Who has replaced their rear shock mounts? Hack?

[TD]

I just ordered the parts to do THIS- http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/html_techtip/techtips/rear_shock_mounts.htm

I'm planning on doing this this weekend and was looking to see how diffucult it was or if anyone encountered any specific issues that they could share with me in advance.

I think The HACK (Dan) did this a while back but I am not positive.

Regardless, anyone have any feedback/tips?

Thanks in advance.

Tom

[JPinTO]

Hack did it.

[JST]

Originally posted by TD
I just ordered the parts to do THIS- http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/html_techtip/techtips/rear_shock_mounts.htm

I'm planning on doing this this weekend and was looking to see how diffucult it was or if anyone encountered any specific issues that they could share with me in advance.

I think The HACK (Dan) did this a while back but I am not positive.

Regardless, anyone have any feedback/tips?

Thanks in advance.

Tom

Tom, I'd be little careful. At least some on the M3 board at the Org are of the opinion that it isn't wise to replace the shock mounts with the updated units. The logic is that if something is going to be the weak point and fail, it's better that it is the $20 shock mount than the sheet metal surrounding the $20 shock mount. Replacing that, if it did fail, would involve a lot of welding and other unpleasantness.

I haven't seen any hard data one way or the other, but you may want to ask over there and see if you find the responses persuasive.

[TD]

Originally posted by JST


Tom, I'd be little careful. At least some on the M3 board at the Org are of the opinion that it isn't wise to replace the shock mounts with the updated units. The logic is that if something is going to be the weak point and fail, it's better that it is the $20 shock mount than the sheet metal surrounding the $20 shock mount. Replacing that, if it did fail, would involve a lot of welding and other unpleasantness.

I haven't seen any hard data one way or the other, but you may want to ask over there and see if you find the responses persuasive.

Of course, the Roadfly search engine is hosed so, short of asking anew, I'm SOL. I figure this is a question that's been beaten to death, so I'm reluctant to ask.

But a quick Google search shows MANY references to buying replacement (and aftermarket) rear shock mounts for E36 M3s.

[TD]

Also, I found THESE DIY instructions- http://www.racepad.com/tech/bmw/change_rear_shock_mounts/change_rear_shock_mounts.htm

Any thoughts on changing out the shocks at the same time? I had been thinking about Bilstein sport shocks anyway. Would that change my BMWCCA autox classification?

[JST]

Originally posted by TD
Also, I found THESE DIY instructions- http://www.racepad.com/tech/bmw/change_rear_shock_mounts/change_rear_shock_mounts.htm

Any thoughts on changing out the shocks at the same time? I had been thinking about Bilstein sport shocks anyway. Would that change my BMWCCA autox classification?

Yeah, I think it would. Here is what the website has to say:

http://www.bcpl.net/~ncc/autocross/classes.html

As you can see, new shocks are not specifically mentioned, but I'd lump them in with new springs if I had to make a guess.

Interestingly, it would NOT change your SCCA classification. Your X-brace already puts you in B Street Prepared, and any shocks are allowed in Street Prepared so long as they attach to the original mounting points. The new shock mounts should also be allowable under BSP.

http://www.moutons.org/sccasolo/Rules/sp.html#s14

All of that aside, I wouldn't let your BMW autox classification stop you from doing the mod.

You are very ambitious. All I'm hoping to accomplish this weekend is installing my grille badge (if it comes in time) and washing my car.

Are you having any issues with your current shocks?

[SteveMD]

Originally posted by TD
Also, I found THESE DIY instructions- http://www.racepad.com/tech/bmw/change_rear_shock_mounts/change_rear_shock_mounts.htm

Any thoughts on changing out the shocks at the same time? I had been thinking about Bilstein sport shocks anyway. Would that change my BMWCCA autox classification?

Just curious but why Bilsteins? Konis seem to be the schitz and I plan to go with them when I do my shocks.

[TD]

Originally posted by SteveMD


Just curious but why Bilsteins? Konis seem to be the schitz and I plan to go with them when I do my shocks.

I'm undecided on shocks and have no intention of doing them YET.

As for the CCA autox, I received a response to my email asking them if these changes would affect my classification and they will NOT.

[nate]

I have spoken with some guys that had E46 mounts on thier E36 M3s...

They were pleased with them :)

I doubt this helps you :dunno:

[TD]

Well, I ordered the E46 mounts and plan on installing them on Saturday. We'll see how it goes and what difference, if any, it makes.

Since The HACK has performed this mod, I was looking for his assesment of it's difficulty. But apparently The HACK does not visit the DIY board (ironic, eh?).

I guess I'll have to email him.

Thanks though.

[JoeCinVa]

These links should be explanatory enough but if you need help, give me a ring. I live in the area. It's really easy. The only nuisance is you have to remove the L & R trim covers in your trunk to access the shock mount nuts.


http://home.earthlink.net/~r_tech/cars/suspension_upgrade_p2.html

http://bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3476

http://www.logun.org/suspension.htm

[JST]

This was just posted on the Org. Looks extremely comprehensive.

http://www.bmw-m.net/TechProc/H&R%20COILOVER%20INSTALL%202.0.pdf