The Bilstein 22-242624 is a front right B8 Performance Plus strut assembly for the 2001-2005 BMW E46 325xi and 330xi all-wheel-drive sedans and wagons. It uses a monotube gas-pressure damper with application-specific valving, and the B8 line is built for lowered ride heights from aftermarket lowering springs. Compared with a worn factory strut or a budget unit, it is meant to control the firmer, faster suspension movement that lowering springs create, which helps reduce bottoming out and premature wear while keeping daily driving comfortable. Bilstein's limited lifetime warranty adds long-term value.
This is an AWD-only part, so it will not fit rear-wheel-drive 323i, 325i, 328i or 330i E46 models. Owners on user forums who have replaced these struts report that the passenger-side HID level sensor connector on the front lower control arm should be unplugged before the strut is dropped, or the sensor can be damaged. Removing the caliper and rotor and tying the caliper aside is a common way to keep the brake lines from being stressed. Expect to compress the coil springs during the swap, and confirm torque values against the manufacturer's install instructions. A wheel alignment afterward is strongly advised.
Buyers searching for an E46 325xi front strut, a 330xi lowering spring damper, or a Bilstein B8 Performance Plus AWD passenger-side replacement will find this matches the xi chassis and its lowered suspension setup.
No. This part is for AWD xi models only. RWD 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i E46 cars need a different application.
The manufacturer describes this B8 damper for use with lowering spring sets and production sport suspensions, and its valving is tuned for lowered ride heights.
Owners on user forums report that the coil spring must be compressed to remove the old strut and fit the new one. Some owners had a shop with a hydraulic spring compressor do this step.
Installation is a moderate-difficulty job for a home mechanic with suspension experience. Plan on a floor jack, jack stands, a spring compressor, a torque wrench, and a set of metric sockets and wrenches, plus penetrating oil for corroded fasteners. Owners on user forums recommend taping the fender to protect the paint and checking that the top alignment pin seats properly when the strut goes back in. Watch for the passenger-side HID level sensor connector, which should be unplugged before dropping the strut. Confirm the top nut and bolt torque against the manufacturer's install sheet, and have the front end aligned after the swap.
