shock replacement -WTF-why not fitting?

[1lenny]

Hey guys. I'm stumped. I am replacing shocks and brakes in my 318ti built 2/98. Rears are fine. The front shock will not go in, it's too long after rebuilding. The original is a BOGE 31 31 1 090 716. The replacement is listed for this car, a Bilstein VNE4420.
Help. I've trying for two days to get that sucker in. Do I simply have the wrong shock? When I get the top in, it is about 1 inch lower than it's sport on the steering arm. I could order the BOGE, but I'd like to use the Bilsteins. There's a brown stripe on the spring.

[Mallard]

ok after a bit of research this is what i found..

the VNE4420 unit is a direct replacement for

31 31 1 090 458 // replaced by number 3131 1 092 308
31 31 1 091 774
31 31 1 092 488

numbers are show in chronological updating , the lowest being the oldest

the BMW ETK shows these units to be applicable to the following vehicle(s)

316i - 328i E36 ALL models

Fits ONLY right hand side

The original number (31 31 1 090 716) is also for the Right hand side, but specified for use with 4 cylinder models. Although the Bilstein cross referances with all 4 and 6 cyl models.

in conclusion, the damper should fit

why it doesnt..fu*k knows..:weirdface

[CirrusSR22]

For some reason I think I had issues when installing my Bilstein HDs. It's possible I used the floor jack to compress the strut assembly to get everything to line-up. I know for sure I had serious issues getting those front struts bolted up.

[cooljess76]

make sure BOTH front wheels are off the ground.

[1lenny]

Thanks Mallard. So I did get the right ones, according to the documentation.
I rebuilt twice, just to make sure I didn't have something backwards.
Judging from CirrusSR22, it may just be the way they go in, and not for amateurs.

[1lenny]

Cooljess--tell me more. I have one wheel on the ground--just it was when I took it off. ???????

[Mallard]

the shock should fit :)

[cooljess76]

If you lift both wheels off the ground, the control arms should drop a little lower.

[CirrusSR22]

Also remove the nut holding the front swaybar to the control arm. That'll help it drop lower.

[1lenny]

It worked! Those two tricks, both wheels up and front swaybar off. I should have asked yesterday. You guys rock!
This web site rocks too. I'm learning so much.
Special thanks Cooljess, CirrusSR22, Mallard. I am so freakin happy right now.

:smile::smile::smile::smile

[Mallard]

:D bonus !

[cooljess76]

:wink:

[Xenocide]

I didn't remove the nut on the sway bar. Just put a floor jack under the bottom of the strut and bumped it up about half an inch when I bolted it to the spindle

[1lenny]

I finished last night. 4 Bilstein shocks, 2 RSM, 2FSM, ATE Rotors and Pagid brake pads. I had a busted pad on each front--the brake coming off the back. Now's all I gotta do is get the ABS sensor I had to hack out of the wheel and see if I can get some of these dash lights off.


It rides reallll nice.

The suspension how to hosted here is very good.