Bilstein 34-046296 Front Shock Absorber / Strut Insert Damper Cartridge for BMW E30 3 Series & M3 (1982-1993), 51mm MacPherson Strut Housing / Front Leg, Inverted (Upside-Down) Monotube Gas, Performance Upgrade, Direct-Fit Replacement

Bilstein 34-046296 Damper Cartridge for BMW E30 and E30 M3 — Inverted Single-Tube, 51 mm Leg

Transform the way your classic BMW 3 Series drives with the Bilstein 34-046296 front damper cartridge. This gas-charged, inverted single-tube unit drops straight into 51 mm MacPherson legs on E30 models, delivering razor-sharp steering, high-speed stability and superb bump control on fast road and track-day builds. Trusted German engineering, precision valving and outstanding heat management make it a proven upgrade for enthusiasts who want confidence and control from their E30 or E30 M3.

We’ve fitted this part for customers at MJ Modifications and the feedback is consistently brilliant: crisper turn-in, reduced body roll, predictable weight transfer and a planted front end without ruining ride quality. If you’re chasing OEM+ feel with genuine performance gains, this is the front-end solution we recommend.

Highlights

• Direct-fit damper cartridge for 51 mm E30 front legs, including E30 M3
• Inverted single-tube, gas-charged design for consistent performance and fade resistance
• Precise steering feedback and improved grip under braking and cornering
• Ideal for fast-road use, spirited driving and occasional circuit work
• Built to last with motorsport-inspired construction and dependable sealing

What you’ll feel

• Sharper front-end response and better mid-corner stability
• Confident damping control over broken B-roads and kerbs alike
• Balanced ride quality that complements uprated springs, ARBs and bushes

Technical details

• Fitting position: Front axle
• Design: Suspension strut cartridge
• System: Single-tube, inverted
• Type: Gas-charged
• Mounting: Bottom plate, top pin
• Strut housing outside diameter: 51 mm
• Parameter: 300/300

Compatibility

Suitable for BMW 3 Series E30 (1982 to 1993), including:

• 315, 316, 316i, 318i, 318is, 320i, 320is, 323i, 325i, 325e 2.7
• M3 2.3, M3 Evo I 2.3, M3 Evo II 2.5
• E30 Convertible models where equipped with 51 mm front legs

Professional fitting and geometry

Want it installed and set up correctly first time? Book expert fitting with MJ Modifications in Warwickshire. Email info@mjmodifications.co.uk for a quote, availability and setup advice tailored to your road or track goals.

Compatibility check

We can verify fitment before dispatch. Provide your UK registration or the last 7 digits of your VIN at checkout and our team will confirm suitability for your specific E30 front leg size.

Part number

Bilstein: 34-046296

EAN: 4025258503918

UPC: 651860503912

Why enthusiasts choose this upgrade

Consistency when hot, durable construction and excellent road feel. Our customers report a tighter front end, improved braking stability and confidence-inspiring control on UK roads and circuits. Pair with quality top mounts, fresh control arm bushes and an alignment for maximum results.

Also searched for

BMW E30 damper cartridge front, E30 M3 front leg cartridge 51 mm, Bilstein 34-046296 insert, BMW E30 gas-charged front damper, inverted single-tube E30 front, BMW E30 M3 suspension upgrade front, 51 mm MacPherson front cartridge, E30 performance damper front, M3 Evo front damper, E30 1982-1993 front cartridge, German performance damper E30, E30 track day suspension front, E30 fast road damper, Bilstein E30 front cartridge 51mm, BMW E30 M3 handling upgrade front.