Z3 vs E36 Front suspension differences.

[Herbmiester 932]

I have been looking to replace the front struts on my Budget Z3. I found some struts for an E36, but the website says they are not compatible with a Z3. I have sport suspension so that may well be part of the issue, but I am wondering can anyone confirm if there are any differences between an E36 sport strut, and a Z3 Sport strut. I am assuming there may be some valving differences. Has anyone been down this path before? BTW, I am actually enjoying a Sunday drive in the Z3, it's not fast, being a 2l M52, but with the top down its a pleasant experience.  

[BM WORLD 1286]

z3 has much shorter struts and little lower springs 

so yes will fit but will lift the front up quite a bit 

[Herbmiester 932]

Thanks Brent, I am struggling to find struts. I have found some Sachs Z3 OEM shocks but they dont state they are for M Sport suspension, any thoughts?

 

[BM WORLD 1286]

9 minutes ago, Herbmiester said:

Thanks Brent, I am struggling to find struts. I have found some Sachs Z3 OEM shocks but they dont state they are for M Sport suspension, any thoughts?

 

part numbers for 6cyl z3 msport type

https://www.google.com/search?q=31316753262&rlz=1C1GIWA_enNZ599NZ599&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

https://www.google.com/search?q=31316753261&rlz=1C1GIWA_enNZ599NZ599&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

and older part numbers 31311094191 & 31311094192

 

Edited April 16 by BM WORLD

[Herbmiester 932]

Thanks Brent, funny this is exactly where I ended up last night.  Taking the part numbers out of Real OEM. 

 

[NZ00Z3 189]

In the Z3 community, it is normal to fit standard Z3 shocks to the Z3 sport suspension.  The difference in ride height is only 15mm.