2011 328X drive Lemforder strut bearing/mount issue

denn69 · 07-09-2023, 03:49 PM

Hi all,

So I replaced my 2011 328 xdrive suspension today Installed Bilstein B6 struts and shocks with all new hardware and factory springs. I got a great deal on the struts/shocks so I didnt order the kit from FCP but ordered most of it individual. I ordered the strut bearings from ECS which offers the LEMFORDER brand. When I removed my original struts I was expecting a small spacer plate come out like it did on my 2007 328xi but it wasnt there. Turns out after 3/2010 they stopped using them and BMW also changed the part number on the strut mount. Now when I installed the strut mount i noticed the 3 studs on the lemforder were much longer than my original studs, I couldnt leave the car tied up so I installed them figuring lemforder made them universal for cars with and without the spacer plates. After the install, I went on ECS and saw they have strut mounts listed specifically for xdrive cars in Meyle and HT but not lemforder. Anyone know if there is a difference other than the stud length?. Did I screw up and now have to change them back out. Mine were shot so the rubber bottom was pushed up and made them look shorter but im sure if both new they would be the same height. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

mainbearing · 07-09-2023, 04:19 PM

Using the 31336775097 part? Or maybe this is the wrong part number?? Also, someone might have installed an aftermarket mount with the sealed bearing, which IMO is the smart thing to do anyway.

I see both Sachs and Lemforder listed on ECS, both companies are part of ZF Aftermarket and Sachs is the better deal. And the catalog says both fits. Maybe their customer service will make it right.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-sachs-pa...336775097~sac/
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-lemforde...336775097~lem/

I see ECS offers the TRW brand, which is also owned by ZF. BMW of Silver Spring does list another part number for cars made after 3/10:
https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...bC1sNi1nYXM%3D

denn69 · 07-09-2023, 05:17 PM

Thanks for the reply, Yes I am using 31336775097 part number in the lemforder brand. This part number is listed in Real OEM for the xi models up to 3/2010. I didn’t know they changed part numbers after 3/2010 until later when I looked it up. I think ECS is confusing me. They have the other brands which carry the part number after 3/2010 listed as XI only which is misleading. If this lemforder part works in the XIs up to 2010 then it should be ok for my 2011 XI with the exception of the longer studs that the pre 3/2010 models use for the extra spacer /reinforcing plate used. I don’t like to make assumptions but I think lemforder just makes one blanket part and didn’t bother producing one with the shorter studs. Now had I known or did better research I would have ordered the MEYLE or genuine BMW one with the updated part number. If it is just the studs that is the only difference between the 2 part numbers (pre 3/2010 and aft 3/2010) then I’ll let it go. I just want to be sure.

07-09-2023, 03:49 PM	#1
denn69 New Member 5 Rep 18 Posts Drives: BMW 328XI Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	2011 328X drive Lemforder strut bearing/mount issue Hi all, So I replaced my 2011 328 xdrive suspension today Installed Bilstein B6 struts and shocks with all new hardware and factory springs. I got a great deal on the struts/shocks so I didnt order the kit from FCP but ordered most of it individual. I ordered the strut bearings from ECS which offers the LEMFORDER brand. When I removed my original struts I was expecting a small spacer plate come out like it did on my 2007 328xi but it wasnt there. Turns out after 3/2010 they stopped using them and BMW also changed the part number on the strut mount. Now when I installed the strut mount i noticed the 3 studs on the lemforder were much longer than my original studs, I couldnt leave the car tied up so I installed them figuring lemforder made them universal for cars with and without the spacer plates. After the install, I went on ECS and saw they have strut mounts listed specifically for xdrive cars in Meyle and HT but not lemforder. Anyone know if there is a difference other than the stud length?. Did I screw up and now have to change them back out. Mine were shot so the rubber bottom was pushed up and made them look shorter but im sure if both new they would be the same height. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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07-09-2023, 04:19 PM	#2
mainbearing Lieutenant Colonel 1085 Rep 1,677 Posts Drives: BMW 328i Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	Using the 31336775097 part? Or maybe this is the wrong part number?? Also, someone might have installed an aftermarket mount with the sealed bearing, which IMO is the smart thing to do anyway. I see both Sachs and Lemforder listed on ECS, both companies are part of ZF Aftermarket and Sachs is the better deal. And the catalog says both fits. Maybe their customer service will make it right. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-sachs-pa...336775097~sac/ https://www.ecstuning.com/b-lemforde...336775097~lem/ I see ECS offers the TRW brand, which is also owned by ZF. BMW of Silver Spring does list another part number for cars made after 3/10: https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...bC1sNi1nYXM%3D Last edited by mainbearing; 07-09-2023 at 04:26 PM..
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07-09-2023, 05:17 PM	#3
denn69 New Member 5 Rep 18 Posts Drives: BMW 328XI Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the reply, Yes I am using 31336775097 part number in the lemforder brand. This part number is listed in Real OEM for the xi models up to 3/2010. I didn’t know they changed part numbers after 3/2010 until later when I looked it up. I think ECS is confusing me. They have the other brands which carry the part number after 3/2010 listed as XI only which is misleading. If this lemforder part works in the XIs up to 2010 then it should be ok for my 2011 XI with the exception of the longer studs that the pre 3/2010 models use for the extra spacer /reinforcing plate used. I don’t like to make assumptions but I think lemforder just makes one blanket part and didn’t bother producing one with the shorter studs. Now had I known or did better research I would have ordered the MEYLE or genuine BMW one with the updated part number. If it is just the studs that is the only difference between the 2 part numbers (pre 3/2010 and aft 3/2010) then I’ll let it go. I just want to be sure.
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