Shock compatibility

D

Derek Connor

New member
 Sussex
Hi, Newbie here, so hope I'm posting this question in the correct manner!

I am replacing the front shocks on my E86 Coupe SE but notice that with the wheels off the ground and shock fully extended, the amount of rod visible is about 15cm (approx distance between top and bottom plates). The new shocks extend themselves to about 10cm and don't seem to want to go any further. The old shock is BMW 3131 6777023 (LHS), the new is Sachs 3137 551 which the manufacturer lists as compatible.

Do I have a problem? Maybe the rod can be persuaded out further? I wondered if SE models have the same part as Sport models?

Grateful for any advice!
 
They will go further, its just that your old ones are knackered and have no damping left. When you get them off the car try and compress them by hand, it shouldn't be possible but you'll be able to.
 
They'll go further. But it's a pig to fully extend them. And if you're planning on DIY spring compression, rather terrifying. Found this out sorting the dampers on my son's E90. So much so that we went to a garage to assemble the second strut.
 
Thanks both for the tips. How would you go about extending them out as pulling manually isn't moving them at all? I would note that were they extened any further, they wouldn't have fitted in the boxes they were supplied in!
 
Derek Connor said:
Thanks both for the tips. How would you go about extending them out as pulling manually isn't moving them at all? I would note that were they extened any further, they wouldn't have fitted in the boxes they were supplied in!
Click to expand...
I Held the damper, the youthful lad pulled the rod and clamped with one of these.

Laser 5791 Clamp for Strut Insert Pistons, Black : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

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As mentioned by @Rockhopper, you'll need to squeeze the spring quite substantially (a lot more than say a Ford or Vauxhall spring)
 
If the Sachs part matches your VIN, you should be fine. New gas shocks often sit shorter off the car and extend properly once installed.
 
Front shocks on these need a proper compressor. The hook type will bottom out long before getting the shock anywhere near the top mount hole and pulling the shock out will be difficult at best as there's nothing to grab hold of.
 
Thanks again for all the feedback, I think I have a good grasp of the situation now. Sod's law that first attempt at this is on one of the most awkward cars to do the job on! Strut clamp has been ordered (thanks @CuppaTea) as I can push the rod out almost to full extent using a pair of bar clamps in 'expand' mode, pushing against the top plate. Once in place, I'll ponder what kind of spring compressor I'll need ...
 
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