anybody install new shocks on their e46? - Page 3

Nick M3 · 12-12-2007, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff_DML

looks like eibach kit are not inserts for the front which is nice

There are no inserts used in the E46. All of them are complete strut assemblies.

Nick M3 · 12-12-2007, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff_DML

hmm...didnt think the setup was different but maybe the rear setup is different in the wagon for load carrying?

I know it doesn't have any auto leveling crap like the 5 series wagon. Rear springs are probably a different rate at least compared to the coupe/sedan.

Spring rates might be a bit different. Access to the top f the shock towers is also a real PITA since you have to take apart the interior. Look up the interior on realoem and buy spare clips.

You'll need them.

Aerials · 12-13-2007, 01:31 AM

How do you know when it is time to change the springs/shocks??

Terri Kennedy · 12-13-2007, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick M3

Spring rates might be a bit different. Access to the top f the shock towers is also a real PITA since you have to take apart the interior. Look up the interior on realoem and buy spare clips.

You'll need them.

Get one of the aftermarket RSM kits that is stronger and lets you do subsequent swaps without taking apart the interior. My photo blog of the job is here.

Jeff_DML · 12-13-2007, 12:35 PM

terry, nice looking wagon, good taste in exterior color

dont know for sure, car seems "floaty" nowadays if that makes sense, not as button downed as I remeber it. So I am thinking the shocks are not doing their job as well anymore, more just sitting on the springs

bren · 12-13-2007, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTS

How do you know when it is time to change the springs/shocks??

It's pretty much just a "feel" thing - unless of course they are leaking. Shocks typically degrade slowly so most people don't even notice it.

Pinecone · 12-13-2007, 02:35 PM

Last I checked the best RSMs are the Rogue Engineering ones.

We have the Bilsteins on the Roadster with H&R Sport Springs. The ride is NOT OEM like, but the handling is pretty good.

I put SA Konis on the M3 at first, with stock springs, and it was nice. As for when are shocks needed, on a E46 M3 by about 12 - 15K miles. On non-Ms, I would still say if you have 85K they are shot.

If you want a super street and track setup, the TC Kline is great.

Sharp11 · 12-13-2007, 03:44 PM

If you search Koni FSD over at Bimmerfest, you'll read a pretty good review one member put up after installing them on his E46.

Ed

Terri Kennedy · 12-13-2007, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff_DML

terry, nice looking wagon, good taste in exterior color

Thanks! More at http://www.tmk.com/bmw

Remember that a lot of the suggestions in this thread aren't available for the wagon. Even fewer if it is an AWD wagon.

12-13-2007, 01:31 AM	#23
Aerials Jaded Join Date: Sep 2007 Carmudgeonly Ride: 3.5 SE Posts: 522	How do you know when it is time to change the springs/shocks?? __________________ “When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”-John Lennon

12-13-2007, 02:35 PM	#27
Pinecone Carmudgeon Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,717	Last I checked the best RSMs are the Rogue Engineering ones. We have the Bilsteins on the Roadster with H&R Sport Springs. The ride is NOT OEM like, but the handling is pretty good. I put SA Konis on the M3 at first, with stock springs, and it was nice. As for when are shocks needed, on a E46 M3 by about 12 - 15K miles. On non-Ms, I would still say if you have 85K they are shot. If you want a super street and track setup, the TC Kline is great. __________________ Terry Carraway 2002 Topaz E46 M3 2000 Dakar M Roadster 1995 Alpine E36 M3 LTW 1990 Red/White Spec Racer

12-13-2007, 12:35 PM	#25
Jeff_DML Old Fart Join Date: Oct 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: T4R,GTI Location: San Diego Posts: 8,565	terry, nice looking wagon, good taste in exterior color dont know for sure, car seems "floaty" nowadays if that makes sense, not as button downed as I remeber it. So I am thinking the shocks are not doing their job as well anymore, more just sitting on the springs

12-13-2007, 03:44 PM	#28
Sharp11 Vicarious Twitterer Join Date: May 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: 06 330 cic ZHP Location: CT Posts: 7,566	If you search Koni FSD over at Bimmerfest, you'll read a pretty good review one member put up after installing them on his E46. Ed