steering and suspension So, What Are You Using For Front Strut Mounts?

[doog]

I need to replace the strut mounts on my '76 '02.  However, after perusing search results, it didn't seem anyone was particularly happy with the available options.  I called a few source today, and no one had "BMW" mounts available.  I had the same luck trying to source K-MAC mounts for immediate delivery.  That said, what front strut mounts are installed in your car?

[AceAndrew]

Who are these suppliers you called?  Vintage bmw specialist or the online equivalent of pep-boys?  I'm looking at a half dozen stock mounts right now.

[Napes]

I got a pair of BMW strut mounts from: http://www.bmwmercedesparts.com/parts/index.cfm?searchText=51317440105&make=BMW&action=oePartSearch&siteid=215771

 

You'll need the part # to enter in P/N line.  This is Husker BMW dealership.

 

Bob Napier

[TobyB]

I spent a while trying to adapt 1st gen 240z mounts- it was the smallest rubber mount I could find...

 

...hoping for a streetable -2 degrees of camber.

 

 

didn't happen.  They're very different.

 

t

[doog]

Who are these suppliers you called?  Vintage bmw specialist or the online equivalent of pep-boys?  I'm looking at a half dozen stock mounts right now.

Well, I don't know whether BMW-labelled mounts are actually better, or different, than the more generic equivalents.  That said, the suppliers I pinged, Bav Auto, Turner Motorsport, Roger Tii, etc, had only Meyle.  Also, no one had K-Mac in stock, though most said they could get them in a couple of weeks.

[john02md]

You can certainly order "BMW" original from a BMW dealer, though I doubt they stock them.

31331110195 for shorter bolts

31331112644 for longer bolts if you still use the spacers

Mine are Meyle which leave the bearings exposed.  Remember to use the cupped washer on the underside to contain grease. Some brands have bearings sealed.

John

'74 2002

Edited April 23, 2014 by john02md

[Cyclone101]

I spent a while trying to adapt 1st gen 240z mounts- it was the smallest rubber mount I could find...

...hoping for a streetable -2 degrees of camber.

didn't happen. They're very different.

t

Mmm, you just gave me an idea...

[AceAndrew]

Well, I don't know whether BMW-labelled mounts are actually better, or different, than the more generic equivalents.  That said, the suppliers I pinged, Bav Auto, Turner Motorsport, Roger Tii, etc, had only Meyle.  Also, no one had K-Mac in stock, though most said they could get them in a couple of weeks.

 

The Meyle's are functionally just fine (have been using them on my own daily).  Several months ago there was a rash of mounts that used the wrong sized sealed bearing, to the best of my knowledge those have been largely expunged from the parts warehouses (except for some INA-branded units still floating around).

 

Keep in mind if you'd like the oem mounts then no matter who you get them from will be sourcing them through bmw north america's parts system (i.e. ordering them from a dealer).

[planb]

Argh.... more crappy strut mounts.  The long weekend plan was to do a relaxing front suspension refresh on the 74 survivor, but the new strut mounts seem a little rough

 

The local german parts guy got me some INA mounts, insisting they were good quality and made in Germany. The bearing size is correct - the oversize ones that I saw were sealed units -but the both bearings are very lumpy.  The collar that retains the bearings (part of the race??) is deformed (groove at top of picture) from pressing on both units.  When I spin the bearings they seem really rough

 

Welcome any opinions: install anyway, or leave the car on jackstands all weekend search for better mounts next week?

[TobyB]

That bearing has been destroyed.

 

Have your local parts guy try again...

 

t

[AceAndrew]

Yes, wouldn't use that mount because of that particular bearing (with the carrier being split).  However it's likely an isolated problem, so I wouldn't hesitate to grab another mount and see how it looks.

 

The open bearings do tend feel a little "lumpy" until you grease them up

[planb]

Thanks for quick reply guys!

 

The second mount is no better.  The bearing was installed upside down relative to the first mount - don't know if they are directional.   In the second mount, you can seen another notch on the top side and a crack on the bottom side.  Crap!

 

I need another case of Pacifico... have a good long weekend.