Old BMW question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mikemover · #1 12-30-2006, 08:38 PM

Hey, fellas. Anybody here knowledgeable about 80's-era Beemers?

A good friend of mine asked me to help him put front struts on his 1986 BMW 325.

Anything I should know?... Is it unusually difficult in any way?... As in: difficult to access, special tools, etc.? Or is it pretty straightforward?

I've never messed with one, and I'm just wondering how much work I'm getting myself into.

thanks,

Mike

POS · #2 12-30-2006, 09:15 PM

Go fish:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/index.php?
http://www.bimmerwerkz.com/forum/

Larry Delor · #3 12-30-2006, 09:58 PM

You WILL need an alignment afterwards. Mark the old struts' bolt locations, so you can kinda line it up a little.

mikemover · #4 01-02-2007, 10:04 AM

Anyone got more details?...

A search of several BMW internet forums didn't really turn up what I'm looking for...

Mike

John Doe · #5 01-02-2007, 02:39 PM

If you can peel cmac off of MedMech and Bot for a minute, he has this same car, I think and so does TX****** from Brandon, MS. They are both diyers and may be able to help.

TX76513 · #6 01-02-2007, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikemover

Anyone got more details?...

A search of several BMW internet forums didn't really turn up what I'm looking for...

Mike

Mike check out this http://www.bimmerdiy.com/e30 If it does not contain the specifics, PM me and I will get the information off the BMW CD's I have ( Similar to our MB CD's).

cmac2012 · #7 01-02-2007, 02:45 PM

Well, consider me "peeled off."

Sorry, never done the struts on my Beemer. Replaced them on an 88 Dodge Omni -- not the same -- but it wasn't too tough, and had a good payoff: eliminated hard shimmy at 50 mph +.

My favorite BMW forum is Bimmerfest.

t walgamuth · #8 01-02-2007, 02:47 PM

really struts are very straightforward. you unscrew the bolts and nuts etc. you will need spring compressors for the springs. with the springs beware and take care.

really not complicated though.

tom w

riethoven · #9 01-02-2007, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmac2012

Well, consider me "peeled off."

Sorry, never done the struts on my Beemer. Replaced them on an 88 Dodge Omni -- not the same -- but it wasn't too tough, and had a good payoff: eliminated hard shimmy at 50 mph +.

My favorite BMW forum is Bimmerfest.

They are your basic MacPherson struts. Named after Angus MacPherson when he invented a miniature version of what we now see on cars to hold his kilt down in the fierce winds of the Scottish Highlands.

cmac2012 · #10 01-02-2007, 03:27 PM

Must confess, I thought the beemer used the same McPherson strut set-up but I now realize I'm not certain.

Mike, if you can't find the right tech help at the bimmer forums and you really need a low cost expert opinion, for the cost of an annual subscription to Roundel, the BMW car club's mag, you get a list of BMW techs who will answer e-mail questions for you. I took advantage of it a few times, worked well, but I'm not currently a member.

$30 to $50 annually, I believe. One hopes you could get the same access online after a subscription.

Quote:

Originally Posted by riethoven

They are your basic MacPherson struts. Named after Angus MacPherson when he invented a miniature version of what we now see on cars to hold his kilt down in the fierce winds of the Scottish Highlands.

BTW, that can't be true, can it?

riethoven · #11 01-02-2007, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riethoven

They are your basic MacPherson struts. Named after Angus MacPherson when he invented a miniature version of what we now see on cars to hold his kilt down in the fierce winds of the Scottish Highlands.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmac2012

BTW, that can't be true, can it?

As true as WMDs in Iraq.

BTW, I was a member of BMWCCA for years and the Roundel is an excellent magazine.

mikemover · #12 01-02-2007, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

Mike check out this http://www.bimmerdiy.com/e30 If it does not contain the specifics, PM me and I will get the information off the BMW CD's I have ( Similar to our MB CD's).

Thanks bro!

That link led me to a VERY detailed how-to article, with nice pictures and everything.

I didn't realize that it was going to involve ball-joint separation and all that, but... oh, well... It will be a learning experience, eh?

I guess that explains why an alignment will probably be needed afterwards...

Much appreciation to everyone for their input.

Mike

t walgamuth · #13 01-02-2007, 07:25 PM

i would have said it did not involve ball jt sep. but it has been a while since i watched it done on my 74 bavaria!

at least 20 yr.

tom w

cmac2012 · #14 01-02-2007, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riethoven

As true as WMDs in Iraq.

Yeah, I mean what kind of sap would believe for a minute that McPherson struts could have anything to do with kilts.