APT 195 Report post Posted February 8, 2010 So i am just wondering if anyone knows if there is a difference in handling between the e30 struts ? I know the 325's come with 51mm struts as apposed to 318's with 45mm. I have upgraded my 320i to 51mm shocks just because i got some KYB's for cheap, but know that ive got some bilsteins they are 45mm. So im weighing up if they will make a difference and go back to 45mm. Cheers Andrew Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Silver Fox 43 Report post Posted February 8, 2010 Again, the series cars use either, and I don't know of any problems with the 45's. In fact, it seems to be the 51's that cause problems, due to wear on the thread on the tube. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tibbs.james 1 Report post Posted February 8, 2010 I think some of the performance shocks tend to be more available in 51mm, this is why I went to 51mm struts but at the end of the day the shock absorbers actually make the difference. a 45mm shock might allow that tiny bit more clearance to a wider wheel tire combo. Get both your shocks checked and use whichever one performs the best and go with that size strut tube. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites