[tylerhart_21]

I know some people have switched their strut mounts to oem ones (z4 or xi). I was wondering what’s the difference if you switch the mounts and is it worth it?

For reference I have a e92 328i.

[TSilver335i]

Originally Posted by tylerhart_21

I know some people have switched their strut mounts to oem ones (z4 or xi). I was wondering what’s the difference if you switch the mounts and is it worth it?

For reference I have a e92 328i.

Isn't the only difference with z4 mounts is that they are slightly thinner and will sit 10mm lower in the front.

[vester86]

This ! I had Z4 mounts in the front so it’s lowered 10mm more. Nice equal drop with OEM lowering

[mattanderson]

Just refreshed the suspension on my E92 with stock parts and wish I had considered the Xi/Z4 mounts.

One question I have that I don't think I have seen addressed: does this mess with the sway bar geometry?

I see that the Xi's have a different part number for their sway bar links.

It seems to me that if you change the mounts without changing the sway bar links, the sway bar links will effectively be mounted 12mm higher on the shocks than they should be. Am I thinking about this right?

[feuer]

Originally Posted by mattanderson

Just refreshed the suspension on my E92 with stock parts and wish I had considered the Xi/Z4 mounts.

One question I have that I don't think I have seen addressed: does this mess with the sway bar geometry?

I see that the Xi's have a different part number for their sway bar links.

It seems to me that if you change the mounts without changing the sway bar links, the sway bar links will effectively be mounted 12mm higher on the shocks than they should be. Am I thinking about this right?

Are changing the sway bar links every time you have passengers and drive on the highway?

[whyzee125]

No need, the xi ones are different because the whole front suspension is different including struts, subframe, etc. If you're keeping the same springs, you'll just sit a few mm lower (honestly about the same if your original mounts are old).

The xi ones are a little beefier design and sit 12mm shallower. I bought some for mine because I'm on coilovers and if I adjust the height to sit the same, I'll have a bit more travel. I've been too lazy to install them though lol

[Tambohamilton]

All explained here...may require translation:
https://www.e90-forum.de/forum/threa...er#post1510042

[mattanderson]

I read that whole (translated) thread, and now consider myself an expert on "cathedral warehouses/camps."

Interesting how the mounts sometimes compress over time, and one or two users seemed to report higher NVH with the AWD mounts.

[The Nightman]

Originally Posted by mattanderson

I read that whole (translated) thread, and now consider myself an expert on "cathedral warehouses/camps."

Interesting how the mounts sometimes compress over time, and one or two users seemed to report higher NVH with the AWD mounts.

The xdrive strut mounts do seem beefier than the RWD ones

[Tambohamilton]

For sure they will be a bit stiffer - they're designed to carry the extra weight of the XD system after all. I bet the main source of NVH is swapping from a soft, collapsed, old mount to a fresh new one. I certainly have no complaints about the XD mounts, personally.

[feuer]

Originally Posted by Guy Fieri

The xdrive strut mounts do seem beefier than the RWD ones

Originally Posted by Tambohamilton

For sure they will be a bit stiffer - they're designed to carry the extra weight of the XD system after all. I bet the main source of NVH is swapping from a soft, collapsed, old mount to a fresh new one. I certainly have no complaints about the XD mounts, personally.

Extra weight isn’t why they are beefier. They are shorter than rwd strut mounts. The struts on Xdrive mount higher on upright assembly to accommodate the front half shafts. So suspension has less room to travel and need to be in essence smaller but of same strength as rwd to absorb all impacts from road imperfections. Basically if you install it on rwd it will only make vehicle to seat little lower. 3-4mm max. Won’t be any stronger or quieter relative to rwd strut Mount.

[The Nightman]

Originally Posted by feuer

Extra weight isn’t why they are beefier. They are shorter than rwd strut mounts. The struts on Xdrive mount higher on upright assembly to accommodate the front half shafts. So suspension has less room to travel and need to be in essence smaller but of same strength as rwd to absorb all impacts from road imperfections. Basically if you install it on rwd it will only make vehicle to seat little lower. 3-4mm max. Won’t be any stronger or quieter relative to rwd strut Mount.

I assumed the strut mount is reinforced with gussets to support the loads from the front axle on xdrives.

Somewhat related but on a previous FWD vehicle, I replaced the factory rubber strut mounts with poly and I couldn't believe the improvement they made.

[feuer]

Originally Posted by Guy Fieri

I assumed the strut mount is reinforced with gussets to support the loads from the front axle on xdrives.

Somewhat related but on a previous FWD vehicle, I replaced the factory rubber strut mounts with poly and I couldn't believe the improvement they made.

They are smaller and of different material and need to perform just as rwd mounts thus the gussets.

[Tambohamilton]

Some rwd mounts are aluminium too...

[tcphoto]

I bought a used set of Supreme Power Spring Perches from the classified section two years ago for my E92, the difference is subtle but makes for a better stance. As stated, the Xi mounts are shorter and will lower the RWD's slightly. I find the difference in my handling to be very subtle, more planted and improved in my mind.