Euro ///M Springs- what shocks to pair with them?

[wkohler]

M-tech suspension was optional on M535s. The cars all came with standard springs and Bilsteins, like the 535is here.

Bilstein in Poway, CA said they cannot get a technical drawing describing the specs and different parts in the assembly so they said they won't rebuild them since they don't know what they look like inside. I explained that at least in the case of my front struts, they are constructed just like the Sports or HDs but there are different factors inside as to whether or not the shock itself (which you don't see) is crimped together or screwed together, etc. Consequently, they also don't know if the parts needed are in stock or if they would have to make them, where the customer would be responsible for all machining costs and labor time on top of the rebuild cost.

[Freude am Fahren]

I was on the phone with them for over an hour and gave them all of the info from my shocks and they said they have no way to get a drawing for them so they won't rebuild them.

That's essentially what they told me when I rang them and gave them the numbers off your shock and asked for a drawing and they said no can do. They in fact went even further and said that they won't rebuild BMW sold shocks even if they are bilstein built. They will only rebuild Bilstein shocks bought directly through bilstein.

[Jelmer538i]

I've talked to Bilstein UK and Bilstein Germany and they could revalve my B6's (HD in US) to "M-tech" specs. (the US M-tech suspension with the short reds)

They also told me that the B8 (sport in US) have the same setting as M535i settings.
And they can revalve some shocks to Hartge settings for Ivo. They have the specs for that too.

But with custom valving, they told me that they need to know what i do with the car (street, race, rally) and they didn't guarantee me that I would like the setting! So revalving billys to aftermarket springs is better in the US and revalving to BMW/Hartge specs is better in DE or UK!

[Azure]

M-tech suspension was optional on M535s. The cars all came with standard springs and Bilsteins, like the 535is here.

Bilstein in Poway, CA said they cannot get a technical drawing describing the specs and different parts in the assembly so they said they won't rebuild them since they don't know what they look like inside. I explained that at least in the case of my front struts, they are constructed just like the Sports or HDs but there are different factors inside as to whether or not the shock itself (which you don't see) is crimped together or screwed together, etc. Consequently, they also don't know if the parts needed are in stock or if they would have to make them, where the customer would be responsible for all machining costs and labor time on top of the rebuild cost.

I get that the M-tech suspension was optional on the M535, my point was, if I run my old 535is VIN, under the strut diagram there is clearly marked "front strut, only applies to M Technic". There is no such M Technic part number on the strut diagram for the M535i - at least not if I run a "generic" M535i build, and not if I run my M535i VIN. There are 3 strut part numbers, none of them are designated M-technic, and none of them are (they're all standard). I guess my point was I found it strange that the M-tech shock is on the diagram for a 535is, but not for an M535i.

If they don't have data on the M-tech shock, do they have at least data on the M-tech spring, and would they be willing to revalve a standard Bilstein shock to "match" the M-tech spring? Maybe that'd be at least close?

[Jelmer538i]

I think you guys mix everything up.

M535i's have different Bilsteins than the US 535i and iS. The "M-technic" suspension was only an option for the US 528e and 535i.

[Azure]

I think you guys mix everything up.

M535i's have different Bilsteins than the US 535i and iS. The "M-technic" suspension was only an option for the US 528e and 535i.

The part number listed for a front shock on my M535i is 31321129243. A parts cross reference shows this as the PN for pretty much every other e28:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partxre ... series=E28

[Jelmer538i]

Yes, that is correct but these are different than the US M-technic Billys. Your number is for a Euro M-tech suspension and stock US suspension.

[wkohler]

Right. All I'm saying is that the M-tech springs were optional. The cars got Bilsteins.

Here in the U.S., you really aren't using a 535is VIN, rather a 535i VIN. I don't doubt the part numbers are different either.

[Azure]

Right. All I'm saying is that the M-tech springs were optional. The cars got Bilsteins.

Here in the U.S., you really aren't using a 535is VIN, rather a 535i VIN. I don't doubt the part numbers are different either.

You're right, the M-tech suspension was an option on the M535i, my point being, if I wanted to order the correct M-tech springs/shocks for the M535i, there is no PN listed for them on any of the suspension/strut diagrams. So what do you do, order the M-tech PNs listed for the US 535i/s and assume it's the same? How can you be sure?

You're correct re: the "535is" VIN, since the "is" was essentially add on equipment, but you get my drift.

[Freude am Fahren]

Right. All I'm saying is that the M-tech springs were optional. The cars got Bilsteins.

Here in the U.S., you really aren't using a 535is VIN, rather a 535i VIN. I don't doubt the part numbers are different either.

You're right, the M-tech suspension was an option on the M535i, my point being, if I wanted to order the correct M-tech springs/shocks for the M535i, there is no PN listed for them on any of the suspension/strut diagrams. So what do you do, order the M-tech PNs listed for the US 535i/s and assume it's the same? How can you be sure?

You're correct re: the "535is" VIN, since the "is" was essentially add on equipment, but you get my drift.

I'm confused. The correct PNs for M tech shocks and springs are known and have been discussed extensively throughout this thread. Furthermore, Bilstein website has noted specific M tech application on their suspension diagrams so what exactly do you mean?

[Azure]

I'm confused. The correct PNs for M tech shocks and springs are known and have been discussed extensively throughout this thread. Furthermore, Bilstein website has noted specific M tech application on their suspension diagrams so what exactly do you mean?

I suppose I'm asking if anyone knows why there doesn't show an M-tech suspension option/PNs on the diagrams for the M535i when clearly it was an option for that vehicle.

[Jelmer538i]

What do you mean with suspension? Shocks, springs or both?

The M535i always has Bilstein shocks but the lowered springs were an option.

[Chimi-Changa]

Soooo good question Azure- The Mtech suspension offered as an option on the USA iS's is the same as the Mtech option on the M535's? or different?

[Jelmer538i]

Talked to Bilstein DE again and they said that they don't carry any BMW setting information. They also can't work with BMW part numbers.

[harrypalmer]

I was on the phone with them for over an hour and gave them all of the info from my shocks and they said they have no way to get a drawing for them so they won't rebuild them.

May I ask which of your cars were you thinking of installing the rear shocks and what will you do now that they are officially unobtanium?

[harrypalmer]

I was on the phone with them for over an hour and gave them all of the info from my shocks and they said they have no way to get a drawing for them so they won't rebuild them.

That's essentially what they told me when I rang them and gave them the numbers off your shock and asked for a drawing and they said no can do. They in fact went even further and said that they won't rebuild BMW sold shocks even if they are bilstein built. They will only rebuild Bilstein shocks bought directly through bilstein.

Eamon,
While on the subject of shocks, yesterday I called Bilstein East in Mooresville, NC. 1-704-663-7563 inquiring "nicely" about their Gland Nut Tool to properly install my M Tech 31 32 2 225 662 front shocks and the guy couldn't come up with that number at all (I am not kidding you). Therefore I have these questions.

First: To address your quote above: How one does anyone buy directly from Bilstein when they don't sell directly?

Second: Both the UK and US Bilstein sites don't recognize this part # 31 32 2 225 662 (I assume this is due to being a BMW reference) So what part# could I give the Bilstein guy then?

Third: Can you or maybe anyone reading this, feel inclined to loan me this stupid "Gland Nut Tool" please? I will gladly pay shipping from and back to your place to 33138. I know the shocks can be mounted without the need of said tool, but god dammit I want to do it with this tool

[Chimi-Changa]

I have one- and can send it to you for installation loan. Should help put the right torque on them....PM me your address and I will pop it in the mail if you dont have a line on one already.

[harrypalmer]

I have one- and can send it to you for installation loan. Should help put the right torque on them....PM me your address and I will pop it in the mail if you dont have a line on one already.

Oh WOW! That's so cool. I will Thank you!
Jack