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Thread: Sachs front shocks NLA for the e21 323i

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    For some reason the original message did not accompany the title when I originally posted, so here it is again. Per BavAuto, Sachs is no longer supplying front shocks for the e21 323i. I'm in the process of bringing my 323i back to it's original ride height and opted for the Sachs shocks as the Bilsteins were twice the cost, although my preference was the Billies.

    Does anyone here know of a cheaper alternative...are Koni's still available? Thanks in advance for any helpful info on the matter.

    Keith

  2. #2
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    there are Koni that will work. the VW ones don't fit the 320, but will fit the 323.

    I'm not sure about the lengths, but I believe the Koni E30 inserts will fit.

    one more thing, well two things.

    first, after running billies on all my cars for the past 40 years, I recently changed the E21 to Koni yellows and I like them better.

    and second, Koni yellows are not cheaper.
    Last edited by Tom D; 01-23-2013 at 07:13 PM.
    Tom D

    77 e21 - m42
    88 e30m3
    04 330 dinan3
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    all of them gray
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  3. #3
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    I thought Bilsteins for the 323 have been NLA for years, too.
    79 Alpina B7 Turbo Coupe #096
    79 Alpina B7 Turbo Coupe #124
    80 635csi
    80 323i Baur

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mike323i View Post
    I thought Bilsteins for the 323 have been NLA for years, too.
    Yeah they are, but you can get the KONIs does anyone have the part number for the 323i and know who stocks them?
    "..Horsepower is a measure of work done over time, or the rate at which work is done."




    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/579694/1


  5. #5
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    you can get them directly from Koni N.A.
    Tom D

    77 e21 - m42
    88 e30m3
    04 330 dinan3
    84 r1000rt
    02 r1150rs
    all of them gray
    14 f800gsa - red headed stepchild!

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tom D View Post
    you can get them directly from Koni N.A.
    What are the parts numbers - which ones are for the 323i?
    Do you have the number of KONI NA? Are the 323i and 320i ones different for Koni shocks?
    "..Horsepower is a measure of work done over time, or the rate at which work is done."




    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/579694/1


  7. #7
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    I just went through the Koni catalog and could not find a E21 51mm strut insert. also because I'm using a iPad I couldn't come up with the lengths of the E30 inserts.

    320 and 323 use different size struts, 45mm and 51 mm respectfully.

    859-586-4100 Koni N.A.

    when I was looking for Koni for my E21, I called tech support and they were rather helpful. if you were to tell them you want a yellow insert for a 51mm strut, 457.2mm deep using 274-550 lb/in springs they should be able to find something that will work.
    Last edited by Tom D; 01-23-2013 at 09:27 PM.
    Tom D

    77 e21 - m42
    88 e30m3
    04 330 dinan3
    84 r1000rt
    02 r1150rs
    all of them gray
    14 f800gsa - red headed stepchild!

  8. #8
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    My car is currently fitted with Koni's and I have been pleased with the ride and handling; however, as I've said many times..last time I promise...I am not a fan of the lowered ride height. Nonetheless, I just ordered Bilstein HD front shocks from BavAuto and will have them in a week.

    Thanks for your help sorting this out.

  9. #9
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    why not just have the Koni rebuilt?

    I too am not a fan of the slammed cars. while they might look good, I quickly dismiss them because the handling has been compromised.

    I'm running Koni up front, I used an insert from the rear suspension of a toyota mk1 mr2 and although they are shorter then the factory shock the stroke is longer then the billy HD.
    Tom D

    77 e21 - m42
    88 e30m3
    04 330 dinan3
    84 r1000rt
    02 r1150rs
    all of them gray
    14 f800gsa - red headed stepchild!

  10. #10
    Join Date
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    83 320 82 320
    I am running Sachs super tourings on my 320

    http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...0i-e21-100-274

  11. #11
    Join Date
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    Tom,
    I'm ignorant when it comes to shock and spring relationships, and which ones are rebuildable, etc. I assumed given my car is lowered that the shocks are matched to the springs meaning, that they would not work with the original 323i springs that I procured awhile back. Bilstein makes a sport shock for the lowered e21, and it's also cheaper than the HD; I would have purchased the sports but for the fact it was for the shorter spring. While it is good to know that the Koni's are rebuildable, I did not think they would work with the new original springs. Anyway, perhaps when I can make the time I'll get up to speed on the suspension particulars. I appreciate the input from everyone.
    Keith

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