E30 rear bilsteins shocks, E36 Billy springs

[rochey6957]

I think im going to be purchasing these guys in a few minutes.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tchlink:top:en

A pair of rear bilstein sports from an e30. PN: B36-2027-HO 24-020275

I feel like these should work and will hold up the bilstein lowering springs I have. They only cause for concern is that the springs are from a 318i sedan. I know they will be stiffer then springs specifically for the ti but the springs do physically bolt up. The problem is that e36 sedan shocks do not work properly with the compact rear because they are too long and will limit travel. Now, I believe since these shocks are from the E30 rear all will work.

just though I would let anyone who was interested know.

Thanks to cooljess for the insight in another thread.

[familytruckster]

Yeah, they are from an E30 sedan.

The ti application is F4-B36-2027-H2 24-020275. The same shock, because the ti uses an E30 rear suspension.

[NiteOp]

thats probably a good move. interestingly
1991 M3
Koni rear Yellow sports part# 80-2522sp1
Bilstein rear Sports 24-020275
1996 318ti non M-technik
Koni rear Yellow sports part #80-2522sport
Bilstein rear Sports 24-020275

hmm looks to me like the specialized shocks for these cars are not special between 1986 to 1999. similar thing happens with most other e30 rear shocks.

[familytruckster]

Originally Posted by NiteOp

thats probably a good move. interestingly
1991 M3
Koni rear Yellow sports part# 80-2522sp1
Bilstein rear Sports 24-020275
1996 318ti non M-technik
Koni rear Yellow sports part #80-2522sport
Bilstein rear Sports 24-020275

hmm looks to me like the specialized shocks for these cars are not special between 1986 to 1999. similar thing happens with most other e30 rear shocks.

Well, yeah. Again, it's an E30 rear suspension!

[NiteOp]

Your post made me want to look up some more numbers. It is believed by some that shock manufactures do more than just put shocks on multiple vehicle because they fit, for example the spring rate or vehicle weight might be different. But I think the shock makers are saying since the motion ratios are the same the other factors are not important enough for a different shock, even for a shock manufacturer of high quality shocks.

[rochey6957]

ok just thinking... Do I need those blue shock boots? the Shocks i bought dont have them but are they supposed too?

See below Picture for blue shock boot:

[NiteOp]

it helps keep the dirt out.... there is a seal that the shock shaft travels thru that can get eaten up faster if you don have the boot. I try to run the boots when i can.

[rochey6957]

cool where should i get a set of boots from? ebay?

[NiteOp]

the parts store, maybe pelican if like them

[tiFreak]

you can get the black plastic boot off your old shocks too, it's not all fancy and blue but it serves the same purpose

[rochey6957]

shocks came in the mail the other day im excited lol. the billy springs had a fair amount of surface rust on them and the paint was coming off in huge flakes so they got a good cleaning. Repainted them with some red paint that was lying around. hopefully i can get them on tonight or tomorrow night.

[rochey6957]

Got them all installed now. Installation went smoothly no problems.
Good thing I replaced the shocks because the ones that were on the car were shot. No rebound at all.
Now pics.


Here are some pics of the springs on the perches for anyone who's interested.







Unfortunately, ride height is essentially unchanged... :/ with blown shock and stock springs the rear (measured at the end of the side-skirt) was about 7 inches. After the springs were on the car sat at 7.5 inches. After settling for 20 mins it was around 7 inches.

If I had spent money on these springs and expected them to lower the car I'd be really upset, but since they were just laying around and free no biggie i guess.

[tiFreak]

when I lowered my track car the rear end actually sat noticeably higher, a shot suspension will do that

[slow_ti]

Take the pads out haha

[rochey6957]

Originally Posted by slow_ti

Take the pads out haha

That doesn't seem like a good idea? that would just make the rear noisy and damage the springs.