[Cjo1994]

Hello, I wanted to write and ask if anyone could help me figure out what all hardware I should replace when doing my shocks/struts here soon. I ordered the Koni sports struts/shocks for my 2012 335xi n55 coupe. Stocks springs, 67k on the car. Suspension rides awful, each pothole feels like I dropped off a cliff, slight squeak in suspension like squeezing air out of a ball when hitting bumps also.

I tried asking FCP for help but they weren't really much help at all. I just want to know the bare minimum items I should replace along with shocks and struts. That way I can make a shopping cart and buy what I need since fcp claims they can't sell a hardware kit for my car. I've seen countless people argue about what you absolutely need. I know turnermotorsports sells a full suspension install kit with all the hardware they say you need, but it seems incredibly steeply priced unless I'm just oblivious to the associated hardware costs. https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-5...t-e9x-x-drive/

[jwalker87]

"bare minimum" doesn't really exist, especially if you have an actual problem you are trying to solve. Shocks/struts are the most likely culprit, so I guess that's technically the bare minimum. However, you will be removing a whole lot of parts along the way. Several of them are rubber (and therefore wear out) or fasteners (which rust). Everyone's judgement will be different regarding what items are "worth it" to replace "while you're in there."

I have done 3 complete suspension 'refresh' projects on my cars, and I have a pretty holistic approach. If it wears or rusts, and I can unbolt it, I will replace it. I go to www.realoem.com, filter to my car, browse the 'suspension' sections, and make a list of all the part numbers. Using OE equipment can save a lot of money vs BMW-branded; most of the real stuff is actually Lemforder.

My wife's 2011 e90 335i xdrive is the most similar to your car (not identical, but close), and here is the list of all the parts I replaced. Do with it what you will regarding specific part pricing and ease of replacement.

• Rear Left Suspension
o Shock - BIL-24120395
o Upper shock mount kit - MON-907984
o Lower shock mount - LEM-3539801
o Lower shock mount bolt (qty 2) - BMW-33526764406
o Shock mount grommet - BMW-33506767010
o Bump stop support cup - BMW-33526764418
o Sway bar link - LEM-2993401 (33556764428)
o Upper rear control arm - LEM-3351801 (33322406292)
o Upper fwd control arm - LEM-3573301 (33322406289)
o Control arm bolts (qty 2) - BMW-07119906489
o Control arm “securing” (triangle) bolts (qty 2) - BMW-33306793891
o Control arm locking nut (qty 2) - BMW-33326760668
o Lower rear control arm - LEM-3067301 (33322406290)

• Rear Right Suspension
o Shock - BIL-24120395
o Upper shock mount kit - MON-907984
o Lower shock mount - LEM-3539801
o Lower shock mount bolt (qty 2) - BMW-33526764406
o Shock mount grommet - BMW-33506767010
o Bump stop support cup - BMW-33526764418
o Sway bar link - LEM-2993401 (33556764428)
o Upper rear control arm - LEM-3351801 (33322406292)
o Upper fwd control arm - LEM-3573401 (33322409890)
o Control arm bolts (qty 2) - BMW-07119906489
o Control arm “securing” (triangle) bolts (qty 2) - BMW-33306793891
o Control arm locking nut (qty 2) - BMW-33326760668
o Lower rear control arm - LEM-3067301 (33322406290)

• Front Left Suspension
o Strut - BIL-35142454
o Strut mount gasket - BMW-31306772226
o Upper coil spring shim - BMW-31336767500
o Lower coil spring shim - BMW-31336764372
o Strut mount - BMW-31306785962
o Sway bar link - LEM-3616501 (31356768771)
o Tie rod end - LEM-3388201 (32106793623)
o Fwd control arm - LEM-3711801 (31126768989)
o Rear control arm - LEM-3711901 (31126768983)
o Ball joint - LEM-3390201 (31126768988)

• Front Right Suspension
o Strut - BIL-35142461
o Strut mount gasket - BMW-31306772226
o Upper coil spring shim - BMW-31336767500
o Lower coil spring shim - BMW-31336764372
o Strut mount - BMW-31306785962
o Sway bar link - LEM-3616601 (31356768772)
o Tie rod end - LEM-3388301 (32106793624)
o Fwd control arm - LEM-3711801 (31126768989)
o Rear control arm - LEM-3712001 (31126768984)
o Ball joint - LEM-3390201 (31126768988)

• Other
o Front sway bar bushings (qty 2) - Rein 31356773512
o Rear sway bar bushings (qty 2) - Rein 33556761360

[Cjo1994]

Appreciate the comprehensive list. Quite intimidating/impressive just how much is needed for an adequate suspension refresh. Luckily, car is in great shape with very minimal rust, so hopefully don't need quite as much as that list has in it. But will definitely start with the strut/shock related parts. If unresolved will look into sway bar stuff, bushings, tie rods, etc. Thanks for reply.

[tlow98]

If you replace the shocks, shock mounts, bump stops and the front thrust arms you le car will ride 90% better.

Only use OE or lend order on the control arms. Shocks are per taste but the option you’re likely to be the least disappointed with would be the Koni yellows in my opinion.

For $1k you can be pretty transformed.

Start there. At least, that’s what I would do.

[Cal122]

Here's the list I put together for my 2011 xDrive. I'm around the same mileage you have on your car and mine also sounded horrible during certain driving conditions.

Part numbers for your E92 may differ based on model/year, so you should confirm the correct part numbers for your car on realoem.

In my case, I changed everything so I could have someone assemble the replacement strut assemblies and then just swap them out in full on the car. I also wanted to start from a fresh base before potentially chasing other suspension parts for replacement on the car. The rear shocks were leaking prior and I changed those out with Sachs.

Most of the smaller parts are relatively cheap, but you should at least replace the struts, upper strut mounts, bumpers and associated bolts/hardware. Probably also good to replace the lower/upper spring pads too since they are rubber.

[ppointer]

I am surprised FCP did not offer much help. I have refreshed shocks and struts on three separate e9x's over the past four years, and have always purchased their kits. They include all of the parts from the diagram on @cal122's post.