[tjbuggy2b]

Got my car half apart only to find that some of the parts in my MSS spring kit don't seem to fit. The rubber "slip mats" for the rear have too small an opening to get over the shock body, and the black helper springs seem to have the same issue.

Does anyone have the part number for the helper springs? Mine are 11/21 P/N 1010.

I think I can just increase the inside diameter of the rubber mat but now I'm wondering if the fronts are wrong, too.

EDIT: HUGE SLICE OF "I'M AND IDIOT" PIE.

I just want everyone to know that this fitment issue was all my fault. Well, 75% my fault. I still put some blame on MSS for poor installation instructions, and a small bit on BMW for not mentioning it in their ISTA procedures, either. I think the very short version will sufficiently explain the mistake.

In the picture below, the parts I circled... yeah, they come off.

Here's the thing, though. Nowhere in the MSS directions, and nowhere I saw in the ISTA procedures does it mention this. Also, MSS never mentioned this in my email communications. Like, how was this not obvious to them, when I sent them pics and explained my issue? Anyway, this could have saved me so much time and (possibly) money, as now I need to try to return the Bilstein B8 struts I bought. ...which, btw, also don't fit. The fronts fit fine but the spring seat cup on the rears are too large a diameter for the black springs to fit over. My mechanic confirmed all of the above and also lamented the lack of detail in the install directions. Anyway, I feel shtty for the stink I made over this but I'm sure MSS has forgotten about me by now. lol

Hopefully, the next DIYer can learn from me.

[tjbuggy2b]

Yeah, something is amiss with the kit I got. Springs should never contact the shock body. I put it all back together and will be calling the vendor on Monday to find wtf the deal is.

[buddyboy]

Originally Posted by tjbuggy2b

Got my car half apart only to find that some of the parts in my MSS spring kit don't seem to fit. The rubber "slip mats" for the rear have too small an opening to get over the shock body, and the black helper springs seem to have the same issue.

Does anyone have the part number for the helper springs? Mine are 11/21 P/N 1010.

I think I can just increase the inside diameter of the rubber mat but now I'm wondering if the fronts are wrong, too.

That's the same rear helper spring part number that's on my 540i xdrive kit

[tjbuggy2b]

I'm starting to wonder if it's the wrong shock body. The part number on the strut is for a G30 but it only shows up on European websites. If you go to real OEM it's a completely different part number.

[tjbuggy2b]

Originally Posted by buddyboy

That's the same rear helper spring part number that's on my 540i xdrive kit

buddyboy or anyone else, any change you get a picture of the helper spring? I'd like to see how much gap you have where I've circled, here. I'd greatly appreciate it!!!

[tjbuggy2b]

I've reached out to both MSS (mssautomotive.com) and the retailer I purchased from. I'm expecting MSS to defer to the retailer, and I'm expecting the retailer to have no technical knowledge on the issue, given them being just a retailer.

[tjbuggy2b]

Still working with MSS. They say they've never seen this style of shock body for the G30.

Is there anyone that can take a picture of their front and rear struts, and maybe capture the part numbers, too? It would be a huge help!!!

As of now, hey are engaging their R&D team.

[tjbuggy2b]

...and they just told me the only thing they can do is send me the M5 kit springs seat, which they think will solve the fitment issue. Thing is, the helper springs are there for a reason. Also, my confidence is very low that the M5 spring seat will fit. I've had the kit sitting in my foyer for several months, awaiting weather to cooperate. So, now I'm outside my return window.

[Alscoob]

You could try a pm to Junebug85 he has a 540iX and MSS kit fitted, maybe able to point you in the right direction ??

[tjbuggy2b]

Thanks, I'll hit him up.

[PetieD 7]

Originally Posted by tjbuggy2b

Still working with MSS. They say they've never seen this style of shock body for the G30.

Is there anyone that can take a picture of their front and rear struts, and maybe capture the part numbers, too? It would be a huge help!!!

As of now, hey are engaging their R&D team.

Do you have adaptive drive (electronic dampers)?…and, what was the MSS (HAS) kit number that you purchased?

[tjbuggy2b]

Non-adaptive suspension.

Kit number 02aBMW5G3

[buddyboy]

Mine is adaptive and suspension and i think Junebug85 is on non adaptive, we both had no install issues, . Do you have any pictures of whats not fitting for you? Ill dig out some install pictures from when i did mine and post them here.

[buddyboy]

This was the kit i got:


Here's some pictures i found, the non adaptive struts have a narrower shock body than the adaptive

rears:

Part number:















fronts:

[tjbuggy2b]

Originally Posted by buddyboy

This was the kit i got:

Here's some pictures i found, the non adaptive struts have a narrower shock body than the adaptive

See the "ledges" I've circled in this picture? The are considerably larger in diameter than the main strut body. The spring won't fit over these. This is the rear strut for the M Sport suspension, part number 33526866617, per realoem.com and many other sources. This part number matches the part number on my strut (second picture.)

It looks like your strut doesn't have these "ledges." and the non-M Sport struts (PN: 33526866615) seem to have a smaller upper ledge but the same size lower ledge.

[buddyboy]

For me the top cap pops off and i cant remember if i reinstalled it, is the bottom ledge part of the strut assembly or can it be removed. the top cap is plastic, is the lower one on yours metal or plastic?

[tjbuggy2b]

IIRC correctly, the lower ledge is part of the seat "flare."

I wondered about the upper part, if it would come off but it didn't seam to want to move.

I'm looking at maybe doing Bilstein B8's, instead. Waiting on ECS to get back to me with a measurement on the diameter. If that doesn't work out, I may buy a used one off of ebay and see if I can get that "cap" off, and if maybe I missed something with lower seat "flare" too.

[tjbuggy2b]

Oh, I just found this thread for an e92 setup that has Bilstein diameter listed as 52.3 mm. I don't know if it's safe to assume all B6/B8 struts/shocks are the same diameter but it may give me a good estimation.

[tjbuggy2b]

Taking a chance. Confidence is acceptably high that the MSS springs will fit on the B8 struts. Guess I'll find out.

[PetieD 7]

Originally Posted by tjbuggy2b

Non-adaptive suspension.

Kit number 02aBMW5G3

had my MSS HAS kit installed at my local authorized service center a couple days ago…no issues whatsoever with the install especially I have adaptive drive/suspension system. The installation cost (including wheel alignment) was surprisingly cheaper than some of the local Indy performance shops. Overall, very pleased with the experience since I had a brief discussion with the tech before working on this project!

[tjbuggy2b]

Dang. Well, so far, everyone's pictures have been on active suspension. The spring seat area on those appears to be the same size as the strut body, unlike mine.

I have since realized that the upper "ledge" area is probably a plastic cup that comes off. However, as far as I can tell, the lower "ledge" area is a part of the spring seat.

[buddyboy]

Originally Posted by tjbuggy2b

Dang. Well, so far, everyone's pictures have been on active suspension. The spring seat area on those appears to be the same size as the strut body, unlike mine.

I have since realized that the upper "ledge" area is probably a plastic cup that comes off. However, as far as I can tell, the lower "ledge" area is a part of the spring seat.

Junebug85 you are on non-adaptive if i remember correctly?