I have a 95 BMW 540i 6 speed and I'm in desperate need of new front struts! Can some one please show me what they look like or show me the ones I need I had someone look at it and said I bought the wrong struts. Does a cap twist off and you drop them in I'm just confused! Any help will be helpfull! Thanks
All the e34 front strut housings are relatively the same. It's the threaded end of the shafts that are different per year.
Yes that cap on top of the strut housing does screw off but sometimes due to climate need a bit more elbow grease to get them off.
As far as what type of strut insert (the strut itself) There are many to choose from.
However this is a complicated topic for there are various favorites. Here are a few:
Bilstein Sport
Bilstein HD
Koni
Boge/sach super tourings
KYB
OEM (mostly Boge/sach but IIRC they can be different)
Bilsteins: Possible the most well known and used. Can be harsh up front but iirc the sports are adjustable
Koni: the cheaper alternative to Bilsteins and are Adjustable. So you can determine the ride quality like bilsteins without the harshness.
Boge/Sach Super tourings: These are similar to Bilstein HDs but cost less. I had these not bad even when matched with sport springs.
KYB: Honestly I don't know much about them but a few people have them without complaint. They are cheaper then those above.
OEM: If bought from a dealer they possibly can be the most expensive. Doesn't mean they are the best of the best. Just oem equipment. As mentioned, some e34 models were equipped with Boge/Sach struts so see the above mention but add the dealer charge to them.
All this said, and not trying to be rude. Get a bentley manual. It will help you remove and install the struts as well as other maintenance issues.
Bilstein also makes a touring shock for the e34 that is reasonably priced and suitable for daily driving. I picked up a front pair for $80 ea a couple months ago. So for so good. We'll see how long they hold up.
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