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Thread: Bilstein B12 part#46-188106 OE Strut bearing and accessories dont' fit

  1. #1
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    Bilstein B12 part#46-188106 OE Strut bearing and accessories dont' fit

    I'm new to the forum. I have been lurking for quite sometime and have bought WOKKE chip and just recently the rear wishbone bearings (BMW does not have this part).

    Lots to learn yet, but I decided to redo most of my rear and front suspension. So far, I have encountered a few challenges, but overall, I hope to have it done soon.

    Latest is that the B12 kit I bought inserted and threaded fine into the strut assembly, but the shaft at the top is 625 diameter compared to the 550 of the original. So the strut washers, strut bearing and other accessories will not fit. I am thinking of drilling out on a press to the 625 to make it work, but I'm not sure if there are replacement parts that will actually fit...or possibly, has the company I purchased from sent me the wrong strut inserts?

    Just looking for confirmation.

  2. #2
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    Although the damper shaft is bigger diameter, the top threads are the same, so all stock parts should fit.

    S6301108.jpg

  3. #3
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    i had no problems installing a new kit Bilstein & Eibach springs... but aren't those B8 Bilsteins ???

  4. #4
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    This might give a better indication of the issue I am having. It goes over the threads, but no further. I would need to drill out to 5/8”.


  5. #5
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  6. #6
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    Not replacing the top mount while your there?
    What PN is that one, 31331139436, is the correct part.

  7. #7
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    i had no problems installing a new kit Bilstein & Eibach springs... but aren't those B8 Bilsteins ???

    Correct, B8 shocks come in the B12 kit.

  8. #8
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    I’m happy to replace the shock mounts...just can’t seem to get a straight answer on the kit needed...the B12 kit will not fit the OE top mount or washers. That’s my issue.


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  9. #9
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    If I remember correctly, the top mount fits on the collar at the end of the threads, exactly as the picture on your post #4 above.
    CSi #18 - Car & Driver Magazine 1994 actual test car
    -- Hellrot/Black-Gray (1 of 1 NA CSi color combination)
    BMWCCA E31 Chapter International Clubs Liaison
    North America Representative, 8er.or Board of Directors




  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by rogbmw View Post
    If I remember correctly, the top mount fits on the collar at the end of the threads, exactly as the picture on your post #4 above.
    This is as far as it goes...to the first taper and there is no thread protruding to fasten the top hat.


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  11. #11
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    The B12 kit for an E31 will fit all stock parts.

    Only two possibilities:

    1- Your kit is not for an E31.
    2- Your top mount is not for an E31.

    If you give me a few hours I will measure a stock top mount inner diameter so you will know 100% that you have the wrong kit.

  12. #12
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    Hi OP< can you post the year of your 8 please? I had the SAME problem. WHen I bought my car (03/90 build date), I brought to a mechanic and he ordered the Billstein shocks and some new strut mount bearings too (just to refresh things) and it all installed fine.
    A few years later, I had to replace the strut mounts (sheared the mount when I hit a massive put hole) and when I ordered the strut mounts for my model year (03/90 build), the diameter for them was too small for the strut mount rod (same as you are showing in your pics), so I had to return them and buy ones for a 1994 or 1995 year (or something). When I received those, then the diameter of the strut mount FINALLY fit over the Billsteins again. So it was news to me. I'm just glad BMW allowed me to return the OE part even tho it was the official part number for my car, but because of aftermarket parts installed it no longer fit.
    Last edited by clockwork; 06-18-2019 at 02:10 PM.
    I swear, my cars are like a girlfriend.
    Sometimes its a rough ride, sometimes its smooth motorin'.
    Sometimes she doesnt like how i treat her and sometimes i dont like how she behaves.
    BUT at the end of the day, she loves it when I am inside her.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by e31gixxxer View Post
    The B12 kit for an E31 will fit all stock parts.

    Only two possibilities:

    1- Your kit is not for an E31.
    2- Your top mount is not for an E31.

    If you give me a few hours I will measure a stock top mount inner diameter so you will know 100% that you have the wrong kit.
    That would be fantastic My E31 is 1991 .


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  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by clockwork View Post
    Hi OP< can you post the year of your 8 please? I had the SAME problem. WHen I bought the car, I bought the Billstein shocks and then some new strut mount bearings too and installed fine. a few years later I had to replace the strut mounts and when I ordered the strut mounts for my model year, the diameter for them was too small, so I had to return them and buy ones for a 94 or 95 year and when I received those, then the diameter of the strut mount FINALLY fit over the Billsteins again.
    Mine is 1991....you may be on to something..maybe there was a diameter change in later model years?


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  15. #15
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    What's odd is the part number for later models is the same as the early cars, 31331139436. Seems like it should have changed if bore of bearing is different.

  16. #16
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    1994 840ci
    31331135577 is the number up to 07/1990 at least on the eurospec cars.
    Up to that date the center nut for the damper is m12. After it's m14 so I think that is your problem.
    Last edited by davidof; 06-19-2019 at 12:16 PM.

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by davidof View Post
    31331135577 is the number up to 07/1990 at least on the eurospec cars.
    Up to that date the center nut for the damper is m12. After it's m14 so I think that is your problem.
    Exactly my problem.

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    I swear, my cars are like a girlfriend.
    Sometimes its a rough ride, sometimes its smooth motorin'.
    Sometimes she doesnt like how i treat her and sometimes i dont like how she behaves.
    BUT at the end of the day, she loves it when I am inside her.

  18. #18
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    The internal diameter of the hole on an original top mount from my car, which was replaced by PN: 31331139436 is 16mm or 0.630".
    Realoem says this PN is for cars from 07/90, so davidof has probably hit the nail on the head.
    A pair of new mounts and drill your washers out.

  19. #19
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    Confirmed buying new mounts, hole was proper size, drilled out washers..struts back on. I do agree with comments on the B12 kit..very firm, but I won’t know until I finish the rear rebuild...found out that the rear wishbone bearings are not available OEM. Ordered from Wokke...waiting for arrival.


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  20. #20
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    Just wanted to update that the car is now drivable sits nice and drives tight. Before all the strut, shock , spring and bushings change, steering was sloppy and going around corners the car was wavering all over the place. Still need an alignment which is being done in a couple days. Thanks to Wokke for wishbone bearing which BMW never made the part available!


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  21. #21
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    1994 BMW 840Ci
    Beautiful work on the car.

    Where are you at in Ontario? I'm way east in Halifax. Not another 8er buddy to be found for many miles.

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by Phinnman View Post
    Beautiful work on the car.

    Where are you at in Ontario? I'm way east in Halifax. Not another 8er buddy to be found for many miles.
    Near Brantford Ontario...Halifax..hey, it’s only a 15-18 hour drive in a Grand Tourer ;.)

    Thanks for the kudos...hoping to do some more in the winter...getting a hoist was so worth it makes working on the car enjoyable.


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