1987 BMW L6 Suspension Strut Mount Replacement Guide
Restore your classic L6's smooth ride by understanding and replacing worn strut mounts.
- Failing strut mounts cause clunking noises, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
- For a classic BMW, avoid budget brands like URO Parts and DEA for suspension components due to common reports of poor quality and short lifespan.
- Choose premium OEM-equivalent brands like Lemförder or Sachs to maintain original ride quality.
- Always replace strut mounts in pairs and get a wheel alignment immediately after the service.
Is Your L6 Making Noise? It Might Be the Strut Mounts
The suspension strut mount on your 1987 BMW L6 is a part that wears out over time. The rubber insulator can crack, dry out, and compress, while the internal bearing can fail from years of use. When these mounts fail, the symptoms are hard to ignore and can ruin the driving experience you expect from a classic BMW. Addressing worn strut mounts is key to restoring your car's original handling and ride quality.
Symptoms of a Bad Strut Mount
If you notice any of these signs, it's time to inspect your strut mounts:
- Clunking or Popping Noises: A distinct clunk when you drive over bumps or potholes is a classic sign. This noise comes from worn rubber allowing metal parts to hit each other.
- Steering Noise or Stiffness: You might hear a creaking or grinding sound when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, like when parking. This often points to a failure in the mount's bearing.
- Increased Vibration: If you feel more vibration through the steering wheel or the car's floor, the mount is no longer absorbing road harshness effectively.
- Poor Handling: The car may feel less stable in turns or seem to wander on the road. This indicates the worn mount is affecting your suspension's alignment.
- Uneven Tire Wear: A bad mount can throw off the suspension alignment, causing your tires to wear out unevenly and prematurely.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Part
For a classic car like the E24-chassis L6, part quality matters. While original BMW parts may be hard to find, the aftermarket offers several options. However, not all are created equal.
| Brand Tier | Brands | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Premium (OEM-Equivalent) | Lemförder, Sachs, Bilstein | These brands are often the original suppliers for BMW. They offer the best fit, longevity, and performance, ensuring your L6 rides and handles as it should. For a critical part like a strut mount, this is the recommended choice. |
| Economy | DEA Strut, URO Parts | These brands offer a low-cost alternative, but caution is strongly advised. Forum discussions among BMW owners frequently report issues with URO suspension parts, citing poor material quality and a very short service life, sometimes failing within a year. DEA is also a budget-focused brand with poor reviews for similar parts. Using these on a classic BMW may lead to a poor ride and needing to do the job again soon. |
Pro Tip: Always replace strut mounts in pairs. If the driver's side is worn out, the passenger's side is not far behind. Replacing both at the same time ensures balanced handling and saves you from doing the job twice. A wheel alignment is required after replacement.
Known Issues, Recalls, or TSBs
There are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from the NHTSA for the suspension strut mounts on the 1987 BMW L6. Failures of this part are considered normal wear and tear due to the vehicle's age and mileage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a strut mount myself?
This job is possible for an experienced DIY mechanic. However, it requires removing the entire strut assembly and using a spring compressor. Spring compressors can be very dangerous if not used correctly. If you are not comfortable with this procedure, it is best left to a professional mechanic.
What is the difference between an OEM and aftermarket strut mount?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are what the car was built with. For older BMWs, brands like Lemförder or Sachs are often the OEM supplier. Aftermarket parts are made by other companies. Premium aftermarket brands can be just as good as OEM, but economy brands often use cheaper materials that don't last as long or perform as well.
Do I need an alignment after replacing strut mounts?
Yes, absolutely. Replacing the strut mounts will affect your car's suspension geometry. A four-wheel alignment is mandatory after the job is done to ensure proper handling, prevent uneven tire wear, and keep the car driving straight.
Should I replace the struts at the same time?
It's a good idea. The strut mount has to be removed to replace the strut itself. If your L6 has high mileage and original struts, you will save on labor costs by replacing the struts and mounts at the same time.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 31331139452 31331124508
The front strut mount for the 1987 BMW L6 includes an integrated ball bearing to allow for steering pivot. It is designed to fit the E24 chassis.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- BMW L6: