Strut mount washers??

[mzarifkar]

So i am replacing my strut bearings, and as i am putting everythign back together according to the bentley diagram which looks like this one except for part number 14
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...36&hg=31&fg=10
there are two washers and a dust cap. When i put it together as such there are very very few threads left to put top nut #4 on.

I called the service dept and asked about this, and according to their diagram (i suspect they are looking at this one http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...28&hg=31&fg=10 ) there are no washers indicated. So i tried it without washers and even though it will fit nicely, the bearing will not turn and effecticly seizes the assembly.

Odd thing is that after putting in my serial number into realoem, it gives me these two different diagrams for the same part. My actual unit looks like the first diagram (without #14) and bentley agrees that cars 1993 and on should look like that.

what is going on?

[Barney Paull-Edwards]

And, while not helping, the German/UK diagrams show a different set up entirely! Sounds like you have a mix of pre and post `92 parts,one key is nut on strut top. Early strut tops need a 22mm thin wall socket and the late plastic cover will not fit, try using thin washers off a VW strut top, worked for me.Also mount the dust washer underneath,and occasionally pour thick oil down the strut hole, cap keeps crap out.