BDR struts

[newBDR]

Anyone know the source of the adjustable struts for the front end? It says BMW on it but a local Bimmer dealer here can't find it. Is it a BMW motorsports, or some aftermarket source?

[round_midnight]

I don't know the answer to your question, but here's a little information that may help. No BMW has adjustable struts from the factory, so a BMW dealer is unlikely to be of any help. I looked at my BDR, and I think that BDR has somehow remanufactured the factory struts and cut threads into them for the adjusting nuts. There are several aftermarket adjustable struts available for E36 BMWs. Bilstein, for one. You just need to be careful, as the BDR is 1000 lbs lighter than the BMW, so the valving may not be right. Best to check with someone knowledgable at whichever manufacturer you choose. Turner Motorsports is a good source for aftermarket BMW suspension parts. Hope this helps a little.

[Gatorac]

Plulling up an old thread here as I'm looking for some more info on our struts. I though Reg once told me that these were rebuildable. Mine appear to be leaking fluid. While I have it apart for wheel bearings, I might as well play with the struts.

Any info from the inside guys at BDR or the dealers??

BTW heres a good site for wheel bearing information. Wheel bearing page.

[Rwillia4]

Bilstiens are great struts but they are designed a valved for a heavier car. I suggest Koni's they are valved a bit lighter and will enhance your ride. Do read this wrong it will be tighter and work better. They also will not overheat when racing. Koni's also a lifetime warranty (which I used once on a previous car that hit a curb and there where no issues)

[tony martin]

HI GUYS,

ON THE EARLIER CARS WE USED A BMW STRUT,CUT DOWN AND THREADED, UPPER PRESSED IN AND WELDED.

THE LATER CARS HAVE A COMPLETE CUSTOM MADE PART.

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

THE EARLIER ONES HAVE A BMW PART NO. ON THE BOTTOM AND U CAN VISIBLY SEE THE FABRICATION.

THE NEWER HAVE A ONE PIECE OUTER.

WE HAVE ALSO CHANGED FROM OIL INSERTS TO GAS INSERTS.
WHEN WE USED THE OIL FILLED INSERTS WE USED TO FILL AROUND THE INSERT WITH OIL.

THIS IS A COMMON BMW PROCEEDURE TO HELP COOL THE SHOCK.

THIS SOMETIMES MISLED U TO BELIVE THE SHOCK ITSELF WAS LEAKING.
SO DONT JUST RENEW YOUR INSERTS IF U SEE A SMALL AMT OF SEEPAGE,CHECK THE INSERT 1ST.

I MUST SAY THAT I CANNOT REMEMBER A FALIURE ON ANY OF THESE FRT. ENDS.

SURE,THE STRUTS ARE REBUILDABLE.

JUST UNSCREW THE CANISTER,REMOVE THE OLD INSERT,AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEW ONE.

ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS