bilstein front shocks didn't fit

[charofire]

I purchased a set of used Bilstein HD shocks about a year ago to put in my 1985 524td. The front Bilstein HD's didn't fit correctly. How does this make sense?

[athayer187]

If you're trying to re-use your original stock strut mounts, they won't fit. The originals are a 524td specific part. You need 528e mounts.

[charofire]

I purchased UUC camber plates/strut mounts. So why would the original shocks work with the UUC strut mounts and not with the
Bilstein HD's?
http://store.uucmotorwerks.com/e30-camb ... -p431.aspx

[demetk]

Pic of the shock. Is it for the e28?

[charofire]

I must have not done my due diligence because the part # is exactly the same as these on turner. P36-0233
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2562 ... 1983-1989/

[tschultz]

Sounds like you got your answer from Andy already:

If you're trying to re-use your original stock strut mounts, they won't fit. The originals are a 524td specific part. You need 528e mounts.

[charofire]

Unfortunately I still don't have the answer. The UUC camber/strut mount plates replaced the 524td ones, so I am told the shocks should have fit. They didn't, so there is something I am still misunderstanding.

[tschultz]

Do you have pictures? What didn't fit exactly? We can't help you if you don't provide any more detail...

[charofire]

The shock is the one pictured in the Turner link. My shop said it went about 4 inches in the strut housing and wouldn't slide further down, so they stopped. They felt uneasy about forcing it.

[demetk]

Did they check if the strut tube is not rusted out on the inside? It's common if water gets in there.

[charofire]

Ill have to ask, but my bet is your correct. The shocks should have fit.

[Kopek130]

I've done B6 HD from bav auto and you need to buy strut mounts conversion kit trust us.

https://www.bavauto.com/td-shock-kit

My ride height is completely stock. Original springs but new dampers all around.

[Kopek130]

[charofire]

It was as demetk mentioned. There was some corrosion in the strut tubes. The camber plates from UUC were correct.