Front Shocks

DriveS · 06-10-2019, 03:48 PM

What are the differences between the sdrive and xdrive front shocks, apart from the xdrive having accelerometer brackets?

I have heard the they are different diameters and so the sdrive ones would not fit the xdrive mounting clamp as they are bigger?

FaRKle! · 06-10-2019, 05:07 PM

The tube diameters are the same. The difference are the end link mounting points. sDrive struts use the same strut left/right vs xDrive (and sDrive with EDC) has left/right specific struts.

M4_GTS · 06-10-2019, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaRKle!

The tube diameters are the same. The difference are the end link mounting points. sDrive struts use the same strut left/right vs xDrive (and sDrive with EDC) has left/right specific struts. You can put sDrive struts on xDrive (I've done it) if you also change the end links.

There's more to that. The factory front struts and some aftermarket struts have lower overhang on the bottom of the 2wd struts compared to the xdrive struts. This will get in the way of the driveshaft.

The very early KW kits on the 2wd had the long bottom and later newer kits (2wd or xdrive) all switched to the smaller overhang. Ohlins also have the big overhang, so their kits wont fit xdrive.

Orange circle shows 2wd strut and yellow circle shows xdrive strut.

FaRKle! · 06-10-2019, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M4_GTS

There's more to that. The factory front struts and some aftermarket struts have lower overhang on the bottom of the 2wd struts compared to the xdrive struts. This will get in the way of the driveshaft.

Good catch.

DriveS · 06-11-2019, 06:50 AM

OK. Thanks for the info.

So I have a chance to buy some barely set of B6 Damptronic Shocks for my 335d xdrive. I can get brackets to hold the accelerometers.

Are you saying that there will be a clash with the drive shaft due to the overhang on B6 or not?

Here is a picture.

Logicoeur · 06-11-2019, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M4_GTS

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaRKle!

The tube diameters are the same. The difference are the end link mounting points. sDrive struts use the same strut left/right vs xDrive (and sDrive with EDC) has left/right specific struts. You can put sDrive struts on xDrive (I've done it) if you also change the end links.

There's more to that. The factory front struts and some aftermarket struts have lower overhang on the bottom of the 2wd struts compared to the xdrive struts. This will get in the way of the driveshaft.

The very early KW kits on the 2wd had the long bottom and later newer kits (2wd or xdrive) all switched to the smaller overhang. Ohlins also have the big overhang, so their kits wont fit xdrive.

Orange circle shows 2wd strut and yellow circle shows xdrive strut.

Is this overhang not just because xdrive sits lower than xdrive to make space for the transfer case and axle?

thisismikeyb · 06-11-2019, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriveS

OK. Thanks for the info.

So I have a chance to buy some barely set of B6 Damptronic Shocks for my 335d xdrive. I can get brackets to hold the accelerometers.

Are you saying that there will be a clash with the drive shaft due to the overhang on B6 or not?

Here is a picture.

[img]

View post on imgur.com

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Here is a picture of my B6 Damptronic for xDrive. Looks like they mount into the the knuckles differently.

M4_GTS · 06-11-2019, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thisismikeyb

Here is a picture of my B6 Damptronic for xDrive. Looks like they mount into the the knuckles differently.

You can clearly see there is more bottom overhang on the 2wd strut.

DriveS · 06-12-2019, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thisismikeyb

Here is a picture of my B6 Damptronic for xDrive. Looks like they mount into the the knuckles differently.

I guess this answers my question. Very clear on the pics. Thanks.

06-10-2019, 03:48 PM	#1
DriveS Lieutenant 220 Rep 541 Posts Drives: F30 335d Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Newcastle iTrader: (0)	Front Shocks - sdrive vs xdrive What are the differences between the sdrive and xdrive front shocks, apart from the xdrive having accelerometer brackets? I have heard the they are different diameters and so the sdrive ones would not fit the xdrive mounting clamp as they are bigger?
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06-10-2019, 05:07 PM	#2
FaRKle! Brigadier General 4016 Rep 3,539 Posts Drives: 328d Wagon, M2 Comp, i4 eD35 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2023 BMW i4 eDrive 35 [0.00] 2017 BMW 328dx Wagon [0.00] 2021 BMW M2 Competi ... [0.00]	The tube diameters are the same. The difference are the end link mounting points. sDrive struts use the same strut left/right vs xDrive (and sDrive with EDC) has left/right specific struts. __________________ -328d Wagon Build Log (with helpful reference links) -My YouTube Channel for some of the best DIYs and in depth information Please don't PM me for suspension recommendations unless interested in paid private consultations. Last edited by FaRKle!; 07-23-2019 at 10:45 AM..
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06-11-2019, 06:50 AM	#5
DriveS Lieutenant 220 Rep 541 Posts Drives: F30 335d Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Newcastle iTrader: (0)	OK. Thanks for the info. So I have a chance to buy some barely set of B6 Damptronic Shocks for my 335d xdrive. I can get brackets to hold the accelerometers. Are you saying that there will be a clash with the drive shaft due to the overhang on B6 or not? Here is a picture.
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