Strurt Tower Bearing Question

gregwils · gregwils's Garage

I have a 95 325i and sport suspension. I run 225/50-16 in the summer and the car suffers from terrible tramlining (following ruts in road). My plan is to replace the lower control arm bushings with 96 M3 LCA bushings AND replace the strut tower bearings with those from a 95 or 96 M3. I'm not sure about camber impact, but I know that they both will increase castor. I believe it is increase positive castor to be specific. It does this because the strut bearing is offset, the standard bearing is directly in the middle of the three studs that are used to bolt it to the tower.

Here is my question. I was looking at a M3 strut bearing and my tower. It doesn't appear that my tower will accept an offset bearing, but I know that people have done this mod. What am I missing? Are these strut bearings fully interchangable? Da, I'm missing something...what is it? Thanks.

I'm sure you Pelican Parts guys get this request. Can I buy 95 or 96 M3 strut bearings for my 95 325i and expect them to fit? I heard the 96 has more positive castor than the 95. True?

Thanks.

KUTCH · 12-01-2003, 08:51 AM

I installed 95 M3 strut bearings in my 98 328is. they added +3 of castor and NO additional camber. I believe I picked these over 96 and above years because they DID change camber...

Jared at Pelican Parts · 12-01-2003, 09:03 AM

I've heard of people who use the M3 front upper bushings, however last I looked at them, from what I remember, they were only to increase the amount of caster on the front wheels, and did not have a provision for caster. I do believe there is a LOWER set for the front that does offset the camber.

gregwils · gregwils's Garage

Thanks very much for both responses.

Kutch - I agree the 97 M strut bearings appeared to be offset for castor AND camber. I'll get the 95's. I can only assume that they are a direct replacement, regardless of the appearance. Were you happy with the results of this change? Did it reduce tramlining? Did it change steering feel very much (heavy)? Thanks.

KUTCH · 12-10-2003, 09:01 AM

yes, when I put the 17" on the front end was all over the place! they came off the day I put them on. asked around and found that the ideal match for my car would be the 95 M3 mounts (more castor"good"/ NO camber change"good") unless you want to wear tires quicker... (or) run at the track. but my car is a year round driver.