My 1991 850i has active suspension, which I want to remove and install Bilstein Sports and an Eibach Pro Kit (and KMAC bars). Does anyone know what suspension components I will need to replace to do the upgrade? BMW part numbers would be very usefull, I just got off the phone with my guy at Rick Hendrix and we could not figure it out.

Thanks,

Lisle

I have replaced mine with Bilstein Sports (http://www.bimmerparts.com/item.wws?catpk=&sku=BMW8BILSET&mfr=BIL&qty=1&storepk=300033&cookieID=269102Y5J2691059ST&clientid=bimmerparts.com) and used the 850 CSi springs and bumpstops.

I can't post links yet, but do an ebay search for 'Dinan Sway Bars'. There is a nice set you might pick up at a good price and do it as part of the suspension upgrade. Those are specific to your model year.... I know because I'm buying some stock CSI sways for my 840 from a guy that got later model ones by mistake

Did you have to replace the hubs to get the Bilstein's to fit? I read in another forum that this was necessary, but could not find any part numbers.

For swaybars I think I'm going to go with the KMACs. I bought a set of 850 CSI bars, but since my car is an automatic, the bar hits the Autotrans. If you know anyone with a manual, I'll make them a good deal on these!

Look here for your suspension instructions. The front and the rear are slightly different in procedure. (http://www.e31faq.com/Default.aspx?catId=90)

Did you have to replace the hubs to get the Bilstein's to fit? I read in another forum that this was necessary, but could not find any part numbers.

For swaybars I think I'm going to go with the KMACs. I bought a set of 850 CSI bars, but since my car is an automatic, the bar hits the Autotrans. If you know anyone with a manual, I'll make them a good deal on these!

Actually they don't fit because the suspension and mounting points were changed by BMW along the way. There are at least two different versions with the change happening in late '93.

That's a cool site. Unfortunately the instructions are for a non-edc car. I really need help with finding parts and numbers for what I need to convert over from edc to non-edc. I'd rather go with OEM dealership parts and not salvage yard stuff, so I only want to buy what I need to. Has anyone done this who's willing to share?

Thanks,

Lisle

Lisle,

Bilstein inserts can be sucussfully installed into EDC strut tubes. Only other modification to convert is to remove the EDC Controller, located in the trunk near the CD Changer and identified accordingly. You can leave it in place and just disconnect if desired. And yes, a '90, '91 or early '92 will need new hubs (around $100 a piece). There is not much needed other than the shocks themselves and small plugs to seal the holes where the EDC plugs go through the strut tube. The upper bearing mount may need to be checked and cleaned.

Do you know what hubs I need? My parts guy could not find a listing specifying a non-edc hub. He did find a hub and knuckle assembly, but this was $500 per side. Any idea what is different? Is the hub a different size?

Thanks,

Lisle

Not 100% sure as mine was non edc (so no hands on). The EDC to Bilstein conversion was done by a friend.

Here is a parts database which will give you some idea. (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=EG23&mospid=47335&hg=33) $500/side is absurd. He is probably thinking the Wheel Carriers for the rear. I can check to see if I have a set of the rear wheel carriers in my garage.

Maybe you should ask the question at the Roadfly Forum. (http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e31/) My knowledge of EDC is not much.