Difference in Strut for RWD and AWD Models

HerrGruyere · 02-13-2018, 08:54 PM

Hi All,

Been browsing struts for my 2007 328xi wagon. I keep coming across StrutTEK/Prime Choice on eBay. However, they all say they won't fit my car. Only the RWD models.

What's the deal with that? Bolt hole locations or something? Height? Just wanted to know since it'd be nice to put a set on my car for the time being. Yes, I know they are not the highest of quality but that's not the point right now.

Thanks in advance!

Volasko · 02-14-2018, 08:55 AM

No

Volasko · 02-14-2018, 10:36 AM

Front suspension of an AWD car will always be different than a RWD car. Why even ask the question, the part won't fit or work. Trying to mod a cheap part to work sounds stupid. Move on with your life.

rothwem · 02-15-2018, 08:56 AM

Take a look at RealOEM, you can see how the front suspension for a RWD car and an AWD car are setup.

On the AWD cars, there is an axle that runs underneath the strut mount, so the lower strut mount is moved up a couple inches to clear the axle and the strut is shortened to allow for the ride height to stay the same.

I think it would be interesting if you got a set of RWD struts to compare side to side with the AWD ones. Make sure to take measurements of the overall height, clamp diameter, spring perch height, etc.

hassmaschine · 02-15-2018, 09:01 AM

It's the length of the struts. AWD struts are much shorter due to the axle passing under them.

as far as cheap Chinese struts, pass - I'd rather have blown OEM struts than that garbage. Just save your money instead of wasting it on something that's probably going to fall apart and need replacing again anyway.

HerrGruyere · 02-16-2018, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rothwem

Take a look at RealOEM, you can see how the front suspension for a RWD car and an AWD car are setup.

On the AWD cars, there is an axle that runs underneath the strut mount, so the lower strut mount is moved up a couple inches to clear the axle and the strut is shortened to allow for the ride height to stay the same.

I think it would be interesting if you got a set of RWD struts to compare side to side with the AWD ones. Make sure to take measurements of the overall height, clamp diameter, spring perch height, etc.

Thanks! That explains a lot.

02-13-2018, 08:54 PM	#1
HerrGruyere Private 10 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 328xi Wagon Join Date: May 2015 Location: Baltimore, MD iTrader: (0)	Difference in Strut for RWD and AWD Models Hi All, Been browsing struts for my 2007 328xi wagon. I keep coming across StrutTEK/Prime Choice on eBay. However, they all say they won't fit my car. Only the RWD models. What's the deal with that? Bolt hole locations or something? Height? Just wanted to know since it'd be nice to put a set on my car for the time being. Yes, I know they are not the highest of quality but that's not the point right now. Thanks in advance!
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02-14-2018, 08:55 AM	#2
FCobra94 Guest 0 Rep n/a Posts Drives:	No
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02-14-2018, 10:36 AM	#3
Volasko Colonel 705 Rep 2,604 Posts Drives: 06 330i E90, 18 530xe G30 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (2) Garage List 2018 BMW 530e M Sport [9.00] 2006 BMW E90 330i [8.28]	Front suspension of an AWD car will always be different than a RWD car. Why even ask the question, the part won't fit or work. Trying to mod a cheap part to work sounds stupid. Move on with your life.
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02-15-2018, 08:56 AM	#4
rothwem Major 475 Rep 1,191 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 328i Wagon Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Asheville, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 328i [0.00]	Take a look at RealOEM, you can see how the front suspension for a RWD car and an AWD car are setup. On the AWD cars, there is an axle that runs underneath the strut mount, so the lower strut mount is moved up a couple inches to clear the axle and the strut is shortened to allow for the ride height to stay the same. I think it would be interesting if you got a set of RWD struts to compare side to side with the AWD ones. Make sure to take measurements of the overall height, clamp diameter, spring perch height, etc.
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02-15-2018, 09:01 AM	#5
hassmaschine Major General 3966 Rep 7,215 Posts Drives: "NBO" 330i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: earth iTrader: (0)	It's the length of the struts. AWD struts are much shorter due to the axle passing under them. as far as cheap Chinese struts, pass - I'd rather have blown OEM struts than that garbage. Just save your money instead of wasting it on something that's probably going to fall apart and need replacing again anyway.
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