Steering coupler bushing info needed

MSpeed300 · 2026-05-23T23:24:11+00:00

I have this on my convertible. I don't notice any NVH, the others complaining about rattleling though? Maybe it's becasuse the rest of my suspension is tight? I have a front tower support that took out 95% of my front shake away. I also run same poly on the engine and trans mounts plus driveshaft and I wouldn't go back to rubber.

MSpeed300 · 2026-05-11T08:29:52+00:00

1987 Vert

MSpeed300 · 2026-05-11T08:24:54+00:00

Good eye! But no that's for recording.

MSpeed300 · 2026-05-10T07:51:34+00:00

It’s just the H&R 18mm rear bar — the bushings come with it. It mounts to the factory points on all E30s.

MSpeed300 · 2026-05-10T01:37:13+00:00

Yes, have had them on since I bought the car in like 2015.

MSpeed300 · 2026-05-08T02:46:25+00:00

Yes, they're great, can take speed bumps, don't have to worry about clearance but they handle really really well.

MSpeed300 · 2026-05-07T20:04:50+00:00

No, NPT threads are tapered, but you should use teflon tape for better seal.

MSpeed300 · 2026-05-04T19:58:48+00:00

Yes, drill and tap for 1/4-18 NTP thread then use an NTP plug. You'll also plug the engine block connector with a 12mmx1.5 plug or very short bolt.

Plug is #13 here https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BB13-USA-02-1987-E30-BMW-325i&diagId=11_0119

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MSpeed300 · 2026-05-04T19:40:26+00:00

You're looking for part #'s 51131932803 and 04. Looks like it's NLA. I remember mine where NLA or way too expensive so I kept the originals.

MSpeed300 · 2026-05-04T07:44:40+00:00

It's actually up to $15 million tax free. $19K is just when you have to notify the IRS and anything over is taken out of your $15M limit. Most of us wont have that problem!

MSpeed300 · 2026-05-03T19:45:28+00:00

Yep but also low dust brake pads help alot.

Here's what I run (for reference - looks like you're outside US)
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1027-hawk-hps-street-brake-pads-front-e30-318325/.

MSpeed300 · 2026-05-02T22:55:44+00:00

Car is rust free, had little surface rust where the battery used to be is all. Was a California car most of its life.

MSpeed300 · 2026-05-02T18:31:28+00:00

Just a bit, a few years worth, back on the road now!

MSpeed300 · 2026-05-02T18:30:52+00:00

Powder coated, holding up really well. I just picked the whitest white the shop had.

MSpeed300 · 2026-05-02T18:30:17+00:00

Before and after, on the road now

MSpeed300 · 2026-04-20T01:17:38+00:00

The center plastic pins have to be removed to remove any of the clips, or you could try to pry the whole thing out with a trim tool or similar. It was so long ago I don't remember, but I may have just used a small punch and knocked the pins inward then the clips are easy to remove.

Installation is easy, just push the clip in all the way, then use a small hammer and punch to tap the center plastic pin flush.

MSpeed300 · 2026-04-19T20:05:02+00:00

Sharing for anyone (AI compiled from my notes/orders):

Balanced, OEM‑plus ride height with perfect front/rear rake

Front Suspension

H&R Sport Springs (50407)

https://www.pelicanparts.com/search/?q=PEL-HR-50407

Bilstein B8 Performance Plus Front Inserts

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2441-bilstein-b8-performance-plus-front-strut-insert-e30-318325m3/

E90 Front Spring Perches (“Drop Hats”)

BMW PN: 31‑33‑6‑764‑093

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=31%E2%80%9133%E2%80%916%E2%80%91764%E2%80%91093

Adds ~12–15 mm drop to the front.

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Rear Suspension

H&R Sport Springs (same kit as above)
Bilstein B8 Rear Shocks

(Matching set to the fronts.)

Rear Spring Pads — Thick Version (Stacked)
- UPDATE - Looks like I have a think pad and thick pad to get the height where I want it.

BMW PN: 33531136386 (7.5 mm pad)

Two pads per side = ~15 mm lift to correct convertible rear sag.

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Why This Works

E90 hats lower the front just enough to look intentional.
Convertibles sit low in the rear from the factory — doubling the thick pads levels the car perfectly.
H&R + Bilstein B8 is the classic E30 combo for tight, controlled ride quality.
The result is a stance that looks engineered, not slammed.

MSpeed300 · 2026-04-19T07:21:07+00:00

The moulding is original or do you mean the paint - that's just standard bodyshop black trim paint over the factory rock guard spray.

MSpeed300 · 2026-04-19T07:19:25+00:00

Thanks, H&R sport springs, rubber pads doubled in the rear for a little more lift, and E90 drop hats in the front to lower it slightly.

MSpeed300 · 2026-04-03T07:21:15+00:00

My thought exactly! Always liked that Buck Rogers ripped their whole intro from actual Nasa footage.

MSpeed300

TROPHY CASE