Rear Shock Mounts..

[Auto Parts Guy]

Had some squeaky noises coming from the rear. very much worth the $20 if they're bad. I swapped in some Bilstein shocks while I was at it :D
Just wanted to share. Very easy job.

Bad rear shock mount
http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac38/automotiveminds/2012-10-27_17-10-37_778.jpg

New rear shock mount
http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac38/automotiveminds/2012-10-27_17-11-43_147.jpg

[bigMphan]

Right. Best money I've ever spent. You could probably do it blindfolded next time.

[jmo69]

Did you use the "improved" e46 version? More steel less rubber.

[Auto Parts Guy]

Did you use the "improved" e46 version? More steel less rubber.
Nah, I just picked up some cheapo FEQ brand replacements. Looked and felt pretty sturdy and for $9.95 each it's hard to go wrong. If these fail prematurely I'll look into something else.

[flyfishvt]

Nah, I just picked up some cheapo FEQ brand replacements. Looked and felt pretty sturdy and for $9.95 each it's hard to go wrong. If these fail prematurely I'll look into something else.

A man after my own heart. :)

[jmo69]

Nah, I just picked up some cheapo FEQ brand replacements. Looked and felt pretty sturdy and for $9.95 each it's hard to go wrong. If these fail prematurely I'll look into something else.

Not to burst your bubble but when I changed my rear shocks I bought FEQ mounts and one failed after 2 years. Found some Meyle mounts on E-bay for $30. The rubber portion of the FEQ came out completely just on one. Replaced with these.
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa243/jmo68/002-7.jpg

[Auto Parts Guy]

^^ Interesting.. I guess I'll be picking up some Meyle HDs in a couple years. How long have those been in? $30 each or for the pair?

[jmo69]

^^ Interesting.. I guess I'll be picking up some Meyle HDs in a couple years. How long have those been in? $30 each or for the pair?

Bought them in Aug of 2011 and were for the pair like these @$34.00/pair. Not sure if this is where I got mine but the price is similar.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-BMW-Rear-Shock-Mounts-1991-2005-Meyle-Heavy-Duty-FREE-Expedited-Shipping-/370670113227?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1998%7CMake%3ABMW%7CModel%3A328is&hash=item564da911cb&vxp=mtr

[conway]

If it were me I would of put in reinforcements. This spot is notorious for failing.
http://www.rogueengineering.com/rogue/RSM.html
There are cheaper alternatives but these are very good.
Vorshlag and others make cheaper plates, I think their is an oem piece as well.
http://www.vorshlag.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_4_155&products_id=308

[Yeti Poacher]

+1 on reinforcement plates.

[blackongrey]

^^ Interesting.. I guess I'll be picking up some Meyle HDs in a couple years. How long have those been in? $30 each or for the pair?

I got a new pair of Meyle HD's for $15. They're definitely worth the bit of extra money to not have to do the job twice. Get reinforcement plates too.

[Auto Parts Guy]

Wow some of those mounts can get expensive. I would never pay $100-$180 for RSMs. They're too easy to change.. And it gives me an excuse to clean and vacuum the trunk. The good thing about being in the south is no salts on the roads to melt the snow that we don't get.. so no rust. I'll rock these cheapos and try to remember to post back in this thread if/when they fail.

[jmo69]

I just checked and according to dated pics the FEQ lasted 2 years, I am lowered 1.25" so that might have something to do with it, but one of the original springs was broken and the mounts that came out were still intact.