Installing new shocks and springs..

[Reck]

As above, installing a new set of shocks and some -35mm springs. Are there any little (or big) bits that I should be changing at the same time to save myself effort/money in the future?

Thanks!

[Jeroen]

Well, inspect the rubber that goes between the spring and the metal plate that holds it (name?) and in most cases the top bearings are shot front and rear. Rears aren't too expensive but the front ones are the ones that start knocking if you reuse them when they're having some wear on the bearings.

[Reck]

Ok, great. Can you possibly point them out on the diagram? I'm not familiar at all with suspension!

[Jeroen]

No 4 (this time I'm sure lol). When fitting, play close attention to the order the rings need to be fitted.

[Reck]

Wow, they're not cheap! BMW, Linwar and Jaymic all want £60 a piece for the fronts and £10 a piece for the rears.. Why the price discrepancy?

Anyone know where I can get some cheap?

[Jeroen]

Rears are dead simple, don't even have bearings, almost the same as on many later models. The fronts do have bearings and a good bearing that withstands all the car has to cope with as well ain't cheap I guess. Not out of the ordinary compared to E30, E36, etc. Refitting one with the slightest bit of freeplay sure will give you a known and feared clunk and then you have to take it all apart again, not my favorite job, doing things twice

[Reck]

I definitely plan on doing them at the same time, I don't want to spend so much money on springs and shock and then still have horrible noises!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E21-320I- ... 5d2d2c0d41

From the US but half the price. Anyone have experience with these?