[martinblair]

I've read through most (if not all) threads here and I am still not positive what all I should replace.

I ordered the B12 kit for my E91 on the weekend, and it should be here in 3 weeks or so. I've already picked up rear shock mounts, upper and lower, and have ordered front strut mounts. With this kit, is it worth (or remotely necessary) to replace the spring perches or any of the dust caps, etc? My car has 112000 km. Appreciate the help.

[andrey_gta]

Originally Posted by martinblair

With this kit, is it worth (or remotely necessary) to replace the spring perches or any of the dust caps, etc? My car has 112000 km. Appreciate the help.

Seems you covered the most needed parts. Front spring perches may be the only other item that can be replaced with fresh ones.

[Shoooter_j]

I was in the same boat last year. You've got an e91 but my thread here might help:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1090849

[martinblair]

That's exactly what I was looking for, thank you.

[Shoooter_j]

Originally Posted by martinblair

That's exactly what I was looking for, thank you.

You may want to consider the Dinan or Monroe rear upper mounts for additional suspension travel too. I went with the overpriced Dinan and there's no rear bounce to speak of.

[martinblair]

Very excited, via three different shipments all my parts have arrived this week. Now I just have to get around to the install.

[Kienvu14]

Could you share with me all the hardware that you bought to swap out with the old pieces? Stuff like the support guides, top hats etc?

[martinblair]

Admittedly, I likely didn't need all of these. The incremental cost to get a number of the items was pretty small, and far cheaper where I got them than the dealer - my quote from the dealership was double what I paid, even after factoring in exchange and shipping. I figured I'm still ahead with what they cost rather than opening up my car and realizing I needed only some of them in a hurry and getting them from the dealer - nothing gets shipped here quickly.

OEM Parts

31-33-6-759-452
UPPER SPRING PLATE

33-50-6-767-010
Sealing grommet between upper and lower guide support

31-33-1-110-196
Dust absorber guide support front

31-33-6-775-097
GUIDE SUPPORT

33-52-6-764-418
Supporting cup for additional damper, rear

33-53-6-764-420
Spring pad bottom rear

31-33-6-767-500
SPRING PAD UPPER

31-30-6-772-226
WASHER-GASKET

31-33-6-764-372
SPRING PAD LOWER

31-30-6-774-021
COVERING CAP

31-30-6-763-966
WASHER

OEM Alternative

Stabilizer-Link Front L.-Side (Meyle HD)

Stabilizer-Link Front R.-Side (Meyle HD)

Rear Upper Shock Mounts (Monroe)

Rear Lower Shock Mounts (Lemforder)

Front Sway Bar Bushings (Strongflex)* I have no idea whether these are any good, I took a flyer on some Polish Polyurethane.

[swagon]

Originally Posted by martinblair

Admittedly, I likely didn't need all of these. The incremental cost to get a number of the items was pretty small, and far cheaper where I got them than the dealer - my quote from the dealership was double what I paid, even after factoring in exchange and shipping. I figured I'm still ahead with what they cost rather than opening up my car and realizing I needed only some of them in a hurry and getting them from the dealer - nothing gets shipped here quickly.

Looking back, is there anything on the list that was not needed after all?

[martinblair]

- sealing grommet between upper and lower guide support. The ones on the OEM shocks were just fine.
-covering cap. Zero reason to replace this, if they're in place they can be reused.
- rear lower shock mounts. Mine were just fine, but it had been so long since I ordered the new ones, didn't think I could return them so I replaced them anyways.
- spring pocket. In the rear, thought maybe it would have rusted but no reason to change it. I did anyways because I had it.

Both top and bottom spring pads in the rear had holes worn through them, that really surprised me, the fronts just looked flattened. I figured when I ordered them that it may have been excessive, definitely glad I replaced them. Part of the reason I ordered everything was so I could put the strut assembly together before taking my car apart. If you don't mind switching the odd component over, I would think the upper spring plate could certainly have been reused.

The sway bar bushings were a waste of money. Not because the poly isn't nice, but the existing ones were fine and there's no noticeable benefit. Oh well.

[swagon]

Originally Posted by martinblair

- sealing grommet between upper and lower guide support. The ones on the OEM shocks were just fine.
-covering cap. Zero reason to replace this, if they're in place they can be reused.
- rear lower shock mounts. Mine were just fine, but it had been so long since I ordered the new ones, didn't think I could return them so I replaced them anyways.
- spring pocket. In the rear, thought maybe it would have rusted but no reason to change it. I did anyways because I had it.

Both top and bottom spring pads in the rear had holes worn through them, that really surprised me, the fronts just looked flattened. I figured when I ordered them that it may have been excessive, definitely glad I replaced them. Part of the reason I ordered everything was so I could put the strut assembly together before taking my car apart. If you don't mind switching the odd component over, I would think the upper spring plate could certainly have been reused.

The sway bar bushings were a waste of money. Not because the poly isn't nice, but the existing ones were fine and there's no noticeable benefit. Oh well.

Thanks, that's helpful.