help with parts, part numbers, and possible upgrades

Post Mon Sep 01, 2014 1:59 pm

I need to replace the following, on my 1993 318 touring:

The 2 big bushes for the rear beam
The drop links for the rear anti roll bar
Rear shock top mounts

Whilst in the area of the back end are there any other bushes, mounts, etc that I should be looking to replace?

I gather later top mounts are a direct fit and recommended upgrade. What model (e46)?

Are there any more modern upgrades for the other items?

Can anyone help with part numbers, recommended brands and places to buy from?

It's for a daily family car, not track toy or anything but I'd rather pay a little more for quality so I don't have to do it again in a few years.

Thanks

Post Mon Sep 01, 2014 2:08 pm

Also the rubber coupling for Propshaft to gearbox, there are 2 listed at Eurocar parts. Is there any way to work out which one I need other than getting under the car and trying to measure it - different dimensions are listed for each one.

Post Mon Sep 01, 2014 2:59 pm

Have you tried either Realoem or BMWfans websites? You can search for the BMW part numbers for your exact car by using the last 7 digits of the cars VIN, this should also show which sizes are needed for your car.

Once you know what parts you need, you can get them from GSF or ECP (or ECPs cheaper sister site carparts4less). Both should have OEM quality parts in stock.

For the rear top mounts, you want E46 cabrio mounts - 33 52 6 779 670 and some people also use the reinforcement plates from a Z3 - 51 71 8 413 359

Post Mon Sep 01, 2014 3:05 pm

Have you tried typing "Bushes" into the Wiki?

Post Mon Sep 01, 2014 3:18 pm

jmc330i wrote:Have you tried either Realoem or BMWfans websites? You can search for the BMW part numbers for your exact car by using the last 7 digits of the cars VIN, this should also show which sizes are needed for your car.

Great help, thanks

jmc330i wrote:Once you know what parts you need, you can get them from GSF or ECP (or ECPs cheaper sister site carparts4less). Both should have OEM quality parts in stock.

Not finding what I need via part number or just browsing items via category

jmc330i wrote: For the rear top mounts, you want E46 cabrio mounts - 33 52 6 779 670 and some people also use the reinforcement plates from a Z3 - 51 71 8 413 359

nice one

Post Mon Sep 01, 2014 3:20 pm

Grrrmachine wrote:Have you tried typing "Bushes" into the Wiki?

Arggh,

thanks, I skimmed over the overview but didn't know it went into so much depth on every topic - thanks great help.

Looks like I should be looking at trailing arm bushes too.

Post Thu Sep 04, 2014 10:49 am

jmc330i wrote:For the rear top mounts, you want E46 cabrio mounts - 33 52 6 779 670 and some people also use the reinforcement plates from a Z3 - 51 71 8 413 359

Just wanting to double double check and not get caught out buying the wrong part, but does this look like the right set to get?

thanks in advance

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E36-E46-C ... 1c34c2df9d