Having this rebuilt back to factory specs., which means correcting a few non-OEM components that were used back in 1999 when the original shocks were replaced with Bilstein HD Standard units (F4-B46-813 HO). Since original shocks are NLA (except for one Lisa at Penske Parts was able to dredge up from BMW worldwide), I'm going with the modern day Bilstein equivalent, which is 24008136 HD Standard. So far so good...
The rear springs are available from BMW, so I ordered them and was surprised to see that they do not carry any BMW markings, the supplier is Eibach. Still OK.
The "complication" starts with the damper rings. Parts catalog lists 28 and 37 MM as being available and compatible with my VIN, "according to choice", in other words—ride height. I've always felt that my car sat low in the rear, partly due to the sagging, original springs (my mechanic was able to take side-by-side measurements with the springs confirming this) and partly due to the old, compressed rubber.
The photo shows the original 2-dot damper rings/spring on the right, the new Eibach spring with the 3-dot 37 MM damper ring in the center, and the 1-dot 28 MM damper ring on the left. The measured difference between the three ranges from ±14" to ±14.75", depending on where the measurement is taken. The original, 2-dot ring is not listed in the catalog, so I'm assuming its NLA; we measured it with calipers and its 33 MM.
I'm leaning towards the 37 MM ring, because its very close to what was originally on the car.
Anyone experience a similar situation? All suggestions/thoughts welcome. Thanks!
The rear springs are available from BMW, so I ordered them and was surprised to see that they do not carry any BMW markings, the supplier is Eibach. Still OK.
The "complication" starts with the damper rings. Parts catalog lists 28 and 37 MM as being available and compatible with my VIN, "according to choice", in other words—ride height. I've always felt that my car sat low in the rear, partly due to the sagging, original springs (my mechanic was able to take side-by-side measurements with the springs confirming this) and partly due to the old, compressed rubber.
The photo shows the original 2-dot damper rings/spring on the right, the new Eibach spring with the 3-dot 37 MM damper ring in the center, and the 1-dot 28 MM damper ring on the left. The measured difference between the three ranges from ±14" to ±14.75", depending on where the measurement is taken. The original, 2-dot ring is not listed in the catalog, so I'm assuming its NLA; we measured it with calipers and its 33 MM.
I'm leaning towards the 37 MM ring, because its very close to what was originally on the car.
Anyone experience a similar situation? All suggestions/thoughts welcome. Thanks!
