How To Install New Front Struts (and how NOT to): BMW Z3!

Today we'll install my new Koni sport struts. I definitely ran into issues on this project! Please check it out, I apologize for the length, but the devil is in the details, and there are many. Also, many thanks to Pat for his invaluable assistance!!
Koni sport strut (right):
click.linksynergy.com/deeplin...
Koni sport strut (left):
click.linksynergy.com/deeplin...
Lemforder upper strut mount:
click.linksynergy.com/deeplin...
Fel-Pro Gasket Material:
amzn.to/463sYF3
Full disclosure:
I am an Amazon affiliate, and an ECS affiliate, if you order using my links I will earn a small commission. It will not cost you more, however; thank you!
More about spring compression:
• Here's Why You NEVER M...
Torque specs:
www.bimmerfest.com/threads/fr...
Please send me pics and descriptions of your cars for Zed of the Week! Send a few high quality jpegs (landscape/16:9 format) and a brief description (year, engine, transmission, work done, etc.) as well as where you're from (and your name!) to:
[e-mail]
This is also the address for any other reason to contact me- look forward to hearing from you!

[@mainejason]

Great video! Thank you for showing the issues - it's never as easy as it "should" be with these old cars. Very well done, and congratulations for winning the battle!

[@MomentofZed]

Thanks! Appreciate that from someone as knowledgeable and meticulous as you are!

[@thomasz3coupe591]

The irish roadster is a real gem❤❤❤. And the northern irish does not look like a saved one. Good work! Greetings from Germany to the irish island!

[@MomentofZed]

They're both beauties!

[@anthonywalker7768]

Thank you guys , I love my Z3 , the green one is very nice also

[@MomentofZed]

@anthonywalker7768 thanks for submitting!

[@michellemenard2295]

Very impressive 👏🏼 👌🏽 👍🏼

[@MomentofZed]

Thank you!

[@user-dy5ih5nz2r]

I just did mine on the Z3 about two weeks ago. I also thought i could use the old springs but the shaft on the Koni struts was shorter than original. Looked it up and the struts and shocks from Koni if you read it on the ECS Tuning site are designed for lowering your car. About an inch and a half in the front and an inch and a quarter in the back. So I bought H&R lowering springs to go with the package. It is comfortable even being lower .

[@MomentofZed]

That's odd as mine were dead on the same. I was probably 4 or 5 inches away from being able to put it together. Pep boys had similar results when they gave up. I get lowering it, but I have enough trouble getting in and out as it is. 😀

[@taiello]

I did mine a year ago and ran into a similar issue with compressing the spring. Just watched a video that showed compressing the top with the spring replacing everything and the decompressing. It was on an E90 but similar setup. It was the 50s kid if you are interested.

[@MomentofZed]

Thanks! I'll check that out.

[@thomasz3coupe591]

Nice Video again. I already waited for it the last week 😁 Sometimes it's better to leave the tricky works for the professionals. The spring compression can be dangerous, when you don't know exactly what to do.

[@MomentofZed]

Agreed! You'll see why the huge delay in next week's vid.

[@thomasz3coupe591]

​@@MomentofZedI'm always looking forward to Sunday evening CET for a new MoZ video❤

[@rudes4124]

I have stayed away from the spring part by buying preloaded replacements for my other vehicle's. I will have to see what happens when I do my Z as its got the mileage and just needs the work. Well done!

[@MomentofZed]

Thanks! If you find a set you like, please comment!

[@rx7driver1]

Hopefully you’ll get it finished soon…love the vids! I purchased the Bilstein B12 Pro kit sold by FCP Euro. I removed the original struts myself but I paid a local shop to install the new Eibach springs from the kit onto my new struts. I didn’t like spending $150 for something I could’ve done myself but I’m glad I did. I’ve heard too many horror stories from folks compressing springs.

[@MomentofZed]

Best 150 you ever spent!

[@CoolcatsAlley]

Great video Mark. Definitely a project I'm not looking forward too. I'll keep working on what I got planned and hopefully I won't have to deal with my suspension for a bit longer.

[@MomentofZed]

Good luck! Look forward to your next!

[@walterreil4001]

You certainly gave it the old College Try, Mark! Difficult work! As others have indicated, from seeing your experience, since I do not have all of the necessary equipment or experience, and being very concerned about safety, I would elect to have this work done in a BMW shop. 😐

[@MomentofZed]

You'll be even more sure when you see the behind the scenes next week!

[@clerint]

I bought Bilstein B4 struts that I will be installing soon. I'm noticing that the shaft is sticking out much farther than the Konis you have, that might explain why it was so hard to get the springs on.

[@clerint]

There's about 9" of clearance between the spring seat and the mount base of the shaft with the Bilsteins.

[@MomentofZed]

Could be. The konis are identical to the stock units in every way. My buddy Marshall used bilstein and did it himself so maybe that's the secret.

[@clerint]

There are tools to keep the strut expanded, look up Laser Tools 5790

[@MomentofZed]

@@clerint thanks I'll take a look!

[@jimmyk6336]

My back was screaming just watching the video, honey can you rub my back down? Pep Boy's wanted a $100. bucks and struck out, what was the cost of the shop that hit the double / got her done? One thing I've noticed in all of your video's, you live in a very quiet neighborhood with the exception of Mark working on his Z3. Thanks Again for another informative video...

[@MomentofZed]

140, it is a very quiet neighborhood!

[@MicrobyteAlan]

Looks like a lot of work. Mine will be going to tires plus on Aloma in Winter Park. How do you know when it’s time for shocks, struts and bushings replacement.

[@MomentofZed]

Ton of work. More on that next week. If your stuff is original, you need it. Feeling from my front end was like riding on a marshmallow. Bottoms out on speed bumps is another sign. Tram lining, vague steering as well.

[@StevenSheeran]

Everywhere in Australia tells me that springs for my Z3 Roadster are impossible to find, that they are unavailable and I will need to get a set from a wreck. I know the lowered springs are everywhere but I want original height. After you mentioned them, I looked at FCP Euro and they do indeed have them. Have I just struck gold in finding them or are they lowered too? Hopefully you have insights. Thanks.

[@bartoszuczak5730]

how did you know what i need to do again ?? xd

[@MomentofZed]

E.S.P. !