BMW E30 Front Struts Restoration | BMW E30 325i Sport Restoration S1 E1

Get 2 months of Skillshare for FREE using this link: skl.sh/restore
Episode 1 of the BMW E30 325i project Car Restoration. In this Episode, I show my progress so far with the project and complete the restoration of the front Struts for the BMW E30.
If you would like to send me something to restore, tools to use or anything to support Restore It, please send to:
Restore It Mail Box
PO Box 50
CHATTERIS
PE16 9AZ
Subscribe for Weekly content!
Tools & equpitment used:
Quartz Lacquer - goo.gl/8PTVKM
Base Coat Paint - goo.gl/mWhufG
Rust Remover - goo.gl/13gopW
Moldex Full Face Mask - goo.gl/NNYGrv
FGL 5 Spray gun - goo.gl/Acg5rd
A.N.I. R150-T Mini Spray gun - goo.gl/cHTJS2
Colad Washable Overalls - goo.gl/3Css9E
Colad Mixing Cups - goo.gl/8DYmE8
Colad TurboMix Sticks - goo.gl/cYZfks
Colad Synthetic Paint Strainers - goo.gl/H79ZgL
Steel wire bits - geni.us/keyaD
Rotary Tool - geni.us/HGed
Concentrate Degreaser - geni.us/yUn9
Mannesmann Socket Set - geni.us/HCDZ
In this episode, I bring you up to date with the progress on my E30 that I started two years ago. Due to time and money constraints, I haven't done any work on it in quite a while. That is about to change! Any parts I have already restored before I started YT will be purchased and done again just for you guys. That includes an engine!
Firstly I removed the struts from the car. As I mentioned in the video, the yellow springs are the wrong springs for this car. Someone sent me the wrong ones. So, compressing them was vital as they jacked the car up by about 3 inches and had a lot of pressure built up. Once they were compressed safely I began removing the top mounts, spring mounts, rubbers, discs and protection plates. I needed to put the strut assembly back on the car so I could more easily remove the hub nuts, hubs and cups. I needed to use some heat to loosen one of the nuts and then a puller to remove both hubs.
Once everything else was off the struts, it was time to remove the shock absorbers themselves. This took a lot of time as the nuts were completely stuck. Once removed you could see how worn they actually were. Along with many other parts. Parts that I decide to replace later on. After straightening a few cable mounts on the struts, it was time to blast them to remove any paint and rust.
I then had to weld a hole that was on the bottom of one of the struts and used a belt sander to remove any weld splatter from either me or the factory. It was then time to etch, prime, sand, paint and lacquer the struts. Once all of the new parts had arrived it was time to reassemble the struts with the new parts. Luckily I didn't have to compress the new springs as they were so much shorter than what was in there. I wasn't and still aren't 100% sure what I do with those big long rubbers if I have the dust tubes and bump stops in, they only fit on top of the bump stops, not over. If someone knows if and how they fit in, I would appreciate it if you left it down in the comments. Once I was happy to leave it as it was, I tightened the spring down using a digital torque wrench adaptor. Once the disc protection plates and cups were back on, it was back on the car to attach the new hubs.
Firstly I had to attach the hubs to the discs to be able to get them on the strut shafts more easily. This was still very difficult. I found pushing the hub on a little and then pulling it off, leave the race behind meant that I could then thread the old nut on and center the race, then whack the hub and disc on knowing it's going on straight. It was then a few twists with the impact gun to tighten everything up. I'm waiting for a more power torque wrench to arrive to tighten those to the correct specs. Finally, I had to push two top caps onto the top of the strut assembly. This proved to be the most stressful part of the restoration, they just didn't want to go in. A small amount of heat and they were in. The restoration was complete.
Thanks for watching!
- Disclaimer: I am no professional. I am completely self-taught and would appreciate any feedback, advice or constructive criticism.
I don't add music to these videos so that you can choose to listen to what you like if you would like to.
#BMW #E30 #Restoration
Become a patron to win the Items featured in these videos!
Patreon - / restoreit
PayPal Donations - [e-mail] - If you would like to help towards more tools and projects.
Follow me on Social media to keep up to date with videos and giveaways.
Twitter - / restore__it
Facebook- / restoreitcha. .
Instagram - @RestoreItChannel
Patreon - / restoreit
Discord - I now also have a discord server if you want to chill with like-minded people and maybe learn something new. - / discord

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks for all the help on this one everyone. I wanted to let you know I now have a Restore It Discord server if anyone wants to head over and chat with like-minded people. The link will always be in the description - discord.gg/AXG3Xr - The hubs are being replaced with Febi, the rubber boots are on and the bump stops are in the right place and the right way round. Cheers!

[@luisperez5462]

I wanna see this thing completed

[@tiaguinho3941]

Incrível parabéns pelo trabalho.

[@akashdj2754]

Next video plz...

[@Uprise95341]

Restore It you should put some paint in the wheel well to avoid rust in the future

[@nochange_by]

Topran - suck

[@ethanputerbaugh7550]

I know this is a restoration channel but this is your car, don’t hesitate to replace something brand new. Safety comes first and somethings are best brand new than rebuilt.

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks for this comment Ethan. Actually the opposite kind of comment I was expected as I replaced A LOT in this episode. So cheers! I will keep this in mind.

[@ethanputerbaugh7550]

Restore It :) no problem! I’m restoring an old truck and a lot of stuff on it needs new items and there are some stuff I wouldn’t dare put back on due to its condition

[@lucasboulay238]

Ethan Puterbaugh don’t restore sketchy stuff. Replace with OEM parts

[@ethanputerbaugh7550]

lucas boulay yeah I know but some things you can get away with without worrying about it down the road or I get a better part off another truck that’s in better condition than mine but you’re definitely right

[@sypernova6969]

dude. restoring things includes replacing things that are too worn or broken. you did well in this episode.. I`m just surprised you`ll replace the parts you restored (or did I get the :i`ll change these later`comment)... they look really good. granted, not new, but great nonetheless.

[@HandToolRescue]

Excited for this series! Those holes probably added at least 75HP.

[@abdulazeez.98]

Awesome to see you here sir!

[@RestoreIt]

At least... I’ll be adding more and going for a total of 130HP increase.

[@PaoloMarcelli]

@Hand Tool Rescue Give him one of your wrenches! ;)

[@user-ym5mw8ft6d]

Weight reduction, bro!

[@randymagnum6680]

Zey are speed holes. They make zee car go faster.

[@williaty]

You need to reassemble the struts with the dust boots (black accordion things) in place. The dust boots protect the piston shaft from abrasive sand, grit, and stones flung up by the car. Without the dust boots, the piston will quickly become damaged, which will then rip apart the damper seals as the piston moves in and out of the damper cartridge. This will kill the damper cartridge QUICKLY.

[@MegaDirtyberty]

Meh!, well done that man for producing and editing videos of him restoring his BMW for all internets experts to comment on.

[@ArthurCheesebag84]

williaty good advice

[@cakeboss921]

@@MegaDirtyberty Science isn't subjective. There's a reason every car produced nowadays has dust boots for the struts.

[@MegaDirtyberty]

Is there also science for Internets experts telling people how to rebuild their car?.

[@jeffscomp]

The ones he has don’t fit

[@ericreuter899]

Hey, e30 owner myself, pretty good job, but i spotted you were using that beige foam with that plastic cover underneath as it was from factory. Around 17:00min. This is the wrong way to go with those bilstein shocks (because upside down). Get rid of that foam stuff and black cover and use only that flexible plastic you wanted to put on top at the beginning. The white ring you put on first is used to lock that flexible. Otherwise debris and dirt will damage the seals of the shock-rods. Hope you see this otherwise you might kill your new shocks very fast. Anyway keep up the good work👍

[@about19wookiees14]

Eric Räuter good catch I thought something was fishy

[@Mmoustafa99]

Thank you Eric Räuter! Its always good to hear from a different point of view. I own an e30 as well, so this definitely adds the support I need when I plan to do this job!

[@jogb9515]

Eric Reuter The 'foam stuff' are the bump stops, important. Not sure why the covers weren't going over them.

[@monicac906]

I think those mud boots are kind of important for the continued functionality of the suspension ? These videos are amazing and I’m delighted to be in on S1E1 !!! Keep up the awesome work!

[@drakeremoret3642]

Does the B4 have internal bump stops like the B6s? I don’t think they have. If not, he needs the external bumpstops.

[@mymechanics]

Those blue springs looking awesome with yellow and black! Good job

[@dreadmireironbound8418]

Car mechanic simulator 2018 IRL ( the car needed this, you're doing a great thing and putting it back on the road)

[@jackthatmonkey8994]

This is exactly the type of restoration I needed that I didn't know I needed Slow, no talking and in parts so no pshychological crap going on with videos being too long Perfect going keep it up!

[@jackthatmonkey8994]

If I may say so, taking a little time to think why something doesn't come loose properly might be a good one. Whenever I can't get something to fit I just boil it down to the one question that summarises the problem. Then just coming up with every little answer I can think of, and then crossing them out step by step. I learned this because I ruined one of the rarest parts on my moped this way. Took me three weeks of 2 hours per day surfing the net to get replacement. Not too bad, but also frustrating because it shouldn't have happened if I would just think straight!

[@about19wookiees14]

16 videos, 5 months, 250k subs. Your on to something here bud keep doing what you’re doing

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Vanguard! I’m currently sick from working to hard. So I really appreciate this comment.

[@jamilahmed7204]

Looking forward to the E30 build / restoration! 🔥🔥🔥

[@tinman7551]

I think those mud boots are kind of important for the continued functionality of the suspension ? These videos are amazing and I’m delighted to be in on S1E1 !!! Keep up the awesome work!

[@PJBonoVox]

Yeah, I think they're there to stop shit sticking to the rod and getting plunged into the fluid. Probably be ok anyway. Seen plenty of cars without them.

[@TheMartijn95]

BMW decided to change the design of the tubes to the shorter tubes (the ones he installed). The reasoning behind this is that the strut housings were more prone to rusting when using the longer tubes because dirt and water is trapped on the inside of the tube. Beside that, I think he might have installed the bumpstop upside down?

[@alonechannel1]

Man! im in love with ur restoration work specially when start restoring BMW's parts, my Grandpa said to me once "those people whom interested in BMW are the smartest and they'll go to heaven" i dont believe in paradise existing but i believe you have such a great mind Keep it up bro

[@Zogus100]

Paradise is real and your ticket into it is FREE: Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

[@Mmoustafa99]

Bless your heart man! I have a 1991 BMW 325i and a 1991 BMW 318is. Its tough to see old things becoming new again already and now your making videos restoring parts for an old bimmer on this channel!!! You give me hope when I watch your videos and when I work on my cars. Never stop making these PLEASE!!!! You got yourself a fan my dude!!!! :)

[@Jonnyban]

The size of that adjustable spanner is the sign of a true tech haha! keep up the good work

[@donnyice7112]

Great job restoring the struts, but the bump stop (looks like a chew toy for a dog) should be at the top and that accordion sleeve should be the middle section fitted onto both parts, thanks for making these videos, they've helped me with restoring my car

[@ilustrado7291]

Oh my good lord, a series!! HOLY SHIT! This is better than Netflix! Don't @ me.

[@samcash1691]

Excited to see the progress on this - my dad owned this exact car, bought from mole valley TVR around mid 90’s! Think we still have photos from when it was in his ownership!

[@bradleyburns255]

Great to see the history behind your e30! Loving this series so far and highly doubt my opinion will change!👍

[@M1LAD81]

Great video and pure attention to detail. One thing though, you need to put back the piston dust covers (the long black rubber boots). Your struts wont last long as they are there to protect the piston from dirt and grit which will make its way down to the seals and destroy the struts.

[@tesutv1847]

Im so happy to see that there are ppl like you :D

[@NietVerantwoordelijkTV]

I’m an System Administrator in The Netherlands and learning to work on my Mk2 Golf GTI thanks for making these video’s it helps me alot to understand things about the cars!

[@farhangusmar]

I've been waiting for this since the engine cover restoration!!!!

[@thescalefactorypl9932]

First person that I can find on KZbin that have this level of attention to details. Keep that good work!

[@H1web1Vids]

Project Binky

[@TheUberdude14]

Tommyfyeah

[@nile2566]

The fact that you are restoring a car makes me like your channel even more You should do a series on the car

[@2fingacriminal]

you know i dont really appreciate youtubers shoving ads in my face but this is a just cause so im glad you shoved an ad in my face

[@tkracing5945]

Yes ! I'm so hyped ! Great vid !!

[@sotirisl.6561]

Finally E30 reveal!!!🤩🤩

[@TheNassiepoo]

When I subscribed a few months ago it was just for the interesting and relaxing videos. The fact that you're an e30 guy is just an extra little surprised bonus. E30's for life!

[@urospetrovic5228]

LOL ! Those shock absorbers made me laugh how much worn out they are ! Great job, as usual @Restore It ! Cheers

[@GMAd-yc1vj]

I'm glad you bought some of the stuff new safety comes first when doing those power slides

[@dimitri7644]

This is a nice work. Bravo!

[@Stuntman707]

This is great! Really awesome to see the whole process. How you restore every assembly properly is satisfying to watch. You’re eventually going to end up with a good as brand new e30 and it will look stunning.

[@kinecty111]

Love your videos my guy! As an auto mechanic watching you work on your car is cool in some ways and in others makes me laugh and in way others makes me cringe and want to pull my hair and teeth out. Keep on keeping on!

[@gregboswell2843]

Such a commitment to a thorough restoration. Incredible! Have you considered putting a paint mark on each bolt and fastener to let you know you have torqued it to specs just like factory. Unless BMW doesn't do that of course. Cheers!

[@DominickNicolai]

FINALLY WE SEE THE ACTUAL CAR 😍

[@TheHelmarocKing1]

Can’t wait to see this series! Great job, man!

[@FrankWithanF]

Yes! This will be epic! Glad to see your channel taking on such a big project. You're going to hook lots of new ppl. Keep practicing those welds you're going to do great.

[@Skitungen]

Can you show us when u are repairing the rust holes?

[@RestoreIt]

Every single thing done to the car will be shown in a video. Be it me doing the work, or someone else. I can’t do everything as I’m not a pro. But yes every process will have its own video.

[@Skitungen]

@@RestoreIt can't wait! :D

[@Skitungen]

@Blake's Garage oof

[@aitorbleda8267]

Look for mustie1 to learn how to repair rusted panels, etc, example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bouxnZ2PlMlkhbs

[@muhsanbashir4967]

Good to watch keep. Up the work iam doing my e30 325i se up. Same way ever item clean up n paint n back. On motor n Road

[@WelcomeToTheMadness]

E30 gang! 🙌🏾

[@PaoloMarcelli]

Keep this videos coming, I've been following you and Hand Tool Rescue since months now, I love this genre of videos, and you're one of the bests making them!

[@homer_val]

Congrats! On making the list for best creator on the rise on youtube! That's a huge accomplishment

[@pomelodrive21]

love your videos, more please!!!!

[@debsigt8958]

Loved your videos awesome restoration would like to see more of your car restoration videos

[@RestoreIt]

Cheers! Loads more to come.

[@mantaship]

Gorgeous as always. The car is not ready for such a nice setup, yet. Keep going!

[@MikeHarris1984]

With all the BMW pars I've seen you restore, I thought there was a restore going on in the background. Amazing job!

[@mynioe3010]

Another great job

[@John_Carley]

doing the same e30 restoration at the moment mate, love your work favourite channel 👍

[@RestoreIt]

Sweet! Cheers John. Good luck on yours man.

[@John_Carley]

thanks man you to.

[@breakbeatfanatik]

Man! That is some top class restoration! You're giving me a lot of inspiration for my project! Much love from a fellow e30 owner

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks, man that's good to hear. Good luck!

[@arecksONE]

I watched your alternator restore. Fantastic. I don't even need to watch this to know it will be top-notch!

[@hassankariiim]

I haven't watched it yet but I know it is Awesome

[@RestoreIt]

Haha, too kind Hassan!

[@jayoliver3734]

Very cool to see. You will however be less than happy using Bilstein Touring shocks with the H&R springs. The shocks are too soft and too long to function together properly. They also lack the internal bumpstops that the Bilstein HD and Sport have making you use the external bump stop-which then prevented you from using the rubber boot.

[@harrykourm2462]

Ya Bilstein HD's are great

[@irishwristwatch2487]

I got so excited when I saw "episode 1, season 1" Your level of detail is great. And don't feel bad about the welding, it's better than mine is!

[@socialghost4400]

Fantastic and immaculate job as always! ...can’t wait to see more updates on the restoration. I’d love to see you do some body work, engine rebuild and/or interior restoration videos too 👍

[@ScottSellsSoCal]

I love your videos and content. I, also love BMWs. Question though- with the amount of rot on the body, why not complete all of that repair AND painting, rust control, before bolting on new parts? Keep up the great work

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks SoCal! Simply put... money, or lack there of. I’m bottling them back on for now but they will come off again for blasting , welding, etching, priming and painting of the chassis. Once I save up abit and can afford it. The big stuff is going to get done. Cheers!

[@ScottSellsSoCal]

Totally understand. You’ll get there!

[@sats7819]

Nice work buddy but you don't need to dremel the hub nuts. You just use a punch and bend them into the notch.

[@RestoreIt]

Oh, I didn’t know that. That’s why the old ones were bent haha. Thanks man. I’m getting new ones for when I get a bigger torque wrench to tighten them up properly and change out the hubs for a better brand so I’ll do them the correct way then :)

[@sats7819]

Excellent. No big deal. Love the work and love the videos. I'm currently tidying my old e30 m3. The struts are the next on the list. Damn UK salted roads!

[@Kobafied]

You didn’t do it wrong, you actually did it better than it needed to be done. Good job.

[@zillic2]

Yeah, great work! But those sparks could decrease the lifetime of the bearings.

[@sanjoligupta8213]

The car doesn't look very worn out from outside but........ The inside has you!!!!!👌

[@EllisBMX96]

So cool to know you’re an e30 guy too! I’m also currently restoring my e30 and I’ve been through the all struggles that you have been too. The strut tower cap got me laughing haha. Great work, can’t wait for more

[@goodrichgarage5657]

Love the videos. Looking forward to watching the restoration. Were those H&R's lowering springs by chance?

[@RestoreIt]

Cheers Goodrich. Yes they were.

[@nielsdef00]

i see that you are a beemer fan. me to btw

[@ghostassassin1107]

I'll never have an E30 M3 so this is what I'd end up going for. Nice job on the restoration. I look forward to seeing the rest.

[@grizzly9960]

I cant wait to see the final this is awesome!!

[@marvintpandroid2213]

Not so bad for a 30 year old car that had a design life of about 10 years.

[@RestoreIt]

I agree Heads.

[@anthonygillesse7242]

That car should last longer than ten years it’s the British climate responsible for the rust

[@marvintpandroid2213]

@@anthonygillesse7242 It's about how long they are designed to last. If you only lived in southern california and almost never drove the car then sure, it wouldn't rust and the wear and tear wouldn't be much of an issue. However it was designed to suit the road conditions of Europe and to be driven far and often. These cars were designed to be tools and not works of art. They wear out, simple fact of life. That said it is nice to see someone who loves his car putting a huge amount of time and effort into keeping it going.

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

Fantastic project to have! Love the E30s. I think the bump stop is upside down? Not that it's going to matter much 😉

[@fw1421]

You must have LOVED this car to do the amount of body repairs alone. Gonna be a lot of work!

[@khalidmansour4622]

I love your videos 👑☠🌷❤❤❤

[@coolissimo69]

looked Awesome, just corious why did you not use it ?

[@FTWClyde]

Great job dude that’s satisfying af

[@mobydoux]

That's a real pleasure to see you at work. Keep going !

[@Przemo2264]

E30

[@mahmoudmagdy8882]

I honestly love your videos, horribly great and awesome work being done there! along with the background natural sounds. keep on what you love doing!

[@diogostudy]

I'm Brazilian and I really like your channel when you paint the BMW wheels. 😀 (Sorry if the translation is bad, it was google) 😂😂

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Diogo! And very soon for the wheels.

[@user-jw4rg6yg3r]

Молодец, всё классно. Но зачем пыльник снял и не поставил???? Стойки долго не прослужат.

[@artemvlasenko5362]

Пыльники не налезли через отбойники, кстати отбойники где то долго на складе валялись и стали чернеть из за ультрафиолета, тоже не сильно долго проживут. Он снял их так как не дождаться новых и решил продолжить.

[@user-tj2hp5qz4p]

Странный порядок сборки. :-)

[@golostrusheb]

@@user-tj2hp5qz4p как то все задом на перед. в чем была проблема на цапфу сразу напресовать подшипник без тормозного диска)

[@PLJacktheRipper]

16:17 Restore it Did you put oil in the housing? The shock absorber gives off the heat more effectively.

[@tobydmv]

He used Bilstein touring which are gas charged. The manual explicitly warns you not to use oil with gas struts.

[@michaeldenton8610]

Wonderful work!

[@memorootoreto3311]

Thank you for sharing this! Very interesting to see all the steps in-between. Keep on your good work!

[@kentishbh]

The bump stop are not correctly fitted. They are upside down

[@srs_lol]

All the typical e30 rust place lmao

[@RobYeates]

my thoughts as well! How's the scuttle panel looking? :P

[@Mumbungua]

This car is going to be a work of art when finished. Awesome job man.

[@scottn7694]

Your videos are amazing! Great quality and appreciate the audio choice.

[@user-rq5ty4pt1z]

Вы молодец конечно,но пилить гайку смысла не было,это делается тупым зубилом или маленьким молотком,а то что вы не продули после пропиливания гайки и закрыли не хорошо,тот абразив что остался пойдет в сальник подшипника и убьет его,а потом и подшипник.

[@user-qu4nu8fj1h]

Да уж, местами прям перебор педантичности. Даже во вред. Особенно чувствуется неопытность при установке ступицы

[@lsd63]

Ещё частая ошибка при замене амморта. В стойку необходимо заливать масло, затем вставлять амморт. Это необходимо для передачи тепла от амморта к стойки и его озлаждения. Если не ошибаюсь, в камасутре об этом упоминается

[@rusgan75]

Почему гофру не поставил? Why hasn't delivered to a corrugation?

[@user-os7ts6ct7b]

потому, что рукожоп ))

[@cheetah7565]

И это реставрация? Все новое поставил

[@schteiny65]

You've got some serious skill! The videos are really well done too. Thanks for sharing.

[@Edothebest995]

Love your videos man, truly appreciate them. So excited for the e30 series!

[@markjeffels3327]

Thank you SO MUCH for posting this!! I have a 1973 2002 I am going to start restoring next year! I can't wait!!

[@whatchacookin1096]

Great start! Will be looking to watch and support this restoration.

[@fohatadri]

Such a beautiful work, well done sir!

[@BerzerkerGatzu]

Probably one of my favourite cars of all time, can't wait to see more.

[@sdavifcom]

I've been watching your video and am very happy to finally see THE car. There is a LOT of work ahead of you. If you keep going with the attention to detail that you have shown up until now, it will be superb. Good show!

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Serge. I’m taking this week off posting to make sure the quality stays high. Cheers for the comment.

[@elkillerx]

Nice work! Can't wait for more!

[@Wreck-Gar]

This is going to be such a long series..... I CAN'T BLOODY WAIT! 😀👍

[@1533x]

I love your videos! Greetings from Brazil.

[@spencerhudzenko3734]

Your channel is the love baby from Chris Fix and and Primitive Technology. I love it.

[@TheMeanestGuy]

dude, this is gonna be so freaking awesome, so pumped!

[@spookythvroach2534]

I love this restoration videos especially on my all time favorite bmw keep up the good work 👍🏼

[@rafaelmartins5520]

Nossa ! Que maravilha . Não vejo a hora da BMW estiver pronta. Parabéns pelo trabalho.

[@nabukhas]

Things getting more and more exciting Thank You :)

[@nikmcintosh1275]

I really like the way you show the detail and effort put into the work, even if it's in fast-motion. Too many resto/repair/mod videos gloss over the hard slog. Can't wait to see you go to work on that rust!

[@the_perigoso]

i'm guessing this will become a 10 year super in depth restoration not complaining!

[@kjamison5951]

Another excellent restoration. Thank you!

[@saidmokhtari497]

Un vrai plaisir de regarder vos vidéos. Merci de partager vos expériences !