Photo shown for illustration; shade and shape may differ slightly.
MTS Technik Front Sport Shock Absorber - BMW 3 Series E46 - MTSBM005FR
MTS Technik sport dampers control the movement of the sprung mass. The valving is built for performance, which means faster rebound and tighter control of compression. They work as a straight upgrade over tired factory dampers on standard springs, or together with lowering springs as a complete kit.
These dampers are made for a BMW.
Technical specifications
- Fitting axle: Rear
Technical notes
- Without NIVO.
- The dampers are made for use with lowering springs only. Fitting them with standard-height factory springs is wrong.
Vehicle compatibility
| Model | Engine | Years |
|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Compact (E46) | 318 td (115 hp) | 03/01 - 02/05 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E46) | 318 ti (136 hp) | 03/01 - 02/05 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E46) | 318 ti (143 hp) | 03/01 - 02/05 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E46) | 320 td (136 hp) | 03/01 - 02/05 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E46) | 320 td (150 hp) | 03/01 - 02/05 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E46) | 325 ti (192 hp) | 03/01 - 02/05 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E46) | 316 ti (105 hp) | 03/01 - 02/05 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E46) | 316 ti (115 hp) | 03/01 - 02/05 |
| BMW 3 Convertible (E46) | 323 Ci (170 hp) | 04/00 - 12/07 |
| BMW 3 Convertible (E46) | 325 Ci (192 hp) | 04/00 - 12/07 |
| BMW 3 Convertible (E46) | 330 Cd (204 hp) | 04/00 - 12/07 |
| BMW 3 Convertible (E46) | 330 Ci (231 hp) | 04/00 - 12/07 |
| BMW 3 Convertible (E46) | M3 (343 hp) | 04/00 - 12/07 |
| BMW 3 Convertible (E46) | 318 Ci (136 hp) | 04/00 - 12/07 |
| BMW 3 Convertible (E46) | 318 Ci (150 hp) | 04/00 - 12/07 |
| BMW 3 Convertible (E46) | 318 Ci (143 hp) | 04/00 - 12/07 |
| BMW 3 Convertible (E46) | 320 Cd (150 hp) | 04/00 - 12/07 |
| BMW 3 Convertible (E46) | 320 Ci (163 hp) | 04/00 - 12/07 |
| BMW 3 Convertible (E46) | 320 Ci (170 hp) | 04/00 - 12/07 |
| BMW 3 Convertible (E46) | 323 Ci (163 hp) | 04/00 - 12/07 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | M3 CSL (360 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 316 Ci (105 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 316 Ci (115 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 318 Ci (116 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 318 Ci (118 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 318 Ci (136 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 318 Ci (143 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 318 Ci (150 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 318 Ci (140 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 320 Cd (150 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 320 Ci (150 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 320 Ci (163 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 320 Ci (170 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 323 Ci (163 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 323 Ci (170 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 323 i (173 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 325 Ci (192 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 328 Ci (193 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 330 Cd (204 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | 330 Ci (231 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E46) | M3 (343 hp) | 12/98 - 07/06 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 330 i (228 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 316 i (105 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 316 i (115 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 318 d (116 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 318 i (118 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 318 i (136 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 318 i (143 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 320 d (129 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 320 d (136 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 320 d (150 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 320 i (150 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 320 i (163 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 320 i (170 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 323 i (163 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 323 i (170 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 325 i (186 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 325 i (192 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 328 i (193 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 330 d (184 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 330 d (204 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 (E46) | 330 i (231 hp) | 12/97 - 05/05 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E46) | 330 d (184 hp) | 06/99 - 07/05 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E46) | 325 i (192 hp) | 06/99 - 07/05 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E46) | 328 i (193 hp) | 06/99 - 07/05 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E46) | 330 d (204 hp) | 06/99 - 07/05 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E46) | 330 i (231 hp) | 06/99 - 07/05 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E46) | 323 i (170 hp) | 06/99 - 07/05 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E46) | 320 i (170 hp) | 06/99 - 07/05 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E46) | 320 i (163 hp) | 06/99 - 07/05 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E46) | 320 i (150 hp) | 06/99 - 07/05 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E46) | 320 d (150 hp) | 06/99 - 07/05 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E46) | 320 d (136 hp) | 06/99 - 07/05 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E46) | 318 i (143 hp) | 06/99 - 07/05 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E46) | 318 i (118 hp) | 06/99 - 07/05 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E46) | 318 i (116 hp) | 06/99 - 07/05 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E46) | 318 d (116 hp) | 06/99 - 07/05 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E46) | 318 d (115 hp) | 06/99 - 07/05 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E46) | 316 i (115 hp) | 06/99 - 07/05 |
Frequently asked questions
What does a sport damper do that a standard one does not?
It controls the spring far faster, which limits body movement in sudden manoeuvres.
Does it lower the ride height?
No. Ride height comes from the spring. The damper only decides how the car absorbs impacts.
Do they work with standard springs?
Yes. The car will not sit lower, but it will be much firmer through corners.
Can I fit them on the front only?
Technically yes, but the balance of the car suffers badly. Replace them on both axles.
Why are the rods thicker?
Oversized rods take the higher side loads that come with hard driving.
Are they protected against rust?
Yes, the outer body carries an automotive-grade anti-corrosion treatment.
Are they compatible with electronic sensors?
Only the specific plug-and-play versions. Otherwise you need delete kits.
Do they need priming before fitting?
Yes, and it is not optional. Pump the rod by hand 3-4 times before fitting to get the air out of the oil.
Can I tighten them with an impact gun?
Never. An impact gun on the top nut regularly shears the thread off the rod.
What is bottoming out?
Hitting the end of the travel. Short-rod MTS sport dampers prevent it when used with lowering springs.
When should they be replaced?
When you see oil leaking, scoring on the rod, or the car bounces more than twice when you push down on it.
Will I feel tram lines more?
Yes. The unit is firmer in fast compression.
Do they need new top mounts?
Fitting new top mounts with new dampers is standard practice.
Do they affect the toe angle?
Any time the axle comes apart, the toe needs checking on a 3D aligner.
Are they good for gravel or rally?
They are built for tarmac, not for the impacts of a gravel rally.
Is there a warranty?
The statutory commercial warranty, void if an impact gun was used or the damage comes from incorrect fitting.
Are they only sold in pairs?
Most MTS rear dampers can be ordered singly, but they are fitted as a pair on the axle.
What oil is inside?
An oil whose viscosity changes little with temperature, gas pressurised for consistency.
Is dust protection included?
Usually you reuse the original dust kit or buy a new one.
Why do they stay flatter under braking?
Firmer rebound stops the rear axle lifting when weight is thrown forward under hard braking.