Suspension Refresh

[JetErick]

What’s up guys, currently in the process of buying parts for a suspension refresh and I wanted to see if you guys can give me some suggestions of items that need to be changed.

I purchased some Konis as well as H&R springs. I’ve bought bushings such as RTABs, outer ball joints, inner bushes (wishbone), inner bushes (camber arms), and front control arm lollipops.

What else would you guys recommend I order before doing the refresh? Trying my best to slowly buy parts to maintain the M3.

appreciate the help guys

[oceansize]

The below will get you started, particularly post 4 from the first thread I listed:

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...ing-suspension

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https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...gs-oe-and-poly

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https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...ushing-refresh

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https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...tab-to-go-with

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https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...shocks-springs

[JetErick]

Thanks a lot Oceansize! Appreciate it

[oceansize]

Not saying to buy these kits but gives you something to think about:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...3172282484kt6/

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https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...3172282484kt4/

[Mystic3]

I see the calling for paper gaskets between the body and the rear shock mount.
Is this truly required, and if so why?

[oceansize]

I see the calling for paper gaskets between the body and the rear shock mount.
Is this truly required, and if so why?

I think the idea is to keep something between the two metal surfaces. I've also read some guys even grease the paper a little to prevent rust. Maybe prevents some squeaking as well.

[eacmen]

I see the calling for paper gaskets between the body and the rear shock mount.
Is this truly required, and if so why?

I believe there is a rubber pad that goes between the body and rear spring. I believe this is mostly to reduce NVH and to prevent the spring from rubbing off any coating on the body.

[WoGGo]

I see the calling for paper gaskets between the body and the rear shock mount.
Is this truly required, and if so why?

Gasket comes with the Meyle HD RSM part:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-shock-mount-e36-e46-hd-33521092362my

[WestBankM4]

To keep this thread alive and updated since I'm in the process of finishing up my parts list, these are the parts I've gathered from what I've read. Anyone want to add anything for a car that has 100K plus on the OEM suspension components, I can edit this.

Front Lower Control Arms (must buy whole unit, can't replace individual bushings/parts)
Front Tie Rods
Steering Rack / Tie Rod Boot
Front Sway Bar Bushings

Rear Trailing Arm Bushings (RTABs) (preferably monoball, CMP, Turner, etc.)
Rear Trailing Arm Ball Joints
Subframe Bushings (preferably solid)
Rear Differential Bushings (OEM is great)
Differential Axle Shaft Seals
Differential Pinion Shaft Seal
Rear Upper Control Arm Bushings
Rear Lower Control Arm Bushings
Rear Sway Bar Bushings / Rear Adjustable Sway Bar End Links
Adjustable Upper Control Arm Bushings

I think I left a few things out as I'm going with a full coilover kit as well as camber plates, so it eliminates a few components.

[Tbonem3]

You don't NEED new control arms at 100k. Sealed ball joints go forever. If the rubber boot is torn, that's a diff story.

Rubber, like most of our bushings, is what goes bad around 60-80k or so depending.

[FBloggs]

The Differential cover for this car is replaced with a new piece if you want OEM.
E46 oem rear diff bushings are not available separately.
otherwise, the oem bushings can be pressed out and replaced with 3rd party poly.
E36 M3 rear diff bushings can be substituted but I understand that they may not be as durable.
E46 M3 front diff bushing is available, but replace the bolt while you're there.

[Feffman]

A set of VAC Race Control Arms: https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/c...ol-arms-e46-m3 😁