which Bilstein strut inserts?

autokunst

autokunst

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Wondering if anyone has some sage advice as I search for a pair of new front strut inserts. I am thinking Bilstein which is what was on the car when I got it. I think the B6 is the current offering. The Turner website notes both HD and Sport, reading the the HD is for stock suspension setups, and the Sport is for lowered cars. I'll be using Carl Nelson springs, which I understand will lower it approximately a half inch. But I am not sure the Turner site actually offers two versions, or if you really need a shorter shaft? Because I listed my car as an e9 coupe, perhaps it defaults to the list below. Here is what it reads:

This Bilstein Front Strut Insert fits the following BMWs:
1968-1976 Bavaria 2800,3.0.3.0s,3.0si,3.3l,3.3li - Sport
1968-1977 E9 Coupe 2800cs,3.0cs, 3.0csi - Heavy Duty (HD) Coupe Struts

Rogers tii has them also. With shipping, likely about the same price. The rears seem to be out of stock, but I am only rebuilding the front right now, so that is fine.

Thanks in advance.
 
I have lowering springs and B6/HD which is now called Performance I think. The B8/Sport is Performance Plus? Got a set for a friend two years ago from Walloth when they were impossible to find in the US.
 
Tirerack. I got my B6's from them and they had the cheapest price around.....currently the B6 is 168 each, rears are 118, free shipping.
 
Maybe more direct questions are:
1. I understand that the HD(B6) and the Sport(B8) are the same rebound/stiffness/spec. The difference is that the pistons are shorter in the Sport to account for lowering springs. Is this accurate?

2. If the above statement is accurate, for anyone with Carl Nelson Lowering springs, does one "need" the shorter sport inserts, or do the HD inserts work fine?

3. And does anyone have actual part numbers for said HD and/or Sport inserts? The interweb is not giving me good feedback. Maybe I should call an expert seller(Carl, Jim, etc). Not sure though if they stock/sell these inserts like other sources seem to (Rogers, Turner, TireRack).
 
I extracted one of the inserts tonight. While the rears are Bilstein, the fronts (at least this first one) are Boge. Part number 1 0391 32 201 5. And it is shot.
 
I got these B6
IMG_20210323_223952845.jpg
HDs for my 72 Bavaria from some eBay seller for a good price. They are going with stock springs for now that may get replaced or slightly cut. I think I read that they are ok with a moderate drop.
 
Bearmw said:
I got these B6 View attachment 115198HDs for my 72 Bavaria from some eBay seller for a good price. They are going with stock springs for now that may get replaced or slightly cut. I think I read that they are ok with a moderate drop.
Click to expand...
This helps. What was throwing me off was that some sellers list the part as P36-0024 and others list it as P34-0024. From this package, evidently it is both!
 
I've placed an order for the Bilstein B6 front inserts. Will report on fitment and/or any issues as I assemble. I want to assess my thrust bearings to see if they require replacement, or if they have life left in them. I didn't see anything in the blue book about requisite replacement. I assume if the bearings look good, and the rubber is still compliant, life continues.
 
Stephen - fyi, if perhaps you are not happy with your B6 purchase, Bilstein will still rebuild their shocks. And they will build to your specification. Buddy of mine had his built to the spec Hardy and Beck used to use. That said, there is no cost savings as compared to buying new. So, in your case, you would need to acquire a set of used shocks and then have them rebuilt, which would be more expensive than buying new.
 
Ohmess said:
Stephen - fyi, if perhaps you are not happy with your B6 purchase, Bilstein will still rebuild their shocks. And they will build to your specification. Buddy of mine had his built to the spec Hardy and Beck used to use. That said, there is no cost savings as compared to buying new. So, in your case, you would need to acquire a set of used shocks and then have them rebuilt, which would be more expensive than buying new.
Click to expand...
Chris, that sounds like a really cool option. I tend to believe that things aren't built now like they were then. So rebuilding an "old" set may provide a better result (at least in my mind). But we'll see how these new B6 inserts go. I do need to "tool up" so I can properly install the top nut to the piston. I didn't quite have the right combination when I took the old Boge inserts out.
 
Stephen - I believe I have the special tool for tightening the gland nut that holds the shock into the strut. Alas, I am on the road right now and cannot check both that I have it and that I can locate it. I'll be back early next week and will take a look.
 
Yeah, the gland nut was easy. It was the but at the top of the piston that holds it on the thrust bearing assembly. You need to (or are supposed to) keep the piston from spinning WITHOUT grabbing the piston with a big channel lock or vice grip. But the 27mm big nut is sunk so far down in the cup, you need a socket with hex base and also a hole large enough to slip the smaller socket down the hole to the piston. I didn't have that. :oops: But I did have a big impact wrench which spun the nut off (and also probably ruined any remaining life in the insert).
 
I have CN front springs with the HD's and there is little spring compression when put together but no issues when weight bearing. You just have to remember to check the spring pad and spring alignment when you raise and then lower the car. Probably anal since they have not moved relative to each other but rather check than have to replace the spring pad if chewed up. Same issue with my e24 and Dinan springs and again, no issue....no clanking or banging as one might worry about...and yes, only difference is length between HD and sports........no justification for different prices.
 
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