Bilstein 22-242617 B8 Performance Plus Front Left Strut 2001-2005 BMW E46 325xi

Vehicle Fitment

• 2001-2005 BMW 325xi Sedan (E46, AWD, 2.5L I6 M54)
• 2001-2005 BMW 325xi Wagon / Touring (E46, AWD, 2.5L I6 M54)
• 2001-2005 BMW 330xi Sedan (E46, AWD, 3.0L I6 M54)

Fitment Notes

• This is the front LEFT (driver side) strut assembly only - the front RIGHT side requires a separate part number (Bilstein 22-242624)
• Fits AWD E46 xi models only - the RWD E46 325i, 330i, and their Ci/Touring variants use different Bilstein strut assemblies and are not compatible with this part
• The B8 Performance Plus is specifically designed for use with aftermarket lowering springs - it is NOT recommended for use with factory OE springs or factory sport package springs
• The shortened strut travel and stiffer valving of the B8 Performance Plus are calibrated to work correctly only in conjunction with a lowering spring that reduces ride height
• Fixed spring seat is integrated into the strut assembly - aftermarket lowering spring mounts directly to this unit
• Dust boot not included - must be sourced separately
• Sold individually - two units required for a complete front axle replacement

Features

• B8 Performance Plus monotube gas-pressurized design delivers application-specific valving tuned for the E46 xi AWD platform paired with aftermarket lowering springs - significantly firmer than stock for dramatically improved body control and cornering composure
• Shortened strut travel geometry is precisely calibrated for use with lowering springs, ensuring correct spring preload, alignment geometry, and damping behavior at reduced ride height
• Integrated fixed spring seat ensures proper spring seating and load transfer characteristics with aftermarket lowering springs on the E46 xi front suspension
• Stem upper mount and base cup lower mount correspond precisely to the E46 xi AWD front suspension attachment points - direct bolt-on installation using existing hardware
• Gas-pressure monotube technology eliminates oil foaming and provides consistent, fade-free damping under the sustained high-load cornering forces characteristic of lowered, performance-oriented driving
• Individually fine-tuned during Bilstein's road testing for application-specific performance accuracy on the E46 xi platform
• Yellow painted finish - Bilstein's signature B8 Performance Plus identifier
• Backed by Bilstein's Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer defects for gas pressure shock absorbers and struts

Specifications

• Part Number: 22-242617
• Brand: Bilstein
• Series: B8 Performance Plus
• Position: Front axle, left side (driver side)
• Internal Design: Twin-tube, gas-pressurized
• Upper Mount Type: Stem
• Lower Mount Type: Base Cup
• Spring Seat: Included (Fixed)
• Dust Boot: Not included
• Finish: Yellow paint
• Ride Height: For use with lowering springs (not OE ride height)
• Adjustable Valving: No
• Quantity: 1 strut assembly

Included Components

• 1x Bilstein B8 Performance Plus Front Left Strut Assembly with fixed spring seat (22-242617)

Product Description

The Bilstein 22-242617 is a B8 Performance Plus front left strut assembly engineered specifically for the 2001-2005 BMW E46 325xi and 330xi AWD models, and is designed exclusively for use with aftermarket lowering springs. Unlike the OE-replacement B4 or the performance-upgrade B6, the B8 Performance Plus occupies a distinct role in Bilstein's lineup: it is a sport strut whose shortened travel geometry and aggressively firmer valving are calibrated to function correctly only when paired with a lowering spring. Using this strut with factory OE springs - including factory sport suspension springs - is not recommended and will result in incorrect suspension behavior.

The xi AWD-specific front suspension geometry of the E46 325xi and 330xi requires a dedicated strut assembly that differs from the one used on the RWD E46 325i and 330i. This strut is correctly dimensioned and valved for the xi platform's front suspension architecture. The 22-242617 covers the front LEFT position only; the front RIGHT side requires Bilstein 22-242624. The integrated fixed spring seat carries the aftermarket lowering spring directly, maintaining proper spring seating and alignment geometry at reduced ride height. The factory dust boot is not included and should be sourced separately.

Paired with suitable lowering springs from brands such as H&R or Eibach, this strut transforms the E46 xi's front end behavior - delivering dramatically tighter body control, reduced dive under braking, and sharper turn-in response compared to factory dampers. The gas-pressurized monotube construction maintains consistent, fade-free damping performance under sustained sport driving loads. Two units are required for a complete front axle replacement. This strut is backed by Bilstein's Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer defects.