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SF Racing Air Struts for 1972-1981 BMW 5 Series (E12)

SF Racing Air Struts for 1972-1981 BMW 5 Series (E12)

Regular price $1,795.00 USD
Regular price $1,900.00 USD Sale price $1,795.00 USD
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  • Free fitment check before you order

Listed for: 1972-1981 BMW 5 Series (E12)Fitment notes & questions

These SF Racing Air Struts for the 1972-1981 BMW 5 Series (E12) give adjustable, on-demand ride height. They are the air suspension half of an air ride setup; you also need management to run them.

What you get

Damper bodies are 52mm front and 50mm rear. Damping is 1-way, with one adjuster that changes rebound and compression together. The front top mounts are aluminum with rubber bushings, with aluminum camber plates with pillowball bushings available as an option. At the rear, the mounts are aluminum with rubber bushings.

Highlights

  • Air springs in place of steel coil springs, so ride height is set with air pressure
  • 1-way damping adjustment (rebound and compression set together)
  • Air management (compressor, tank, valves and controller) is needed to run air struts; contact us to confirm exactly what is included with this listing
  • Bolt-on replacement for the factory struts, unless the notes below say otherwise

Important: Requires welding for installation. Welding required for installation.

Who it suits

A good fit if you want adjustable ride height on demand rather than a fixed drop.

Specifications

Part number SF-BM03-21A
Vehicle 1972-1981 BMW 5 Series
Chassis E12
Damper model Air Strut Series
Damping 1-Way: Rebound and Compression
Damper size (front / rear) 52mm diameter / 50mm diameter
Top mounts (front) Standard: Aluminum with Rubber Bushings / Optional: Aluminum Camber Plates with Pillowball Bushings
Top mounts (rear) Aluminum with Rubber Bushings
Notes Requires welding for installation.
Notes Welding required for installation.
View full details

SF Racing air suspension for your BMW 5 Series: what to know

For a BMW 5 Series that needs to be low for shows and practical for daily driving, air suspension is the most flexible option.

Fitment notes

  • Listed for: 1972-1981 BMW 5 Series (E12).
  • Model years: 1972-1981. Check your car's year falls inside this range.
  • Chassis code E12: you can usually find it in your vehicle documents or by decoding your VIN.
  • Factory adaptive dampers: if your car has electronic or adaptive suspension, check whether the listing covers it or needs a cancellation kit.
  • Specs, lead time and warranty come from SF Racing and can change. The details above this guide are the latest we have.

Not sure it fits? Message us your car's details and we'll double-check fitment with the supplier before you buy.

Ask about fitment

Parts that usually go with it

  • An alignment. Any change in ride height changes camber and toe. Set your final height first, then align.
  • Camber and toe adjustment. Bigger drops often need adjustable arms or camber plates to align properly. See alignment and camber kits.
  • Management. Air struts need a compressor, tank and controller unless the listing says they're included.
  • Wheel and tire clearance. Check clearance at full lock and full compression, especially with wider wheels.

More for your car: BMW Coilovers & Suspension · All Air Suspension

Questions about BMW 5 Series air suspension

Will this fit my BMW 5 Series?
It is listed for the 1972-1981 BMW 5 Series (E12). Check your year, model, drivetrain and chassis code against the product title. If anything is different, contact us and we will confirm fitment with the supplier before you order.
Do I need an alignment after installing air suspension?
Yes. Changing ride height changes camber and toe. Set your final height, let the suspension settle, then get the car aligned.
How low can I go?
It depends on the adjustment range the brand lists, your wheels and tires, and how you use the car. Most cars that are driven hard work best with a modest drop that leaves enough suspension travel.
Where do specs and warranty details come from?
From SF Racing. We sell parts from several brands and suppliers, and each one sets its own specs, lead times and warranty terms. The product details above are the latest we have.