Bilstein B6 Strut installation in knuckle

[E46m3zcp]

Hello,

Can I get a few confirmations whether or not it's normal that the B6 strut won't go down in the knuckle up to the line that's on it?

The OEM sachs went down a couple inches below the knuckle so this looks a bit suspicious to me... but I tried hard and it's doesn't seem to want to go down.

Thanks

[Slideways]

There is usually an alignment dowel on the backside of the damper which lines up the strut to the knuckle. It slots in where the pinch bolt is located.

[E46m3zcp]

There is usually an alignment dowel on the backside of the damper which lines up the strut to the knuckle. It slots in where the pinch bolt is located.

Are you talking about the B6 specifically or just in general terms?

[Slideways]

Are you talking about the B6 specifically or just in general terms?

General terms, but those should have it; otherwise, you would have to eyeball the position.

[E46m3zcp]

General terms, but those should have it; otherwise, you would have to eyeball the position.

OK, to be clear I'm not asking about axial alignment. There is a line on a sticker that lines up with the rear of the knuckle. My question is about how low in the knuckle they should sit. There is no indentation at all on the struts.

[FBloggs]

Yeah you're ok, your install is accurate.
The body does not penetrate the carrier any further.
The factory, Sachs, and koni will extend below the knuckle.

[FBloggs]

Comparo:

[E46m3zcp]

Comparo:

Good to know, I am going to a track day next week end and driving at 140 with struts that are not mounted properly didn't seem like a good idea ...... 😨

[JamesSJ1]

OK, to be clear I'm not asking about axial alignment. There is a line on a sticker that lines up with the rear of the knuckle. My question is about how low in the knuckle they should sit. There is no indentation at all on the struts.

You're okay. I installed those exact shocks on my car in mid 2020. Axial alignment to the sticker, and they bottom at into the bottom of the knuckle, not beyond it like the stock struts. Also, don't run any external bump stop. The B6 has internal bump stops, which some users have also cut because they're too long for the travel setup on the E46 M3. FatCatMotorsports has a video about how to open them and cut the bump stop (they recommend a certain size + packers...you can research further and do what you want). I tried to open one of mine and almost stripped out the hex, so gave up and just run them as-is.

[Tbonem3]

You can also ditch the cad plated (goldish) washer that's quite thick that peovides a ceiling for the oe bumpstop, since you don't need it, which gains decent travel back when paired with lowering springs.

[K-Dawg]

I haven't installed them yet, but my B6s do have a small lip about 63mm from the bottom of the strut body. I assumed this is intended to rest at the top of the knuckle?

You can also ditch the cad plated (goldish) washer that's quite thick that peovides a ceiling for the oe bumpstop, since you don't need it, which gains decent travel back when paired with lowering springs.

The B6s are technically intended to be used with this washer, as it fits on the tapered shoulder of the strut shaft/body. I know that I've seen it specifically mentioned in some Bilstein paperwork or website.

[FBloggs]

I would recommend using the washer.
The washer will spread the impact load if there's abrupt,heavy compressive impact.
It will prevent the damper shaft from punching the inner sleeve of the rsm up into the boot.
That's why it is so thick.

[Tbonem3]

Pretty sure the spring takes the load, not the inner mount of the camber plate.

I've been running a washer-less setup with bilstein b6 and now MCS for a long time. I think you guys are a bit paranoid.

[Bry5on]

The bump stop can easily generate as much or more force than the spring on an extreme impact. Run the washer if you want to guarantee not pushing a strut through the hood

[Tbonem3]

The bump stop can easily generate as much or more force than the spring on an extreme impact. Run the washer if you want to guarantee not pushing a strut through the hood

The bumpstop is internal in B6.