Shock and Strut torque specs for M Roadster

[mgambini]

Going to be installing set of Billsteins. Searched for torque specs but came up empty. Came up with the following values from several videos:
Rear shock---top mounting nut 10ftlb, upper shock mounts 17 ftlb, lower shock mount 74 ftlb loaded with car weight
Front strut---top mounting nut 38ftlb, bottom 2 bolts 52ftlb, bolt/nut 52ftlb, link bolt ?

Are these correct?

[bluptgm3]

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[bluptgm3]

Replace the front paper body gasket p/n 31331094288 Washer-Gasket

It is possible that the support washer p/n 3133227342 Support Is cracked, needs replacement and you may wish to replace the dust protection washer 31331110196 Dust Protection.





I find the strut to upper strut mount (Guide Support) attach torque is difficult to achieve and not round the hex feature on the strut, use caution.


The E36M3 and Z3 “M” both use the centered Forward Lower Control Arm Bushing p/n 31129069035 Rubber Mounting F Wishbone




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[bluptgm3]

Might be good to have the ‘spacer’ (washer) p/n 33526779398 Shim (10X16) for the rear shock build-up.





I recommend Rear Shock Mount from the E46M3 p/n 33526779670 Guide Support, if the goal is to stay OE/OE like.
You will need the paper body gasket p/n 33526772864 Washer-Gasket

Consider Bump Stops and plastic Dust Shields for both the front and rear.

I believe most Z3 “M” owners find Bilstein’s a bit harsh, you might consider Koni Cut-a-Strut (Koni “Cut-N-Gut”.)

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[mgambini]

Perfect, thanks a million!

[mgambini]

With the help of all the above info, I finished installing the struts and shocks today. At first I ordered the wrong strut mounts(for non-M) so I had to reorder the offset mounts. Most vendors only offer the BMW part which are very expensive but Rock Auto had KYBs for a good price. The original bearings were notchy even after cleaning and regreasing so I didn't want to chance it. Car still rides very firm but no more bottoming or harshness. I don't notice that the Billsteins are harsh at all.