Rear shocker top mounts!! 😡

[Tombo]

What's going on?! My e30 318is has had two sets of these and they only last about 6 months before there nackerd!!
Does anyone know anything about this? Heard that I could put e30 m3 cab ones on?

Thanks

[Topblag]

They should last longer, e46 M3 top mounts are the best to buy. Is your rear end polybushed or very low ?

[Tombo]

No all standard. Will the E46 m3 top mounts fit strait on?

[blazed]

Have you got both cupped washers fitted? Part number 6 & 12 on this link. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... Id=33_0325
I have used meyle HD top mounts sold as fitting e46, e36 and e30 on several cars and all are still good.

[Tombo]

I'll have a look into it, mechanic did the job.

[blazed]

In what way have they failed? Has the damper pushed through?

[Tombo]

The rubbers are both fu@ked and knocking when I drive now. I'll try and get some pics.

[B7]

Are they OEM items (Lemforder or similar) or some cheap spanish jank from the euro car parts "tesco value" range? If the latter you are doing well to get 6 months out of a pair.

[Brianmoooore]

Have you got both cupped washers fitted? Part number 6 & 12 on this link. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... Id=33_0325
I have used meyle HD top mounts sold as fitting e46, e36 and e30 on several cars and all are still good.

On OE E30 dampers, these washers are part of the dust covers. I've seen many cases of failed nearly new top mounts, and all have been caused by replacement dampers that don't have the washers built in, coupled with failure to fit external ones.

[HairyScreech]

Lemforder Z3 topmounts are the same as E46 m3 ones and half the price.

Its possible Lemforder may now only make the improved e46 style mounts.

[Tombo]

Ok just stripped the boot liner out and uploaded the pics of the top mounts, you can see where all the rubber has collected on the boot floor.

http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/Tombo ... sort=3&o=0

[blazed]

I would say you are missing the lower spreader washer. Here's a link to the wiki page it shows the washer in the top of the dust cover. http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... Top_Mounts

[Brianmoooore]

I would say you are missing the lower spreader washer.

Not so sure of that, now I've seen pics. Looks like the whole rubber has been pushed out.
What's the ride height of the rear of this car?

[Tombo]

Standard

[Tombo]

They need doing soon as, what would be the best replacement then?

Thanks

[BenHar]

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/Bushes

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... Top_Mounts

Ben

[Brianmoooore]

Always remove the bottom damper bolt, where it connects to the trailing arm, and remove and refit the damper complete with top mount completely fitted.
There should be a paper gasket for the top mount, which isn't shown in the wiki guide, but a smear of seam sealer will do.
When refitting the damper bottom end to the trailing arm, leave the bolt loose until the car is back on the ground and at ride height, before finally tightening the bolt.
The damper limits the suspension droop when the wheels are off the ground, so when the dampers are off, try not to let the trailing arms hang right down - it stresses the driveshafts.
Note which way the cupped washers should be - curved away from the mount.

[Tombo]

Thanks for your help everyone.

[martauto]

When refitting the damper bottom end to the trailing arm, leave the bolt loose until the car is back on the ground and at ride height, before finally tightening the bolt.

More than likely a dumb question Brian but why not tighten these up before lowering to the ground?

Cheers Mart

[Brianmoooore]

Because the lower damper mounts would be permanently twisted.

[martauto]

Because the lower damper mounts would be permanently twisted.

Makes sense now cheers.

Mart.

[P_VIDDY]

E46 powerflex ones fit well

[Blitz]

Meyle heavy duty £13. No brainer.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E30-E36-E ... SwstxVZFsI