Why 323 front struts and rear end???

[pandemonium001]

Just a Question as above, why are the front struts on a 323 better than the ones on my 316?
and is there any difference in the back end from 323 to 316 apart from disc brakes and the diff ratios?

[nas80]

the 323i front struts have a wider tube and the reason you need rear disks is so you dont have to have ugly drums lol - also easier to upgrade rear brakes if you get better fronts.

[e21-Mark]

320/6 struts share the larger 323 bearing though and accept vented discs.

[Jeroen]

And vented discs do not fit on 316-318 struts for example?

[pandemonium001]

ok that clears a few things up, Thanks.

[petroscf]

And vented discs do not fit on 316-318 struts for example?

???
I did not change struts in order to fit my vented discs!!

[Jeroen]

That's what I always thought, that the vented discs always fit on any E21 strut. Add spacers to the brake calipers or replace the calipers and there you go (?)

And I can't stress this too many times, if you never took your calipers apart completely for a full overhaul, especially the front ones, it's time to do that now.

[pandemonium001]

so if someone wants to upgrade brakes with unique discs calipers, change to coilovers, either by gaz or home brew, there is no advantage apart from the 6cylinder model front struts having a slightly larger bearing.?

[e21-Mark]

Gaz say they will only make Golds using the larger 323 type strut.

[nas80]

yeah they have a larger splindle for the bearing to sit on too - why did bmw make the 323i with thicker shock tubes and a bigger spindle? was it for a perfomance advantage or to cope with the extra weight?

[e21-Mark]

It's only the later 316 struts that will take vented discs too, not the early ones.