E39 M5 coilovers onto non M5 car

[stinkinrich]

As title really, would coilovers off an M5 E39 fit my non M5 car? Was wondering if there are any difference in hubs/fixings etcc..

Thanks.

[Jorge]

M3 goes onto 3-series, same logic applies?

What do the cheap coilover manufacturers list, they usually do a one-part-fits-all thing. Only thing would be spring rates etc for the weight difference.

[stinkinrich]

Just looked, they're saying excl. M5.

[stinkinrich]

If someone could give me a confident answer then that would be great, thanks.

[Exami]

Just found out that there is no M-Sport II suspension in US, but well in Europe there is.. and that suspension uses same stuff that M5 Does..

Struts in 540i (M-Sport II Suspension) Part No: 31 31 2 229 612
Struts in M5 Part No: 31 31 2 229 612

Guide support in 540i Part No: 31 33 1 091 708
Guide support in M5 Part No: 31 33 1 091 708

Same stuff on rear aswell:
Struts in 540i (M-Sport II Suspension) Part No: 33 52 2 229 126
Struts in M5 Part No: 33 52 2 229 126

Guide support in 540i Part No: 33 52 2 229 854
Guide support in M5 Part No: 33 52 2 229 854

So on my opinion they should fit, but they have different spring rates.. as do V8 models vs 6cyl models..

Other than that.. M5 got different wheel bearing and such..(because bigger brakes?)

BMW E39 Parts catalog

[stinkinrich]

Thanks for that, appreciate it. I'll just get them and risk it, if they dont fit then i'll sell them on and get money back.

Just read elsewhere, the m5/540i/535i are interchangeable. But not onto others because the non-v8 cars use different subframes?

Why would the subframe have any relation to the hubs and/or top mount fitment?

[Exami]

Thanks for that, appreciate it. I'll just get them and risk it, if they dont fit then i'll sell them on and get money back.

Just read elsewhere, the m5/540i/535i are interchangeable. But not onto others because the non-v8 cars use different subframes?

Why would the subframe have any relation to the hubs and/or top mount fitment?

Well i used 540i's coilovers on my 530d.. and work out fine... so i don't think you have any issues with those coilovers..

They sell 6-cyl version of coilovers normally for E39 530d(because its 6-cyl) but the engine weights more than the V8, so V8 coilovers works better..

[Byron]

The subframes matter because the 6 cyl cars had different control arm locations compared to the V8 cars. On the 6 cyl cars, one of the control arms mounts into the knuckle from the top, not from underneath like the V8's. That reduces the amount of room the strut has to slide down.

However, all struts should mount in any car, you just need to keep the top mount paired with the strut. Ex: if you got the M5 struts, you would need the M5 strut mounts to put them in the car.

[stinkinrich]

I see, thanks Byron. When you say strut mounts, you're talking about top mounts?

Looks like a goer then.

[PavelK313]

The subframes matter because the 6 cyl cars had different control arm locations compared to the V8 cars. On the 6 cyl cars, one of the control arms mounts into the knuckle from the top, not from underneath like the V8's. That reduces the amount of room the strut has to slide down.

However, all struts should mount in any car, you just need to keep the top mount paired with the strut. Ex: if you got the M5 struts, you would need the M5 strut mounts to put them in the car.

Strut mounts are all the same between the models. M5 mounts will work just fine on 525.

[Byron]

You sure? I feel like the hole that the shaft goes into (giggity) is smaller on some.

[Jesus Christ]

Our e39 coils are all the same in regards to dimensions and mounting points

[PavelK313]

You sure? I feel like the hole that the shaft goes into (giggity) is smaller on some.

V8 and I6 cars use different height top mounts. Other then that they are the same.

[stinkinrich]

Thanks again for the input guys. So just to clarify, I just need to fit I6 top mounts onto these struts and i'll be set?

[Exami]

You could check the parts at dealer? if they look the same i bet V8 topmount will be more durable?