Rubber mount, lower		2	33526768544	Replace (Rein)
11 Spring pocket		2	41147057297	Reuse	
09 Spring pad, upper		2	33536764419	Reuse
08 Spring pad, lower		2	33536764420	Reuse

[Emilime75]

Originally Posted by freedomfries

From what I've seen so far, the hardest part appears to be removing the strut from the wheel well?

The hardest part will be compressing the front springs to install them on the struts...unless you have/access to a spring compressor, or pay a shop to do it.

[The Nightman]

Originally Posted by Emilime75

The hardest part will be compressing the front springs to install them on the struts...unless you have/access to a spring compressor, or pay a shop to do it.

I have spring compressors

[chris@strutmonkey]

Another option is to buy a kit that is already assembled for you...

[upshift_downshift]

I just replaced my shocks and struts on my '07 E90 335i.

When you remove the old struts, remove the brake caliper, and rotate the strut so that it points outward from the wheel well. You won't have enough room above it to remove it when it's pointed upright. In order to rotate it out, you may also have to compress the spring slightly when it is still inside the wheel well.

Make sure your spring compressor has clearance to clamp between the top strut mount and the spring plate (parts 9 and 1 on your diagram). The other end of the compressor can then go on one of the lower coils. If the top clamp is on a coil, you won't be able to compress the spring far enough to remove the tension on the strut (at least I couldn't with the sport suspension).

I would also highly recommend using one of the spreader tools to open up the strut mount on the steering knuckle. Your old struts will be dirty, and will make removal more difficult. I used a mallet to help loosen the strut in the mount (even when it was spread open with the tool).

Edit: Something I forgot. You probably also want to pick up the strut socket tool for the top nut. It has a cutout to get your allen/wrench in there to hold the strut shaft while you tighten it. The nut is down in a deep hole, so it's not really possible to get a wrench on it.

[loudnslow]

i found the list in this thread most helpful so bumping it for others.
Matched what was worn on my car pretty well (bump stops from m3/z4, upper strut mounts). I also did replace the lower shock mounts but only because they were $8 and I already had them.
E93, 61K miles, M sport to eibach + bilstein B4s. Front came down ~3/4". Rear stayed the same so I'll trim the strut tabs to make completely even (25" off ground to fender on stock 18s)

[213e90n51]

How is the bilstein B4s riding? And you have sport springs on em? Isnt it for nonsport springs tho?

[The Nightman]

Originally Posted by 213e90n51

How is the bilstein B4s riding? And you have sport springs on em? Isnt it for nonsport springs tho?

It's been just over 2 years and 15k km since I replaced my suspension and I have no complaints. The B4s are an improvement to stock in every regard. I think they are an excellent choice for a daily driven vehicle, especially given their price point. I have 235/45R17 Pirelli Pzero AS+ for reference.

There are B4 models specific to Sport springs. I used 22-135032, 22-135049 for the fronts and 19-135052 for the rears.

[loudnslow]

I used sport versions since I put on eibach springs. Definitely an improvement. But really need those shorter bump stops especially up front.