1993 e30 cabrio strut inserts info

[robmpulse]

Okay, so I am trying to order Bilstein front strut inserts for my 1993 325i cabrio. According to Bilstein, my car does not exist. We all know this is not true. After speaking to their technical department, they show in their German catalog that the E30 did in fact list up to a 1993, with 1991 being the last year US E30. There catalog shows two different inserts. A 45mm outter diameter strut housing and a 51mm. Anyone know which one I will have in my 1993 E30 325i cabrio? I am not with the vehicle for a few more days to measure, and I would like to get these ordered before then. I am thinking maybe the difference could be touring, 318, or something like that. I can only assume that all 325i cabrio's would use the same insert. Thanks for any insight on this. If anyone has the Bilstein part number that is known to fit my vehicle, that would be of great help.

[VacMan]

Use a '91 for all ordering. Your car has 51mm inserts, same as any other late-model E30.

[robmpulse]

So the early model E30's used a 45mm?

and why does the cabrio have a separate part number?

[VacMan]

Originally Posted by robmpulse

So the early model E30's used a 45mm?

and why does the cabrio have a separate part number?

Only very early 318's and ETAs (up until '85) used 45mm inserts. Cabrios have always used the same since they didn't start production until '87.

They have different part numbers because they're valved differently because cabrios weigh more. The outer dimensions are identical. You'll find the same to be true with springs, for example I run H&R cabrio-specific springs but if you put them next to coupe springs you'd have a hard time telling them apart.

[robmpulse]

If they are valved differently, then will i not experience a difference in ride quality using the non cabrio shocks/struts?

[Quailane]

Originally Posted by robmpulse

If they are valved differently, then will i not experience a difference in ride quality using the non cabrio shocks/struts?

You aren't using the stock parts so that is a moot point.

[Mini4x]

Originally Posted by robmpulse

German catalog that the E30 did in fact list up to a 1993, with 1991 being the last year US E30.

Also untrue..

I have a US Spec 1992 E30 Cabrio

[robmpulse]

Originally Posted by Quailane

You aren't using the stock parts so that is a moot point.

OEM replacement parts should be designed as the part it is replacing. One should be able to assume that direct replacement parts will be valved correctly, so yes, that should make a difference and should not make this a mute point. Am I wrong to assume this?

Originally Posted by Mini4x

Also untrue..

I have a US Spec 1992 E30 Cabrio

me entire post is here because this is a known false statement. lol Not sure what you are trying to say???

[Quailane]

Originally Posted by robmpulse

OEM replacement parts should be designed as the part it is replacing. One should be able to assume that direct replacement parts will be valved correctly, so yes, that should make a difference and should not make this a mute point. Am I wrong to assume this?

But that's not what you are buying because Bilstein does not make OE replacement shocks. They have Touring, HD, and Sport, and share the same shocks for all models of E30. Touring is slightly more stiff than the OE shocks you would buy from Sachs or Boge. Both HD and Sport are the same other than the HD's being able to extend further.