BMW E46 Bilstein Strut Install DIY

[@bedoyaboy1017]

THE LEGEND IS BACK

[@SR-jz9wn]

He's definitely the "go to" guy for the e46.

[@martymeyer4125]

He's a BMW DIY guru?

[@AlejandroVillena0108]

"I can afford OEM stuff now." Love that. Keep it up.

[@drewdavid9672]

I've fixed everything on my e46 through mostly watching this channel. It's been perfect for a year now(that's a long time with these lol)

[@wallbreaker_9358]

Bought mine as a fun garbage car for a few grant, been driving it for almost 3 years now and it is still kicking more than the speedo shows and slides quiet well around corners. Best money i‘ve ever invested

[@VincentMMoore0]

Me too

[@mohammadaldahoudi]

No one will laugh at you Jason ! We got nothing but respect for you 🙌

[@tommylam3074]

Restored a zhp and you’re a blessing to the world

[@owendoyle5425]

Just wanted to say you gave me the confidence, as a high schooler, to buy a bmw. I’m currently doing a complete cooling system rebuild referencing all your videos. Thank you!

[@Justin-ld6jz]

Same here.

[@VincentMMoore0]

Same here!

[@SaltydogNC]

Your channel should win an honesty award. This stuff happens to all of us, and it is always great that you share it. By far you are my favorite BMW car repair channel. I bought my son a 2005 330 ZHP coupe, and your videos are always so helpful not only on what to do, but what not to do. I recently replaced his front lower control arms and spent two days trying to get a rusted frozen nut off that I eventually "split" with a Dremel cut-off wheel. A nut splitter wouldn't fit. I kept thinking of your videos and the crap you've encountered, and it gave me hope to keep going. To this day, your coolant video makes me laugh every time I think about it. Love your channel and your approach. You are a legend and deserve the title!

[@1FastLPTVolvo]

This is the same issue that Volvo 850/70 series cars often had when installing Bilsteins. For whatever reason they make the car sit a little higher with stock springs. That said, the suspension usually settles a little bit after a day or two so it's worth re-checking after a drive. Great to see you're back!

[@arubi74]

Your e46 has the sport suspension....which have shorter struts .. The first set that oembimmer parts sent you were the correct ones. I figured that out when I repalced mine on my 330ci

[@Harry244ful]

He’s back!! Yes!

[@javiermoreno4477]

I did this job after your first video. The only part I reused was the Spring after seeing the condition of your support parts . I like to use OEM supplier parts on my 20 year old car. Also installed the strut tower reinforcement plates.

[@hannesvoites4443]

Already put on Vogtland coilovers about a year ago, took a bit to figure out without you here buddy. Would not have had the inspiration to work on my own car without your channel though, which is the reason I did (myself) the wheel bearings, control arm bushings, swaybar endlinks, brakes (big brake upgrade) and e-brakes, abs sensors, all steering bits, pcv valve, tensioner pulleys and belts, plugs and coils, steering wheel cover and soforth. Was a good time, then flipped the car over the roof when you were gone and now I don't have an e46. Just slippery, not a flaw of the suspension.

[@rosscarstories]

Do you put vogtland springs on mtechnik shoks?

[@christianbarraza2899]

It's great to see you back, motivated, and happy to create a fun video. Keep doing you Jason!

[@jk12475]

Just was watching this as a visual preparation manual prior to doing this job on my 325 Vert. Thanks for putting so much time and effort into doing so many helpful videos for the rest of us. I think what you were experiencing with the Bilsteins is the new upper mounts. They tend to make the front of a car higher even if they are exact replacements. They take an awful beating over time and the rubber does compress as they age. When you had them all lined up on the bench you can see that the bottom spring perch is even with the other units, therefore your hard points are all equal. The longer shaft wouldn't matter, its the spring tension that sets the ride height. So if the top mounts are different heights from brand to brand, that would be the difference in ride height. The only mistake you made was doubting yourself!

[@omerduzyol8741]

Since your old struts were shot and had no pressure left in them, the new ones basically lifted the car up to the original height. Great & frank video and welcome back :0)

[@crzivan01]

I was under the impression that it’s the springs that control ride height and the shocks just handle the dampening. If the dampers had anything to do with ride height, I’d imagine there’s no way one could compress them by hand when they are brand new.

[@Bemaritohtori]

@@crzivan01 This was the case with me too. But I can assure that struts also affect the ride height. I used my original springs and my car used to lean right. Now its perfectly level and also higher. 👍🏻 My conclusion: they work together to control the height.

[@kouroshtashvishi5031]

I’m also installing my bilstein B4 shocks all round with Sachs springs all round on Thursday! Great video mate👍🙌

[@kouroshtashvishi5031]

Update: didn't go well. after buying the dam wrong ones the car was so high. I bought the standard springs and standard b4 shocks. my e46 is an se but apparently all coupes have m sport suspension! so that's why mine was so high. now I need to buy the sport shocks and springs. my old struts said sport on them.

[@luisorosguerrero3014]

@@kouroshtashvishi5031 im about to buy some new shocks sachs or bilstein b4 for stock standard suspension any advice? Dont want the car lower

[@BimmerAutomotiveEngineering]

Jason, I've watched plenty of your videos and you're one talented guy. I wanted to mention that when you replace struts (usually) you'd notice a dramatic change in vehicle's height due to the struts being extra stiff. I'd just wait on them to settle and you'll notice that they will slowly lower to the original height. ( I learned the hard way when I did my wife's E39. Keep up the great work! Ryan

[@ynebogatov]

Holy crap, he lives! Sadly I had to get rid of my E46 since I last praised one of your vids (it was claimed by rust), but still watching your content. Maybe one of these days you'll move to an e90/f30 and the cycle can start anew.

[@robertmills4268]

I just bought an e92, you should get one too so I have your guidance haha. Still gonna watch your e46 repairs even though I sold mine.

[@benwuebben5201]

Man this channel is so quality for fixin cars man you are a life saver for so many people

[@jedimastersteven]

Glad to see you're back!!! Your videos helped me so much with my Touring!

[@jacobacheson4702]

Yeahhhh another 50s kid vid!!!

[@RyanWilliamsNutrition]

The Bilstein struts have built in bump stops FYI (at least they did from my research when installing mine two years ago and a quick google now) hence why your front is sitting higher. You could trim your bump stops if you want to keep them or remove them completely. I had to look this up when doing it on my E46 M3, so it's an easy thing to miss on Bilsteins. Also, I wouldn't have done the job if it wasn't for your videos! So credit where it's due, thank you sir.

[@thebywall]

I've run into the same issue (wrong height/part number) ordering e46 struts from FCP, guess it happens to the best of us. Glad to see an upload from you in my notifications!

[@DMartCHS]

this is why you use Realoem.com first as your guideline then go to fcpeuro to purchase the right parts you need.

[@eldin9117]

It’s normal for new struts to sit a bit higher, my e 46 did the same thing after I replaced mine , give it a few days and they will settle in . Or just drive it over a few bumps and let it sit fir few hours , you ll see they will come back to normal height . Also your old struts were done for so you have to take in consideration that with old strut car was sitting bit lower then it should be .

[@tonys4751]

Thanks Jason for being transparent. Knowing what not to do is 50% of the battle. Working on these cars is like doing surgery that's why we love your videos. Moral of the story, stick with original BMW or OE parts to prevent your mind playing games on you.

[@ProperRepair]

Yes, yes, yes! Can't wait to learn more from you!

[@scotthumphreys5855]

I'm getting ready to replace all of my suspension shocks on my 06 330 ci. I really appreciate your time to make your 2 vids it's gonna help me a lot! Ty for your time we'll appreciated 👍

[@vietnagmane3877]

SO GLAD YOURE BACK MAN!!! The e46 community missed you! If you need recommendations, I’d love to learn more about the 325xi e46.. I know it’s different than 325i is a lot of ways

[@DMartCHS]

They are the same. Only difference is the all wheel drive, spring rubber mounts and Spring Ratios.

[@DMartCHS]

Another side note; you will need to wait a couple of days or a week to have the suspension to settle.

[@maxwelladams5114]

Like wait until you drive the car?

[@DMartCHS]

@@maxwelladams5114 you can drive the car normal but it take’s a couple of days for the suspension to conform to it’s normal setting

[@richardjohnson9702]

This was obviously filmed a while ago.... The automatic trans referral dated the video... Still glad to see ANY content from you Jason!!!

[@andrewlopez314]

The E46 guru is back, you were a major help for my oil pain gasket job.

[@chadriddle3517]

Jason!!! So glad to see another video!! Keep them coming buddy . Love the bmw content and great informational videos!

[@michaelblacktree]

What a pleasant surprise! Your videos have been HUGELY helpful in my E46 project. Glad to see you're back. 👍

[@Asot5xx]

Greatest suspension swap vid out there.

[@XPbIM3]

It will drop down a little, dont force it. Nice to see You back!

[@EverGone03]

welcome back jason. this video is too funny. probably the subtle difference w/ the SACH shocks is from the lack of light. will need to do my shocks for my wagon soon.

[@mariodelcampo8164]

Man, I really had fun with this one! Actually I just bought struts and shocks for my 325ci and you came up with this vid so perfect timing. I got a bit worried about the bilstein height issues... I bought the B6 references and I also think they will settle eventually a bit but I like the current height and I wouldn't like it to be significantly increased. Keep up!

[@ibrahimtaleb9034]

Man, I really enjoy your video even when I already sold my e46. It is really nice seeing you back on KZbin

[@petarnestorov8423]

After few weeks car going down. We wait for more videos :) 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@luismartinez254]

Duuude!!!!! You’re back!!!! Shout out for all the help bro you’ve helped me get my car back on the road without burning a hole in my wallet much respect ✊🏽

[@spunkyspy]

I literally ordered bilstein b4s yesterday, this video came out just in time!

[@DavidHarnadek]

Glad to hear your car is broken again. Missed your vids. And glad to hear your bathroom project is done 🙂

[@stylerunner2959]

The video I don't need but still watch 😎

[@jdamore44]

So much Happiness to see another DIY from the LEGEND.

[@bobbyr8071]

Dude, the new strut mounts make car sit much higher. It’s brand new rubber and not old beat up mount after years of holding up car weight. Same thing happened with my e90 oem front sus refresh.

[@vviiper]

A new 50skid video? An early Christmas treat!

[@gregorytolson4621]

Happy you are back! Your e46 videos easily apply to my e85 m54b30 z4 and have already helped me do the vanos and valve cover gasket. Just one suggestion since i know you are shaking the rust off making videos, i liked that you provided torque values for every bolt in your previous videos.

[@MattyMacPhotography]

Thanks for coming back

[@lephichung]

Glad you are back.

[@joaquimcaldas6999]

Nice to see you back on track man!

[@jonahcheatham1655]

No worries man!!! So glad you are back.

[@richardjohnson9702]

Thnx for returning 50!! You were greatly missed...

[@emaeder18]

The Legend is Back!

[@timothyer2447]

Haha I had the exact same issue as you, with the front struts riding high like a monster truck. I lived with that for 3 years, and started going to the track. Found an insane deal on a set of Ground Control coilovers so I solved my problem by buying that :)

[@hotchkess846]

Glad to see you're back Jason. It's nice seeing your videos again.

[@declanedwards1827]

So good your back, even if only now and again, with bilstein and others, they do settle slightly a little over a few months after install

[@pakiki]

Thanks!! So happy to watch one of your videos once again! FYI, in german, an S followed by a T is universally pronounced SH. EI is always pronounced ah-ee (like the i in „hide“). So in the strut case, it’s Bilsht-ah-een as opposed to bilsteen. See you soon!

[@DavidHarnadek]

To tighten a strut nut, use a long socket with an external hex. Put the Allen through the socket and hold it on the hex.

[@mariodelcampo8164]

Thank you, gentleman. Just searching for this.

thanks, i was trying to do it for hour, then serached for video and with this comment i realized i actualyl have that socket

[@vipereavp]

My friend The $50s kid is back for my budget build

[@reqinu1678]

Welcome back ! Waiting for more videos from you 😎

[@goose9238]

Wow! Talk about honest! Appreciate that! And yes, the legend is back! Just so you know Jason, I bought a tired 2002 325i two years ago, and your videos showed me how to turn it into a decent car for my kids. Probably spent way more than I should have, but hey, I wanted them safe! Thanks

[@Bemaritohtori]

Just installed a B4 front+rear set for my E46 last month! I'm happy to see you back Jason

[@kaiagee2743]

Im ho happy to see you posting again

[@bimmerclubsport]

As someone has said, you do need to bed them in so they may drop a little more. On my E46 330Ci Clubsport, I went with the Bilstein (pronounced Bil-shtine) B12 Sport Line setup that comes with Eibach Springs. You can see it on my channel. These sit lower than the M-Sport suspension although the Bilstein B12 Pro setup will sit around the same height as M-Sport. The ride is much firmer though but the handling is a lot better. The Pro setup is in between the M-Sport and the Sport Lines, I believe And good to have you back bro ! I keep my mistakes in too. They are important for others to learn from ! Keep doing what you do. You're channel is a gold mine for us E46-ers.

[@EnzoSw20]

Gald ur back in the e46 videos! I got some bilstines for my e46 paired with h&r lowering springs

[@EnzoSw20]

Bilstein b8 sport shocks and the h&r race lowering springs 2.5” drop

[@CrazyOneToo]

So so so glad your back!!! We really missed you and your help vids!!! Maybe the previous owner put lowering struts on it.

[@sweetsuductress]

Im going to like this video before even watching it, just because 50s kid is back.

[@CMDRRustyDog]

Wohoo! Great to see you back Jason !!

[@maxbradley9534]

Welcome back Jason, so good to have you making a video again. I think your problem here is that you do actually have the sport suspension on your car already so you have now got the wrong struts for it. Your springs have the red and white markings on which indicate they are the sport ones I believe.

[@bryancoyle]

For anyone that changes the left and right strut assembly, make sure you put them on the correct side. Didn't realize the struts were specific to which side of the car they went on until I ruined a pair of sway bar links lol. They look identical other than the sway bar link mounts being flipped

[@PyreneesBMW]

Glad to see you back!! I think it looks great in height even with the bilstein struts, maybe some shorter springs will make it look even better but i don’t know if it’s correct to install lowering springs on these types of struts 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@fly-navy]

Glad to see more! I successfully did a ton of work on my E46 thanks to your videos!

[@DarkSim712]

I replaced my strut mounts tonight and one thing to take note is that the old strut mounts may be flattened on the bottom end whereas new strut mounts should have a dome shape. That difference should give you about a quarter to half inch rise in height. So the total rise is not dependent only on the strut/spring.

[@iainfowler24]

Jason I had the exact same problem. I now have the exact same Sachs shocks as you. There was no ride height difference at all, my ci was handling like a boat. New shocks need to settle a bit as well. All the best, iain in the south east of England. 👍👍

[@kalibsima1450]

To the guys who hit dislike, we as the BMW community disapprove you 😂

[@nicholasnikbin8651]

THANK GOD YOU ARE BACK AND JUST THE VIDEO I NEEDED LOL

[@fryreartechnology7611]

I like the high stance. I have a 2002 BMW Z3 M Roadster and while I love the low stance and good looks I live in Arkansas and the roads are $hït for a low car. I have had my Z for 17 year and it is getting to the time for me to do it. I have the e36 front end which is just like e46 too. But I think once you put some miles on it, it could lower down some more. I see the 911 Safari’s and lifted Mazda Miata’s both with mud tire and think..... that looks fun.

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

Now I KNOW it's Christmas! ☺️ Great to see you wrenching again Jason! I've made so many mistakes over the years ordering parts lol at least I learn from them so it's all good. Your suspension will settle a bit don't forget so I'm sure it will be fine 😉 Happy Christmas to you and yours xx♥️

[@TheRealToybox]

I watched you before I could drive. Drooling over your E46. Now your helping get my clown shoe get back on the road

[@50sKid]

That’s awesome!

[@kurzjames]

CHRISTMAS COME EARLY BECAUSE 50S KID IS BACK

[@PRAGEETHKARUNADHEERA]

Excellent instructions on sprint placement on the lower spring perch. Every other video I checked on youtube did it wrong.

[@ronhipwell5543]

Perfect timing Jason, thank you!

[@JaybeTrucking]

I have saved so much money because of you thank you and welcome back

[@chriskennedy7534]

Sweet Installed Bilstein coil overs on my E46 recently Now can see if I did a 50sKid level job Ty for sharing

[@dyremk1]

The 330i probably has the sport suspension? And the longer ones are the standard ride?

[@piotrz.2052]

Is it really a new movie? I am so happy you are still making new videos

[@handleby]

In one of the repair manuals, Bentley I think, there is a table showing what the ride height should be and how to measure it. I think it's from the middle of the fender arch to the ground.

[@startingtech3900]

GENIUS MOVES! THE GARAGE IS BACK BETTER THAN EVER!

[@Runk3lsmcdougal]

You're the best, we're so lucky to have you

[@ericrigoroso4445]

everyone make a mistake you know and we learn from it. you did a hell a job. and i thank you

[@SharpTuskWorld]

Oh hell, that's been me every time I've gone to work on my e46, including this time! You get tons of slack here. I started working on my e46 4 years ago learning from your videos and would not make the effort to own it without them. The cost of repairs at a dealer is not worth it on an older BMW. It's running better than it ever has now. The inside rubber piece inside the spring is called a bellow. The wide opening of the bellow fits on the top of the strut cylinder. The solid rubber piece is the bump stop. The flat end of the bump stop fits to the bottom of the plate at the top of the coil and the other end of the bump stop fits into the top of the small opening of the bellow on the other side. The bellow and bump stop together cover the shaft of the strut. I don't know exactly, but I think you have the same mistake I almost made. When I saw that the bellows and bump stops that I ordered were small, I realized that they were the bellows and bump stops for the rear struts so I found some cheap ones locally. :( The car probably sits higher because you've been used to failing struts! I get why you loosened the control arm, but gosh, I remember putting on my control arms too well and without a lift, that was a b*****. The two bolts which held the bushing bracket (at the rearmost part of the control arm) to the frame were horrible to get to! That said, after I took off the sway bar bolt and the bolt at back of the knuckle, I got up to get a 13mm socket for the top and pushed down on the knuckle to get up. Yes, the knuckle fell. Fortunately I had already taken the caliper off and had it sitting on something off to the side. I always learn something! Curious, does it help you if we let a commercial play all the way through instead of hitting "skip ads"? I'll take a couple of minutes in return if it does & let them play.

[@philiplee7604]

I love GENUINE BMW part unboxing, aftermarket, not so much !!

[@imartynenko]

For those watching this, you suppose to stick the bump into the boot, there is a groove for it to keep it holding and then slide the whole thing onto the shaft. Jason did it backwards.

[@hawong00168]

Mistakes happen! We learn from it, hope others will learn from our mistakes. Thanks for your humbleness.

[@jenstornqvist4567]

The god is back!!

[@brintacornflakes7573]

very good DIY and whaddaya know ...The ribbed cable i have been searching my a** off for... haha .. didnt expect that on this DIY . Many thanks Jason . thumbs up ps: what i always like about u is..that u show ur mistakes..and dont edit it out...also the way u handle your mistakes. positive vibe all around.. u made me laugh at the wrong shock part Greetings From the Netherlands

[@lgrullon854]

He is back with more awesoness!

[@DonBMW]

Did this on E36 M3 and the suspension settled down about 1” after a week. Besides impact and loaner compressor tools from Advanceauto, 3 great tools for this job: paint market to align the spring, a Schwaben 21”socket w a cutout (let’s you insert Allen key while using a ratchet) and my trusty 1/2 SK ratchet.

[@dRew-something]

Great video, I'm thinking of putting Bilstein B4's on my bmw e46 325ci with oem springs but the ride height looks too high. I've read you have to drive at least 5k miles before car lowers a bit