95 full front suspension (struts, strut hats, springs) on 96+

[DSrugis]

I have searched and found some info but was wondering if I bought a complete 95 front suspension with springs, struts, spring hats, etc...do I need to swap anything? I read about swapping spring hats but I believe that was to run 95 springs on a 96+ strut assy. If I have the full suspension, do I need to swap anything? I am looking at running a full 95 strut, spring, and spring hat, do I need to change anything? Thanks.

Dave

[DSrugis]

bump...

[DSrugis]

bump...

[RRSperry]

As long as you use the 96 strut mount, and centered lca bushing, then no.

The bottom of the spring that sits on the strut is the same size for 95 -99. It's the top of the spring that is bigger for the 95. Hence the need for 95 strut hats.

The shock valving is the same, as is the spring rate. The shock is probably dead by this point, unless you got some NOS. (new old stock) Damping performance is seriously degraded at 50K miles, but if it isn't leaking give it a shot. At least you will have experience changing struts...lol

[DSrugis]

The suspension I am looking at is aftermarket Konis w/ low miles. I was wondering if these koni's w/ 95 strut hats w/ 95 springs would work in my car and if they bolt up, what would any potential issues be. If I swapped spring hats on those konis, I would also have to swap springs which I don't want to do.

Dave

[RRSperry]

Yep, bolt right on... No worries...

[DSrugis]

Any concerns with additional camber in the front or is it the same as current since I am using the full suspension from a 95 and not a hybrid of parts?

Dave

[CMG]

The rears are as simple as using the right hats. The fronts have different strut mounts, bushings and FCA's between 95 and 96+

[RRSperry]

If all you are using are the struts, spring, and hats, but using the 96+ strut mounts, you are fine.

[DSrugis]

Alright...so I would need 96+ strut mounts? Is that all? Is this the part?

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/S-mart.cgi?command=add&weight=1.45&itemid=31-33-2-227-897-M69&itemname=Front%20Strut%20Mount%2C%20Left%2C%20M%33 %20with%20%33%2E%32L%20engine%20%28%31%39%39%36%2D %39%39%29%2C%20Each%20Brand%3A%20Lemfoerder&itemprice=63.50&itemquant=1

Part #: 31-33-2-227-897-M69 & 31-33-2-227-898-M69

Dave

[DSrugis]

Or better yet items 9 & 8 from 95 (spring hat?) w/ item 1 from 97. That combo would work?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CD93&mospid=47504&btnr=31_0239&hg=31&fg=10

Dave

[RRSperry]

8&9 are the spring hats and rubber, you need to use the strut mounts from your car (#1 in the pic).

If the 95 struts are assembled, get a spring compressor, (free rent at autozone, PepBoys...) and swap them over.

If it's important to you, you can swap the strut mounts to the opposite side and gain about 1 deg more neg camber.

It really isn't that hard.

Rich