E30, E36, E46 Shock Absorbers Interchangeable ?

[AAM]

Dear OM & forumners, Just want to share n reconfirm : my mech. who own E30, E36 and E46 told me that the REAR shock absorbers for these 3 models are interchangeble/compatible with each other - plug n play. Is it true ?If like that can buy E46 shocks for the price of E30's.....:top: The front ones strickly NO.Thanks.

 

[fabianyee]

The rear top mounts are the same... as for the shocks, I think they are of different lenght... The E36 ones are longer than the E36, not sure abt the E46 though...

I know someone who use merc absorbers on the E36, he commented that it's better than the Bilstein B8 he had on previously..

 

[AAM]

fabian, thanks.

this could be good news for those who want to play around with height of their 3 series.

keen to try my E30 rear shocks with merc's........could be cheaper than B8!

 

[fabianyee]

I am using merc W124 (or was it W202) rear absorbers... just need to mod the bottom bolt hole..
can be a bit stiff depending what springs you're using... Actually the firmer springs complement it better.. Soft springs actually make it feel crashy..

remember that the suspension is made up of the springs and absorbers, they work in tandem.. But for me, APEX springs with Merc absorbers works well...

 

[gizmoz82]

the rear abs u also can use kayaba abs for pajero...so stiff n short stroke...hehe....

 

[AAM]

the rear abs u also can use kayaba abs for pajero...so stiff n short stroke...hehe....

like that no need to use sport spring laa bro.....he..he...he.....

how the ride and handling? .......is it too harsh & bouncy?

may be good for track & drift !!!!:top:

 

[gizmoz82]

like that no need to use sport spring laa bro.....he..he...he.....

how the ride and handling? .......is it too harsh & bouncy?

may be good for track & drift !!!!:top:

still need a sport spring.good for conering n drift...but not to comfortable.....but its ok for me...hehehe....

 

[alantiong]

Hi guys,
Most of the 3 series are similiar on the rear shock mount. And that is perhaps all that are same. The spring rates, rebound and impact are all world apart. So... do not be fooled that they are the same. it changes the whole characteristic of the car. We build them, so we know.. we learnt it the hard way so the bros here will gain from it.

Alan

 

[AAM]

use ori spring........change shocks only.

what say you ?

 

[nadzri_91]

pajero abs can use in e36?what type of pajero n need any modification?

 

[AAM]

pajero abs can use in e36?what type of pajero n need any modification?

gizmoz, where are you.

 

[gizmoz82]

pajero abs can use in e36?what type of pajero n need any modification?

can use but it damm low for e36.forgot the parts no...but u can check at spare part just bring the ori abs than try match the pajero abs...bcos pajero abs got so many model...

 

[AAM]

can use but it damm low for e36.forgot the parts no...but u can check at spare part just bring the ori abs than try match the pajero abs...bcos pajero abs got so many model...

Abs.....E30 or E36 or E46 or Merc 124 or Pajero....... lots of choice to play around.........:wink:

 

[fabianyee]

Abs.....E30 or E36 or E46 or Merc 124 or Pajero....... lots of choice to play around.........:wink:

u have to check the lenght of the strut, I tried to fit an E36 abs into the E30 but the tube is longer, left only about 2 inch of travel.. so can't do....

I experimented with W123 abs and it's freaking stiff that u can probably drive the car without rear springs..hahah... (anyway, got that pair for free, so just experiment)

Then I got another pair of free W124 abs from the workshop.. Owner changed out the shockers, it was a SACHS... It's stiffer than stock E30 shocks but not as stiff as the W124 bilsteins I used after that.. (oso got them free)... Passed them to another E30 buddy after I put in the Bilsteins.
I figured it's better to get the merc abs used (or rather seasoned) as it won't be as stiff. I had been using the pair of used bilstein W124 abs for 2-3 years before 1 side started leaking.. Bought 1 strut (similar bilstein) from the chop shop to replace it and even after 1.5 years, both sides still good... the other side have been in used for 3-4 years...

But beware when u used stiff shock absorbers, the stock rubber top mount would not last long... I'm actually using pillowball mounts so no worries of the strut poking thru or shredding the mounts into pieces...

Or u can get my custom rear shock mounts...

 

[Rastabimmer]

can use but it damm low for e36.forgot the parts no...but u can check at spare part just bring the ori abs than try match the pajero abs...bcos pajero abs got so many model...

Haha...bro lu sudah kasi pecah rahsia ujang,hahahahaha!!! Aku akan gitau dia secepat mungkin!!

If u're using pajero abs, u must mod rubber top mount lor...e30 top mount can't tahan sama batang pajero,haha! Manyak kerasss!:rock:

 

[gizmoz82]

Haha...bro lu sudah kasi pecah rahsia ujang,hahahahaha!!! Aku akan gitau dia secepat mungkin!!

If u're using pajero abs, u must mod rubber top mount lor...e30 top mount can't tahan sama batang pajero,haha! Manyak kerasss!:rock:

tapi itu part no x tahu....abs pajero byk jenis...huhu....rasta aku dah beli kat fabian mod top mount...confirm x pecah...huhu...

 

[535i]

I had Pajero (GAB) - nice .. sampai mounting pecah .. Infact the rear top mount cracked .! Kena welding balik .. Kalau travel on a bumpy road - kepala kena bumbung (like after Alor Pongsu to Juru )...

Change to Merc Bilstein black. The best so far - better than B8 and KONIs. The price is cheap .. Am running on Eibach