Recommended brand for front upper strut mounts

Post Fri Oct 09, 2020 4:53 pm

As the title says, i need to replace the upper strut mounts (currently meyle brand) due to later play.

Problem is, before this i ordered a set of Sachs and notice play in them, so i replaced them with Meyle. I just picked up a set of Lemförder ones, one is nice and tight the other has play. I am getting tired of brand new parts, being sold in such a state.

Anyone has experience with KYB? i heard they are owned by Sachs and are OE to BMW for the E30 strut mounts.

Thank you in advanced.

Post Wed Oct 14, 2020 10:38 pm

Picked up some Febi upper mounts, both are tight and no play. They are made in Germany, i find it strange how the Sacks, Meyle and Lemförder brands had manufacturing issues, Lemförder was made in China apparently (stated on the box). The Febi ones arrived in a sealed package, the other brands did not.

I was about to order new OE dealer upper mounts for nearly triple the price, glad the Febi ones are without issues.

Big day on Friday, oil pan gasket, oil change w/filter and new upper front mounts. Will check the rears (Meyle HDs) and will probably change them to Febi brand as well if they require replacement.

Post Thu Oct 15, 2020 4:44 am

For what it's worth - I used Febi front strut mounts on my 320i.
No problems so far.

Apart from the hole on the top being too large & the OE plastic cap wouldn't stay in.
Wrap some foam tape around the plastic cap and it's snug.

Post Thu Oct 15, 2020 7:22 am

Tzantushka wrote: ↑
Thu Oct 15, 2020 4:44 am
For what it's worth - I used Febi front strut mounts on my 320i.
No problems so far.

Apart from the hole on the top being too large & the OE plastic cap wouldn't stay in.
Wrap some foam tape around the plastic cap and it's snug.

That means you have picked up an incorrect mount. There is a 28mm and a 32mm, Febi 12431 is for a 32mm (which is the same as the 30 year old originals in my e30 as well as yours). Most brands such as Sachs, Lemförder and Meyle would never mention these details, unless you really dig deep and find out, for example, some brands offer two part numbers.

Bilstein offers the 12-117628 with a 32mm top as well as the 12-248605 and NO description of the sizes. The 32mm top goes for €32 a piece, the second one (ending with 605) goes for €20 a piece. Whether or not the top opening plays a role with the play, i am unsure and do not think so, since the Sachs, Meyle and lemförder ones i picked up (28mm) had one good mount and one bad mount delivered.

BMW OE Number for 32mm 31 33 1 139 452

Just food for thought.