94 325I E36 Rear shocks leak instantly

[Boris3]

The number is for the Bilstein sports which should work if the springs are still viable. Seems like the rusted out springs are the issue. Or has there been any damage to the rear end such that the suspension geometry is off and putting tension on the shocks?

[Earl]

I ran bilstein hd's on my e36 and was lowered by much more than 1.5" and they did not drip. I cannot think of anything that would cause that besides severely worn out springs, causing the shock to bottom out constantly.

[andrew4g63]

I think the springs is the route we are going to try next.  I will get into it and post the results.  Thanks.

[andrew4g63]

Update: The owner of the Mueller Motorwerks, who provided the struts called and told me how the shocks and struts (from Bilstein and Koni) will be over full with fluid and after a short drive they will leak.  Wash them and test drive again and they should be fine.  I will post the results.

[patsbimmer1]

Well I have never heard that before.  That's interesting.

[Earl]

patsbimmer1 said:

Well I have never heard that before.  That's interesting.

Ditto

[Boris3]

x3

[B C]

x4

[Boris3]

Came across some forum posts that Bilstein shocks seeping is supposedly ok / normal but dripping is not????

[andrew4g63]

So i have washed them and driven the vehicle multiple times and the fluid is still coming out.  It is not as much as before but maybe because they are running out of fluid?  I also agree in my 15-20 years in auto parts, repair and management iv'e never heard of this.

[Earl]

I am not sure why that would be acceptable in any case. If they are overfull, they should not fill them so much at the factory. They obviously aren't using Poka-Yoke

[andrew4g63]

I agree.  Not impressed.

[patsbimmer1]

I know that Toyota has a "tolerance" for seeping/ leaking struts/shocks and bases most of their replacement recommendations on mileage.  I always based recommendations on mileage and visual inspection.  I have never heard of an aftermarket saying that it is normal to have any seepage immediately after replacing a shock or strut.