Got one in work! Now I am scared. What to do....

[m3f_bmw4life13_0098c1d2b1]

Which one is better to install the e46 rsm + Z3 plates or just the GC rsm alone? Also will this affect ride comfort? How many hrs of labor? What else should I do while my mechanic is working on this? Sorry for all the question.

[m3f_bmw4life13_0098c1d2b1]

If you are getting aftermarket rsm's, i'd just get the GC's and be done with it.



The towers are a weak point in ours cars, just like the oil pump nut. It happens to some, others are fine. I don't think its a liability for bmw. If you think about it, the stiffer the RSM the more load is transfered to the tower. The stock rsm does what its supposted to do, be quiet, and provide give for the shock.

So is upgrading bad? You make it sound like upgrading would increase the risk of damaging the tower.

[m3f_m3fuz_1da011f372]

The GC units are a better solution than the stock RSMs that come in the car. Adding a Z3 reinforcement plate to the E46 RSMs is another solution. I chose the GC units because I had read good things about them.



The first thing to do is to make sure that its the RSMs that are the culprit. Trunk rattles can be caused by anything. In fact, when I replaced my RSMs, I somehow knocked my amp loose and it was rattling until I figured it out. Yes, the RSMs should be replaced if they are faulty, do a search and you'll find several threads dealing with the highs and lows of the RSM manufacturers.

[m3f_ubersnax]

i got mine from bavauto.. they're urethane reinforced but i didnt get the reinforcement plates. are the plates easy to install or what?

[m3f_bmw4life13_0098c1d2b1]

I was told that if you installed the gc rsm you don't need to add reinforcement plates? Is this true?

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

My stealer told me the shock towers (on Euros) were only a problem on 'older' e36's.



I had Z3 plates fitted (by them) when they replaced my RSM's.



Z3 plates in the UK were cheap ie less than £10 each and although the stealer said they were pointless I wanted peace of mind.



Define older, because the car that came in is a 98 model.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

i got mine from bavauto.. they're urethane reinforced but i didnt get the reinforcement plates. are the plates easy to install or what?



I believe they are welded to the under side of the top portion of the shock tower.

[m3f_SG_M3_d1201712b5]

The z3 plate just bolts on top of the tower, no welding.



I'm not saying a strong mount is a bad thing at all.



GC rsm's come with a larger plate than the oem z3. If you buy GC rsm's there is no need to buy anything extra.

[m3f_XqZme_b95ef34c93]

please please please dont make fun of me but what are RSMs?

[m3f_2k_889896e9da]

please please please dont make fun of me but what are RSMs?



Rear Shock Mounts :beer:

[m3f_Dakhar_517a2ad3bd]

I need to buy some of those Z3 protectors....



any suggestions... another problem is I have those JL stealth boxes in the way....



Looks like I will have to take them out to get to the RSM



bummer

[m3f_///sleeper_f29d08a5a4]

What does it take to diagnose your RSM's going out...I assume that if you put a shock through the tower you'll be able to tell from driving, but how do you know if you need to fix something back there before you're balls-deep in needed repairs?

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

What does it take to diagnose your RSM's going out...I assume that if you put a shock through the tower you'll be able to tell from driving, but how do you know if you need to fix something back there before you're balls-deep in needed repairs?



Look at the rsm's. Check for cracking in the rubber.