strut hats / tops '95 and '96+

[yoda888]

All,
I have a '95. However, I was told by a mechanic that I have the '96+ strut hats on my car. This was checked by seeing the "offset" while the car was in the air.

While I don't have any reason to doubt the mechanic as he is well respected, I do have a question. I ordered '96+ springs for my car, and going to install them soon. I want to know what is the '96+ strut hat p/n (and what else would I need?) just in case?

My plan is to have the parts on hand since I am not 100% sure I have the '96+ hats installed already or not. Should I need them I will just use them vs. having to waste time.

Also, is there an easy way to tell which strut hats you have?

Thanks!

[Eric98Sedan]

Yes, 96+ hats have either an "L" or an "R" stamped on them, near the arrows. 95 hats do not (arrows only).

Second, in order to use 96+ springs you need the upper spring perches from a 96+ car. The strut hat/mount you use makes no difference.

Lastly, FWIW: 95 hats give roughly -1.7 camber, while non-swapped 96+ hats give roughly -1.0 camber and swapping them yields -2.5+ camber.

[yoda888]

So the only difference is the spring perches then? Those I think are like $10 parts (based on realoem).

The hats are really for offset if I decide to flip them then? So really no need to worry about that correct? (part number 1).

I just need to get part number 8 here then.

Everything else can remain the same correct?

Thanks!

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/h/c/31.png


Yes, 96+ hats have either an "L" or an "R" stamped on them, near the arrows. 95 hats do not (arrows only).

Second, in order to use 96+ springs you need the upper spring perches from a 96+ car. The strut hat/mount you use makes no difference.

[Eric98Sedan]

Well, I can't see the picture. Can you post the link?

But yes, not other parts need to be changed. ONLY the upper spring perch.

BTW: I've run all the above combinations on my 98's.

[Eric98Sedan]

The *only* thing that I'm unsure of is the actual strut's lower perch. I believe that the lower perch dia is the same for all years and it's only the upper dia that's different (hence the different upper perches), BUT I can't say for certain if 96+ springs will work on 95 strut lower perches.

Maybe someone else knows?

Oh, did you sell the Pro-Kit? What springs are you getting?

[yoda888]

Okay, this should work now I think...

http://www.obikwan.com/ebay/31.png

[Eric98Sedan]

Nope

[Eric98Sedan]

You will need #8 for sure and #9 if you care about the isolation. But I've run my cars without the isolator and it makes zero difference.

[yoda888]

coolio!

Thanks!