Front shock replacement

[SBSerpent]

Trying to figure out as to how I remove the upper 'nut' on the strut shaft that secures the strut to the frame. I can't see the attachment - all I can feel is a plastic dust cap (which I can remove) but no nut. Just scratching my head as to the attachment configuration. This is on a 2011 BDR build. All stock suspension.

[spdbrake]

The upper strut is held in by 3 10mm nuts
Upper bearing:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/31331139436/

Take out the two lower bolts and the 3 nuts and you can pull the whole strut. An Impact gun works fine to remove/install the strut nut once out of the car.

It's a good idea to spring for BDR camber plates while your at it. Note: E36 BMW plates are clocked 60deg off the BDR plates (orientation of the bolts and E36 plate don't work as they will affect caster and camber because the the strut ends up moving inboard and forward during adjustment. There are some plates that kinda work but you end up using the caster adjustment for a camber adjustment on the BDR.)
E36 plates: https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E36-32...camber_plates/
BDR plates: Have disappeared from the Iconic website. I'd call and check the lead time if you're going that route.
https://www.iconicparts.com/

This thread has info
Backdraft camber plates

[SBSerpent]

Originally Posted by spdbrake

The upper strut is held in by 3 10mm nuts
Upper bearing:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/31331139436/

Take out the two lower bolts and the 3 nuts and you can pull the whole strut. An Impact gun works fine to remove/install the strut nut once out of the car.

It's a good idea to spring for BDR camber plates while your at it. Note: E36 BMW plates are clocked 60deg off the BDR plates (orientation of the bolts and E36 plate don't work as they will affect caster and camber because the the strut ends up moving inboard and forward during adjustment. There are some plates that kinda work but you end up using the caster adjustment for a camber adjustment on the BDR.)
E36 plates: https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E36-32...camber_plates/
BDR plates: Have disappeared from the Iconic website. I'd call and check the lead time if you're going that route.
https://www.iconicparts.com/

This thread has info
Backdraft camber plates

"Take out the two lower bolts and the 3 nuts and you can pull the whole strut."

Don't you mean two lower nuts AND a third bolt that secures the lower strut housing to the wheel?

[spdbrake]

Apologies, I did mine 2016, mind is slipping...

Missed one.
three lower bolts,
https://www.iconicparts.com/control-arm-1006.html

three upper nuts.
https://www.iconicparts.com/control-arm-1007.html

This may help. Although the BDR uses a coilover the upper lower attach points are the same.
https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tec...ont-Shocks.htm

[Quentin Z]

Originally Posted by spdbrake

The upper strut is held in by 3 10mm nuts
Upper bearing:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/31331139436/

...It's a good idea to spring for BDR camber plates while your at it. Note: E36 BMW plates are clocked 60deg off the BDR plates (orientation of the bolts and E36 plate don't work as they will affect caster and camber because the the strut ends up moving inboard and forward during adjustment. There are some plates that kinda work but you end up using the caster adjustment for a camber adjustment on the BDR.)
E36 plates: https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E36-32...camber_plates/
BDR plates: Have disappeared from the Iconic website. I'd call and check the lead time if you're going that route.
https://www.iconicparts.com/

This thread has info
Backdraft camber plates

I used E46 aftermarket camber plates. They are oriented correctly for BDR, but will have to be trimmed if you get the round ones. Search for them and you can see the offset difference. You MUST also use Long Sleeve Camber Plate Strut Mount Center Nut w/ M14 x 1.5 Threads for them to work with the BDR struts though.

[SBSerpent]

How are camber and caster adjustments made on our cars? Mine is a 2011 build with the stock suspension and I can't see how the camber and caster adjustment is made with the stock upper shock mount.

[spdbrake]

There isn't any camber , or caster adjustment available via using the stock top mount.

The BDR camber plates or E46 someone else has been able to make work by cutting the sides down to fit in the narrow front shock tower that is built into the frame. Its so narrow you cannot make caster adjustments there. Instead you have to install adjustable or eccentric cam type lower a-arm bearings.
But that trade-off is not great either as then your wheel moves aft or forward in the wheelwell opening of the fender. Getting any any substantial 1.0deg caster changes results in tire rub.

I experimented with added + caster (the BDR has plenty already) to stabilize a vibration I was troubleshooting a while back.

[SBSerpent]

"There isn't any camber , or caster adjustment available via using the stock top mount."

So then is the only alignment adjustment the toe (given the set up that i have)?

[spdbrake]

Correct.

[SBSerpent]

Any torque values for the strut upper nut and the three lower bolts that secure the strut housing to the wheel?