Bilstein shocks for an 89 535I

[rockin1978TA]

I'm sure this has been asked before, but I couldn't locate it in the archives.
I found some bilstein front struts for sale on ebay, and they are part#P36-3021. These have the 19mm nut and use a 2.5 dust cover. My 89 535I, has a 17mm nut. I measured the threads and its about 7/16 to 1/2 inch(sorry I'm used to working on old pontiacs, so I'm not completely metric yet). Problem is I can't measure the diameter of the shaft that goes in the bearing housing because it's still mounted on the car. The guy told me the theads measure 12mm on the Bilsteins, and 14mm on the shaft. Has anyone used these on an 89 535i with a build date of 11/88? I think these might of been changed before and they just used a smaller nut.The car has 200500 miles on it, and looks like the nuts have been removed before, due to some rounding on a couple corners.

[dennyg]

The 1989 year is different from all other years. Mine has the 17mm wrench size. You have to buy struts for this yr model. Maybe someone else has idea how to use them but I would stick with stock.

[Ken35i]

The fronts are bigger than the rears. I just have Bilstein Gas on my car. The fronts are M12 threads (19mm socket) and the rears are M10 threads (17mm socket). Can't tell you the diameter of the shaft though.

[632 Regal]

the bilsteins are turned down and will fit, they supply a spacer shim for the later cars.

edit: the size of the nut is irrelevant

[rockin1978TA]

This set is used, so he doesn't have a shim. So if I bought them, I'd either have to get a shim or get new mounts correct?

[632 Regal]

yours takes the smaller threaded part correct? If so they should work without the shim. On my 94 I needed to use the shim/spacer thing. used billies huh? Mine blew pretty fast (withing a month or 2) and were brand new. Went to boge/sachs turbo and would NEVER go back.

This set is used, so he doesn't have a shim. So if I bought them, I'd either have to get a shim or get new mounts correct?

[rockin1978TA]

Yeah, mine has smaller thread. I spoke with the guy, and he guarentees them. $99 for the front set. I normally wouldn't buy these used, but moneys tight, and the passenger side is real bad. Thanks for the help.

[rockin1978TA]

When I replace the front struts, I read earlier last week that the bottom bolts can be real tight. Is it suggested to heat them first before trying to remove? Also, I'm on a tight budget with this, which I know isn't heard of in the BMW life, but how can I tell if the mounts need to be replaced?