How can I tell the left from right 96+ strut hat?

[heavyfoot2990]

So I just bought some used 96+ m3 upper strut hats/bearings, and I want to install them "swapped" for more neg camber, but I can't tell them apart.
Any Ideas?

The only part number I can see is on the big rubber bushing and it is the same number for both sides.

[MarkR540]

theyre totally different. its easy to tell. side by side. the 96-99 strut hats are sort of oval shaped instead of a circle like the 95 strut mounts.

[CMG]

One has an L, the other has a R. If the part number is the same they might be 95. From the top view do they look the same or like mirror images?

[Hammer03]

One has an L, the other has a R. If the part number is the same they might be 95. From the top view do they look the same or like mirror images?

+1 Mine had an L and R on them.

[heavyfoot2990]

they are oval shaped, but they both look the same.
I think the part number is for the bearing/rubber bushing, so they should both have the same pn.

Where do they say L and R? Mine are a little rusted so I can barely see the arrow that points forward.

[CMG]

0 x 0 0 x 0

0 0

I tried to make a diagram to simplify if you don't understand. Above, the left thing would look like a 95 mount with the X being the bearings, and the right would be like a driver side strut mount.

[CMG]

NM, didn't work

[Braymond141]

If you can't see the arrows then you can't see the L and R. Probably shouldn't be using junk parts either.

[Xiphos]

Rusted parts don't sound good to me.

[nighthawk328i]

I don't think it would be wise to use a part with rust on it. How much are they both new anyways? even if they cost a lot i wouldn't take any chances.

[heavyfoot2990]

It's just minor surface rust, and the bearings spin freely with no play.
Anyway, it looks like I got screwed. My strut hats look more like this: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=574896&referrerid=56200
than this: http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=31332227897
or this: http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=31332227898

thanks for the help guys

[CMG]

95

[kinghawk]

Is it possible to use newer strut hats on a 92 BMW? Asking because I heard they are way different from the 93+ models.

[CMG]

Perhaps you may find your answer in the proper e36 section.

[heavyfoot2990]

I realize that this is a month after, but I have a 92 318is, and I recently installed the strut mount reinforcement (RF) plates from turner (http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=31312489795
)they fit fine.

The RF plate installs from under the strut mount and acts as a huge washer to spread the load. Anyway, iirc, the different strut hats fit under this rf plate, so if the rf plate fits fine, then the strut hats will too, since they were made to fit in the rf plate.

---- shock tower
---- RF plate
----strut hat
|
| shock/spring
|