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Originally Posted by 270_BMW
Probably a dumb question, but I haven't seen any shocks/struts threads in a while and since everyone in engaged with different options I thought this may be a good time to drop this.
I've noticed occasionally when making a banked turn or getting out of the vehicle there is a creaking sound, 2% of the time. I had mentioned it to a few people and they say struts or bushings. Weighing 180, I wouldn't think that me getting out of the vehicle would cause much of a difference. Could this be shock and strut related? If so... do you guys recommend buying OEM or just biting the bullet and getting something more performance oriented that would last a little longer. To the best of my knowledge the suspension is untouched from the factory with 254k Miles on the vehicle.
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I would troubleshoot to pin down the root cause of the noise before rebuilding the suspension or buying any parts. Can you cause the noise by just pushing down or pulling up the bumper and letting it rebound? Can you cause the noise if you turn the steering wheel from lock to lock? If you jack up the front and turn the wheel with motor on and off do you hear the noise?
Texas roads I use are very good. I rebuilt both the front and rear suspension and subframe bushings at about 80,000 miles. Nothing was worn out but it was amazing how much better it handled after the project. I suggest OE or OEM parts.
I have done many upgrades but unless you are frequently pushing the handling limits I don't see the need. If you do what to go further, IMO, drop it down to lower center of gravity. Improve turn in and reduce rollover with heavier sway bars and widen the stance and tire patch with spacers, low profile tires on say 20in rims like 87s. Going this route will result in less understeer which is necessary to do on an X5 to significantly increase cornering limits.
I tried 3 strut and shock combinations. Anything that is designed to improve handling will noticeably compromise ride. I backed off from road and track versions as they made the vehicle to skittish for normal driving and too hard to 'feel' break loose point based on how I like a vehicle to handle.