'80 633 suspension question

[Rdeli]

i know for certain i need new shocks/structs but was wondering if you guys suggest replacing specifics parts that impact the overall stiffness or ride comfortability? Dont have much experience w/ front end work on a Shark but open to suggestions if anyones been down this road recently. Any helpful links go a long way as well

[RSheiman]

Original shocks and struts are Sachs Boge. Most go to Bilsteins (HD= heavy duty) and only use the sport version if the car is lowered by using lowering springs. I think you need to decide what ride you want and what roads you drive on. Many use Eibach springs to get some lowering and stiffness and then Bilstein sports but be careful what you wish for. I have Dinan springs with HD's and it is a bit harsh even though the stance is nice.

The mounting plate etc should be swapped out cause in my experience, very rusty. In theory, change the strut bearings also ( these you see when you open the hood, that rubber thing with the plastic cap that exposes the nut that holds the strut insert). I am not sure what they cost these days but they are getting ridiculously expensive for older BMW's. Bilsteins come with their own cover and bump stop so no need to buy.

My worry with OEM Sachs is that they are not often requested and although new, may have sat on a shelf for 20 years.

Many Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales going on. I actually found TireRack to have cheaper prices. BavAuto did too, but they are no longer in business.

[Rdeli]

Circling back on this b/c i can't put off the suspension any longer- my 633csi is a 1980 production year and 1982 appears to be a 'conversion' year as nearly all of the parts i am seeing on sites say 'from vehicles with production from 09/1982'

does anyone know the actual part numbers that would fit a pre-82 633? #31311116937 for example is the left front strut OEM part. If i can't get my hands on that OEM part (or afford it lol), what are some other options i could use? just having a hell of a time since my 6er is so old . i looked at the e12 parts as well, but again, was told none of them would fit a 1980 633

[Bert Poliakoff]

"i looked at the e12 parts as well, but again, was told none of them would fit a 1980 633"

Having a 81 Euro, I can tell you E12 suspension will work as they are the same.

[amibuggnu]

Have you tried RealOEM? Enter your VIN and it should help you identify correct and shared part numbers.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select

[BMW Performance]

I replaced every single suspension part on an 80 about a year ago.

[Rdeli]

Have you tried RealOEM? Enter your VIN and it should help you identify correct and shared part numbers.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select

See thats part of the problem! i'll give you an example.. Part # 31331101663. (RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog) they want ~345$ a piece for these 'guide supports'! I found #31331139452 (BMW E24 633CSi M30 3.2L Suspension Shocks - 31331139452 - Upper Strut Mount - Priced Each (ecstuning.com) which is priced ~25$ a piece. According to RealOEM, #31331139452 WILL NOT fit my year/model and only 31331101663 is suggested.. the same is true when i go down the line for just about any front-end suspension part. I'd rather stick to OEM as im worried about fitment and not go the aftermarket/performance route (not wanting to build a racecar or anything lol) but man.. these aftermarket parts are running at the same price (likely a bit below in most cases) as OEM parts..

Bert, you mentioned e12 part WILL work for an early e24. I'm wondering if the same is true for later models (Post-82's, 635/M6 models) when it comes to suspension specifically? I seem to find a ton of options for 1982-1988 models.. wondering if there's a ton of variation between later models and early e24s?

I'd like to have EVERY part in hand before i even start. Every kit i see looks like it would only apply to 82/83 models and up, so ive been doing this search 1 part number at a time haha. Do any of you have a list of part numbers (OEM or after-market) you used? i will take any help i can get.

[marc79euro635]

Pre 82 6 series are based on same suspension as e12, 5 series, but not sure every part is the same. If you go to realoem bmw site and locate part, when you click on part # it will tell you what other models it fits, as well as any previous part #s. After 82 suspension is e28 based and share no parts with early cars.