QuestionMy friend gave a 1995 M3 OEM springs. I have a 1994 BMW 318is and the car is lowered. i do not have the oem springs for my car. I am wondering if the 95 m3 springs would fit in my 94 318is. also, my mechanic suggested i should a new struts and strut tower before putting the stock springs. What is the differences between the strut and strut tower?
AnswerGood morning Jeff,
The strut is the shock absorber itself and the tower is the body part where the upper end of the shock is bolted to.
It looks like the "tower" (technically called section of wheel housing in BMW terminology) for both cars mentioned are the same. Of course, visual inspection is the best way to verify this.
But your mechanic is right that the shock may have to be replaced. The coil sits on a platform at the middle portion
of the shock, and is clamped in place at the top by several parts which is then bolted to the tower.
But aside from the possible differences in dimensions (height, width/diameter, holes, etc), you should also consider the operating characteristics of an M3 spring.
They are usually wider and the coils are thicker which gives
the car a "sporty" feel (not much give or springy action,
you feel almost all the jolts of the road).
The stock springs for an M3 is not the same stock springs for a 318is.
For your added info, your car is available with 2 possible
options (M-sports chassis, and regular chassis). What you actually have has something to do with what shock you have and it's adaptability to your friend's coil.
But my advise to you is to follow your mechanic's advise.
He seems to have the sense and knowledge of the matter.
Just don't follow blindly and always use your common-sense.
Have a nice weekend.
Tino
