Last night when I had the car up on jacks, I noticed fluid had run down the side of the strut tower and had run onto the control arms. I did the push test to test the suspension and it seemed fine but I took my car in today to have the leak looked at and they told me it was a blown strut. I have a 92 325i, early build, and I currently have bilstein struts but am unsure if they are stock. Did early 92 325i come with bilstein struts? Also how hard is it to install new struts? What symptoms would I notice while driving that I would have a blown strut?
I looked on Bimmerparts.com at Bilstein struts, since I have a lowered car, I would want the sport setting and not the heavy duty setting correct?
Jeffrey
I have a 93 318is. I too have the same problem. I found the Bilstein suspenion kit @ bimmerparts.com to be really cheap...$641 shipped!!
The kit includes shocks and lowered springs...what a deal.:buttrock
The push test is when you push down on a corner of the car.
For example, firm and abruptly push down on the car, above the wheel tower (I personally prop the hood and push down between the strut tower and fender). The car should only "bounce" 1.5 times = compress, rebound, then settle.
If I am wrong, please someone correct me. :rolleyes:
I derived that method from a motorcycle suspension tuning class.
By the way, my shocks bounced 2.5 times.....damn... :biglaughb
Originally posted by BMW325i
Did early 92 325i come with bilstein struts? Also how hard is it to install new struts? What symptoms would I notice while driving that I would have a blown strut?
IIRC, Boge/Sachs struts are original equipment on most BMWs.
Blown shocks or struts will extend your braking distance because the wheels will "hop" rather than remain in contact with the road.
Regarding which struts to get, yes, if your car has lowered sport springs then you'd want the Bilstein Sports.
Shock and struts should also be replaced in pairs (same axel), so replace both left and right at the same time.
Is this a DIY repair, maybe. You'll need a spring compressor, and air tools would make it a lot easier.
