1990 BMW E30 325i -Rear Shocks

[chomowitz]

I need to replace my rear shocks. I think the current shocks are Sachs oe standard (28 1700 105 070 stamped on outside). I have been looking around, and I am having a hard time determining which Bilstein, Sachs or other shocks are best to replace with and get the "original ride". I prefer a good value as well.

Can someone help with info on which shocks to use to get the "original ride"?

Thank you in advance for help ...

[superj]

you can use the regular old monroes from the local parts place if you want stock height/stock ride. they are cheap and easily available

[Geoffzie]

Don't forget to replace the upper shock mounts too. Just went through this today with my newly acquired 1988 convertible.

Someone had replaced the rear shocks recently, but failed to replace the upper shock mounts ... a problem area for these cars. The driver's side was "clunking" already because the rubber had separated from the metal base ... the new shocks were fine.

I just purchased two URO brand (a European parts supplier I believe) shock mounts from Rock Auto ... $4.74 ea. plus shipping.

[aaverhulst]

Yep, I put Monroe on mine 10 years ago and still going.

[ELVA164]

Don't forget to replace the upper shock mounts too. Just went through this today with my newly acquired 1988 convertible.

Someone had replaced the rear shocks recently, but failed to replace the upper shock mounts ... a problem area for these cars. The driver's side was "clunking" already because the rubber had separated from the metal base ... the new shocks were fine.

I just purchased two URO brand (a European parts supplier I believe) shock mounts from Rock Auto ... $4.74 ea. plus shipping.

Buy another pair, the Uro parts won't last long.

OP, you can buy E46 convertible rear shock mounts; they're physically identical to E30 units but are built more strongly.

[Geoffzie]

Buy another pair, the Uro parts won't last long.

Well, too late now, they're on ... I'll keep an eye on the URO's and replace them before they get too bad.

Actually, whoever installed the new shocks, hadn't installed the washer that's supposed to be underneath the mount on top of the shock stud ... so the shock pushed the metal insert right out of the old mount on the driver's side!

I made sure both sides had washers during reassembly.

[ELVA164]

That happens more often than you'd think.

Just keep in mind in the future that Uro-branded stuff is universally the worst possible option. I learned the hard way.

[Geoffzie]

I've owned BMW's before ... but in my search for parts for my most recent 1988 325i purchase, I've been noticing the name URO a lot (never saw it in years past) ... on both eBay and Rock Auto.

Actually I bought an inside door handle (mine was broken) and an under-hood fuse box cover (mine was missing) ... both URO, and they seem to work fine. But I guess I'll have to look for other options ... at least for critical parts.

ELVA164 ... thanks for the tip by the way!

[TheStigg]

I avoid all things Uro. They break prematurely and need replacing again, especially anything with rubber. All 4 Monroe shocks/struts failed as well as the Meyle upper rear shock mounts after a few years. I replaced them with KYB's and Lemforder mounts last year, so far so good and very similar to OE ride.

[superj]

kyb is another good one you can get locally

[chomowitz]

I read that BMW wants the Bumper Stop replaced when the shock is changed (BMW Part # 33521125078). So it looks like I should replace the shock hub and bumper stop when I replace the shocks. Am I on the right track?

[msservices]

I went with Koni (yellow), upon the recommendation of a fellow bimmerhead, he said they would ride just a little better than the Bilsteins. I guess they are adjustable, but I just put them on with the stock springs and it rides good, if anything on the softer side

[bluptgm3]

I read that BMW wants the Bumper Stop replaced when the shock is changed (BMW Part # 33521125078). So it looks like I should replace the shock hub and bumper stop when I replace the shocks. Am I on the right track?

Ya, I’d replace the foam bump stop and plastic dust shield on rear shocks.

I would replace the RSMs soon.
OE/Lemforder E30 RSMs with stock ride quality rear shocks should be fine, however E46M3/Convertible RSMs w/reinforcement plates would be a really good idea.


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[chomowitz]

When you say plastic dust shield, are you referring to 33521129263 "protection tube" as shown at RealOEM.com? I did a visual inspection and both rear "protection tubes" looked okay. Do they need replacing?

[superj]

if they look ok, no. sometimes they are missing or even torn on top or an edge has a big rip

[chomowitz]

As I look up shocks for my 1990 BMW E30 325i, I find I am confused about whether or not my BMW has a sport suspension in the rear. The RealOEM.com has a part number 33521135888 for the non sport suspension and 33521091999 for vehicles with sport suspension (no M technic). Some , such as Sachs have models that say they are compatible with both of these part numbers. Pardon my ignorance, but I find this confusing.

[superj]

I have never seen sport suspension so I don't know. did you type your vin into realoem to see what it shows? that will show if sport or not.

I really don't think it makes a difference though. the 10 or 15 e30s I have owned, IS, ES, I, E, and no letter all seemed like the same. the only one I know for sure is different is the convertibles and the early 318

- - - Updated - - -

well, and the e30 m3

[bluptgm3]

did you type your vin into realoem to see what it shows?

Doing this will give you the diagrams with the part number your car was built with, no questions.


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[superj]

yes. the parts (pn) that don't go to your car will be greyed out

[ELVA164]

I went with Koni (yellow), upon the recommendation of a fellow bimmerhead, he said they would ride just a little better than the Bilsteins. I guess they are adjustable, but I just put them on with the stock springs and it rides good, if anything on the softer side

Bilsteins and Konis are both stiffer than original, and OP asked for original.

That being said, I have the Koni SAs set to full soft and like it a lot.

[chomowitz]

I went to RealOEM and entered my VIN. From there I went to the Rear Axle and then the Rear Axle Suspension. Nothing was grayed out. It seems to say that there are three options that were available for my model ... Non-sport, Sport and Sport with M Technic. After entering my VIN it said I selected '3 E30 BMW 325i Type 1423 plus Car/Classic/'3 E30 (1981-1994)/Sedan/325i/USA/Prod Month 11/89/M20/Automatic.

I thought this was a good idea to discover any info on what suspension type is right for my car when I want an original/normal setup. Unfortunately, it did not clear things up. Thanks for the idea ...

[bluptgm3]

With a 325i Automatic transmission Sedan, you most likely do not have an M-Tecchnic, nore sport suspension.


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[ELVA164]

At this point, you can install whatever you think you'd prefer the most. It's not going to change the value of the car. If you go to a site like https://decoder.bvzine.com it'll give you the original build sheet, though. The build sheet may also still be under the bottom of the rear seat.