Just installed a full kit from Strut Monkey (Koni FSD with Eibach springs) along with a full M3 control arm upgrade front and rear. Be sure to double check the torque settings on the lower shock mounting nuts after install and alignment if you have any subtle "clunking" sounds. It's easy to overlook. If the rear end feels squirly and loose after upgrading then it is your subframe bushings that need replaced/upgraded. Might be worth looking at doing at the same time so you don't have to redo all the work later in the rear. Overall Sturt Monkey made it super easy. I would have liked it they had offered upgraded poly top shock mounts instead of the basic foam bump stops/mounts as I would have went with them instead. Overall though, they made it a straight forward install.
Great tutorial. I say "tutorial" because I've watched several "videos" on this particular task and how many do you think ever mentioned the alignment pins? How many do you think actually showed what the bushing on the control arm looks like? How many do you think showed the alternative way of accessing the rear spring mount in the trunk? Again I say "GREAT TUTORIAL!!!" Yes, I know all caps and extra exclamation points is interpreted as screaming...... I AM!!! lol What kind of grease do you use?
Great video. This is gonna be great to use when I do the same job on mine. Could you do a video on replacing control arms and wheel bearing as well for the E90?
Thanks for the video! Just fitted this myself. The tips with the wiring and where to tuck everything were very much needed. Great description. For anyone considering doing this, do it! The sound is incredible now 😊
Are there any special tips for the front struts on AWD? Are you able to push down the knuckle far enough to remove the strut without messing up the axle?
Is there a reason to install the rear strut AFTER the control arm is bolted back up to the knuckle? Could the strut install be easier if it was still hanging loose? What torque spec for the nylock nuts? Thanks for this great video - already did my fronts. Cheers!!
Isnt the additional shock absorber 31336767333 and the protection tube/ boot 31331094749 you say needs to be sourced separately, isnt it built in the Bilstein kit? the blue protection tube and the bump stop is inside. Are you referring to OEM struts? or Shoud that black protector and bump stop be added to the front struts? I didnt see you adding them despite saying you need to source them.
My sm300 kit just came in today. I’m excited to go slap it on now. I watched your video to see some tips and tricks and made a tool list from it as well. Will report back 🫡🤝
I love how every video doing this suspension conveniently doesnt do the driver side where there is a lip in the cup for the shock to go through and after market struts done fit past it. Ive been trying to find a video showing what to do
@bradtourt both sides were the same. There was a ridge at the bottom of the strut boot where the new strut will not slide past it even if you use something to spread it open, I had to completely grind it out with a grinding wheel which took forever. Had to do it on both sides. I have a 2009 328i xdrive so I don't know if that's what made the difference but it made it a complete pain in the ass.
So when you install do you tighten bolts under ride height or wait a few weeks to do so. Also does the suspension settle that much after a few weeks. Just installed mine along with new rubbers but the rear sits higher than front 😂. The suspension looks stock atm 😢
Thanks a lot ! 100% detailled and accurate video ! I'm now much more confident to DIY my shock absorber myself. I'm considering installing B8 as well. I'm just curious about the comfort, how is it compared to before ? Is the ride not too harsh after your upgrade ?
Question on the lower main strut nut I'm trying to torque mine to 27ft lbs but it feels like it's just continuing to sping. What gives? My torque wrench never gets tight at all and the strut itself doesn't seem to be spinning?
As someone who has lowered several cars in my driveway with spring compressors there is nothing wrong with spring compressors. You just can't be a complete moron!!! Very nice kit but I like my fillings in my teeth...
Received my kit yesterday and changed the struts and got one side done on the rear. I’ll got the tool for the struts and it makes it easy. Mine came with caps so no need to swap. I had problems lining up the hind joint for the bolt to go back. The front of the swing arm would not align. Had like a crescent moon overlap. Finally hit upon using a ratchet strap to pull it forward and that got it close enough to get the bolt through. Sometimes a 20 min job becomes a 3 hour job because of one bolt😅
![[DIY] How To Change Your Front Suspension on a BMW 3 Series - Bilstein B12 PRO [E90, E91, E92, E93]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/A9_3BGOiec8/mqdefault.jpg)
![[DIY] How To Change Your Front Suspension on a BMW 3 Series - Bilstein B12 PRO [E90, E91, E92, E93]](/img/tr.png)
It's crazy how many videos there are of people installing the rears wrong. Your video actually goes through it in detail 👌🏾
Thank you very much!
@@bradtourtwhat about the pre load on the shock?
@@wisemysticaltree5469 what do you mean by this?
@@wisemysticaltree5469you dont pre load them. Just seat them and tighten.
This is the best video on how to do this process. Easily the best for a beginner. Thanks
I'm glad I could help (:
It's a shame that you don't make more mechanic videos. I can tell that you're a great mechanic. One can learn a lot from you.
More videos are in the works, thank you!
Just installed a full kit from Strut Monkey (Koni FSD with Eibach springs) along with a full M3 control arm upgrade front and rear.
Be sure to double check the torque settings on the lower shock mounting nuts after install and alignment if you have any subtle "clunking" sounds. It's easy to overlook.
If the rear end feels squirly and loose after upgrading then it is your subframe bushings that need replaced/upgraded. Might be worth looking at doing at the same time so you don't have to redo all the work later in the rear.
Overall Sturt Monkey made it super easy. I would have liked it they had offered upgraded poly top shock mounts instead of the basic foam bump stops/mounts as I would have went with them instead.
Overall though, they made it a straight forward install.
Great video. Had to use a T30 to hold the rear Biltsen shock while installing and a drive socket 6 on the factory shock.
Excellent instructions w tool break down. Step by step review leads to less apprehension. Captain you guys rock. Sincerely Marc
You know exactly what you doing even extra little details that other videos didn’t mention. Thank you!
Glad I could help!
I'm just about to buy a SM kit for my '08 E90 sedan. This video will be watched many times
Great tutorial. I say "tutorial" because I've watched several "videos" on this particular task and how many do you think ever mentioned the alignment pins? How many do you think actually showed what the bushing on the control arm looks like? How many do you think showed the alternative way of accessing the rear spring mount in the trunk? Again I say "GREAT TUTORIAL!!!" Yes, I know all caps and extra exclamation points is interpreted as screaming......
I AM!!! lol
What kind of grease do you use?
I just need the front pair strut complete assembly for now then I’ll do the rear but I need the link for only the front
Great video. This is gonna be great to use when I do the same job on mine. Could you do a video on replacing control arms and wheel bearing as well for the E90?
Thanks for the video! Just fitted this myself. The tips with the wiring and where to tuck everything were very much needed. Great description.
For anyone considering doing this, do it! The sound is incredible now 😊
How the ride comfort ?
Very useful explanation. Can you tell me the location of the duspension control module gor e66 bmw.
Wow ! Incredible coaching and video shots and pro tips ! Thanks for sharing your knowledge .
Are there any special tips for the front struts on AWD? Are you able to push down the knuckle far enough to remove the strut without messing up the axle?
Is there a reason to install the rear strut AFTER the control arm is bolted back up to the knuckle? Could the strut install be easier if it was still hanging loose?
What torque spec for the nylock nuts?
Thanks for this great video - already did my fronts. Cheers!!
Very comprehensive vid, thx
@@scottweedman4575 no problem at all
I wouldn’t need the bump stop for the Bilstein Shock right ?
Isnt the additional shock absorber 31336767333 and the protection tube/ boot 31331094749 you say needs to be sourced separately, isnt it built in the Bilstein kit? the blue protection tube and the bump stop is inside. Are you referring to OEM struts? or Shoud that black protector and bump stop be added to the front struts? I didnt see you adding them despite saying you need to source them.
I am saying that you need to source these if you are building your own kit. However it's included in the kit with no additional hassle.
@@bradtourt thanks!
Is it required/recommended to put a set of adjustable sway bar links for the lowered springs?
@@user-wp8rv9cb1t it's not. Most of the aftermarket links are not good for daily driving
My sm300 kit just came in today. I’m excited to go slap it on now. I watched your video to see some tips and tricks and made a tool list from it as well. Will report back 🫡🤝
Awesome! You'll love it
That's exactly how I would have put it in say buddy what's the difference between the yellow blistine and the black one
Would this be the same process for a e92 328i
What socket did you use to hold the rear stock when removing it from the car.
I believe I used pas through sockets and a 6mm. www.walmart.com/ip/Bostitch-BTMT72287-65-Piece-Pass-Thru-Socket-Set/25440928
I love how every video doing this suspension conveniently doesnt do the driver side where there is a lip in the cup for the shock to go through and after market struts done fit past it. Ive been trying to find a video showing what to do
They should be the same for both sides. Feel free to send me a PM on instagram
@bradtourt both sides were the same. There was a ridge at the bottom of the strut boot where the new strut will not slide past it even if you use something to spread it open, I had to completely grind it out with a grinding wheel which took forever. Had to do it on both sides. I have a 2009 328i xdrive so I don't know if that's what made the difference but it made it a complete pain in the ass.
@@SupraRyif you didn’t buy the xdrive version that was your problem most likely
So when you install do you tighten bolts under ride height or wait a few weeks to do so. Also does the suspension settle that much after a few weeks. Just installed mine along with new rubbers but the rear sits higher than front 😂. The suspension looks stock atm 😢
Any suspension bolt with rubber needs to be tighten under load/ride height. And yes they will settle some.
Thanks a lot !
100% detailled and accurate video !
I'm now much more confident to DIY my shock absorber myself.
I'm considering installing B8 as well. I'm just curious about the comfort, how is it compared to before ? Is the ride not too harsh after your upgrade ?
B8 will be firmer than stock, but it's not going to be too harsh
Question on the lower main strut nut I'm trying to torque mine to 27ft lbs but it feels like it's just continuing to sping. What gives? My torque wrench never gets tight at all and the strut itself doesn't seem to be spinning?
@@KnuteJPhotos front or rear?
@bradtourt rear lower main strut nut. Not the mount torx nuts
@@KnuteJPhotos you should hold the shock to prevent it from spinning when you are tightening it.
@@KnuteJPhotos if that doesn't work, just tighten it by hand
Outstanding vid.
Great video subscribed
Thank you, I appreciate it!
Excellent video! Question about the pass through socket: what did you use to keep the shock stationary? Is that part of that Bostich kit?
Thanks
Some use a socket or an Allen
Will these fit the 328i
Yes sir
This isn't an AWD 3 series, is it? I imagine the extra driveshafts make things more difficult.
It's not, it's rwd
What size chisel? Is that ?
A big one. I am not too sure, maybe 3/4 one.
Yes please
which model of billstein you used bro
B8
The money that used to go to my teenager's college fund not goes to Strutmonkey.
Ahhh. This is a rwd. I have an awd. I'm like why does this look so easy? Haha.
335d !!!
As someone who has lowered several cars in my driveway with spring compressors there is nothing wrong with spring compressors. You just can't be a complete moron!!! Very nice kit but I like my fillings in my teeth...
I agree, however the kit just makes it easier for the DIY guy
Hi, I have the sport suspension on my e90. I don't want to lower anything, I could go higher, specially in the back. What do you recommend?
Check out www.strutmonkey.com for all of our BMW suspension kits!
which model of billstein you used bro
B8 is this one
Does the website not work anymore. Everytime I click on the kit I want. The page doesn’t load
@@user-xm6oq9gz9u try doing a contact link. I just ordered this week.
Received my kit yesterday and changed the struts and got one side done on the rear. I’ll got the tool for the struts and it makes it easy. Mine came with caps so no need to swap. I had problems lining up the hind joint for the bolt to go back. The front of the swing arm would not align. Had like a crescent moon overlap. Finally hit upon using a ratchet strap to pull it forward and that got it close enough to get the bolt through. Sometimes a 20 min job becomes a 3 hour job because of one bolt😅
@@timprussell yea got mine installed already