Just curious, why exactly don't I struts work on the XI?

Topshelf1 · 09-06-2009, 12:22 AM

Just about to order up a set of OEM struts for the wife's E91 and got thinking. What is so different about the standard I strut that it won't fit/work on the XI? I know people are now using I springs on the XI struts, so from the perch up things must be compatible. Both styles slide into a similar spindle and mount the same way. So what exactly doesn't fit? Considering it seems like most struts cover the entire range from 325 to 335, I can't image it's simply a rebound/damping setting as it's just a little extra weight from the AWD setup. Is this a proven thing? Or are we just assuming they don't work since the part# is different? Just wondering if a set of Koni FSD's for a 325i would actually fit and work for her 325xi.

Alex@AKMotorwerk · 09-06-2009, 11:30 AM

the sway bar end links mount differently on the I and XI.... The mounting tab on the strut of an I is straight where as the tab on the XI is slightly angled. That's why they are not interchangeable. There might be other reasons as well due to the weight of the XI's.

Topshelf1 · 09-06-2009, 12:54 PM

Ahh, well that answers that.

I was looking at images of the two and they looked awfully similar. But that link mount would definitely be a problem. Thanks, I'll just order up the OEM and be done with it then.

chaz58 · 09-08-2009, 11:42 AM

To limit body sway, manufacturers typically raise the spring perch height and bumpstop height when raising a chassis like this.

Theoretically, you could just raise the car with the spring, but it is pretty obvious to any XI owners that there is no additional suspension travel with the XI models, in spite of the added ride height.

09-06-2009, 12:22 AM	#1
Topshelf1 Private 17 Rep 99 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4 Coupe/2006 325xiT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	Just curious, why exactly don't I struts work on the XI? Just about to order up a set of OEM struts for the wife's E91 and got thinking. What is so different about the standard I strut that it won't fit/work on the XI? I know people are now using I springs on the XI struts, so from the perch up things must be compatible. Both styles slide into a similar spindle and mount the same way. So what exactly doesn't fit? Considering it seems like most struts cover the entire range from 325 to 335, I can't image it's simply a rebound/damping setting as it's just a little extra weight from the AWD setup. Is this a proven thing? Or are we just assuming they don't work since the part# is different? Just wondering if a set of Koni FSD's for a 325i would actually fit and work for her 325xi.
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09-06-2009, 11:30 AM	#2
Alex@AKMotorwerk 209 Rep 9,339 Posts Drives: 2012 AW F10 535i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hillsborough, NJ iTrader: (7)	the sway bar end links mount differently on the I and XI.... The mounting tab on the strut of an I is straight where as the tab on the XI is slightly angled. That's why they are not interchangeable. There might be other reasons as well due to the weight of the XI's.
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09-06-2009, 12:54 PM	#3
Topshelf1 Private 17 Rep 99 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4 Coupe/2006 325xiT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	Ahh, well that answers that. I was looking at images of the two and they looked awfully similar. But that link mount would definitely be a problem. Thanks, I'll just order up the OEM and be done with it then.
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09-08-2009, 11:42 AM	#4
chaz58 Captain 15 Rep 701 Posts Drives: 328iT Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Detroit Burbs iTrader: (0)	To limit body sway, manufacturers typically raise the spring perch height and bumpstop height when raising a chassis like this. Theoretically, you could just raise the car with the spring, but it is pretty obvious to any XI owners that there is no additional suspension travel with the XI models, in spite of the added ride height. __________________ _________________________________________________
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