1992 E36 strut question

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Todd Zuercher - 13 Feb 2005 22:45 GMT

What is the difference between the early (before 5/92) and later (after
5/92) suspentions. I thought that I heard that it is the strut bearing
at the top of the strut tower. Can I just switch in the newer style
bearing to use the newer struts? Or is there more to it than that?

Thanks

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Ken R. - 14 Feb 2005 13:37 GMT

> What is the difference between the early (before 5/92) and
> later (after 5/92) suspentions. I thought that I heard
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> Thanks

If parts illustrations are any indication, I think there
might be more than simple part swapping required. Guide
Supports (BMW's name for what you refer to as Strut Bearing)
from 09/92 are deeply dished with a lip and fit into an
'Upper Spring Plate' that is not present in pictures for
earlier designs.

Some differences in early E34 suspensions are that Dampers
and their matching Guide Supports changed. I believe the
basic design remained the same but dimensions were modififed.
One way to distinguish between them is to look at the nut at
the top of the strut, it will be either 19mm or 22mm.

Build dates
01/1989 to 06/1990
07/1990 to 09/1992

Note that in addition to stock Guide Supports configured to
deliver factory camber settings, BMW also offers offset
versions for either +30 or -30 min. camber correction.

Regards,
Ken R.

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