[cdmccul]

I had the exact same thing happen to me while driving 70MPH down I35 just north of Albert Lea, MN, driving a 1983 BMW 533i. Passenger side let go, and slammed spring into the tire - took out a 1/2" wide section of tread on the inner ridge of the wheel, down to the wear bars. Big plume of blue smoke rolled from the front end of the car. Fortunately, I was right at an exit and pulled off. Used a farmer's shed (with permission) to jack the car up, get a spring compressor to compress the spring, then installed two exhaust clamps around the body of the strut. Released the spring compressor and drove home - never did anything to fix it for a few years, and sold the car (with full disclosure to the new buyer!).

Glad you got out of your situation safe... Great pictures - I'd better go check my 1994... Original struts in all four corners, rust belt car too!

[300maximilien]

Bump... it's spring time! Check Yo Struts Peeps!