Front struts and rear shocks

[magnum1]

Have a 2004 X5 with 3.0 Sport package
What front struts and rear shock is every one recommending ?

Are the fronts easy to do?

Thank you
Jim

[LeiZ]

You got air or non-air?

It's pretty straightforward, the only PITA part is compressing the spring, unless you can have a garage compress it for you (literally 5 minutes job to do the swap). The only special tool you need is a 18mm bicycle wrench, which is ultra-thin.

Good Luck!!!

[magnum1]

Hello LeiZ

its a non air car
what brand and models of shocks and strut is recommended?
its has a sport package

Thank you
Jim

Originally Posted by LeiZ

You got air or non-air?

It's pretty straightforward, the only PITA part is compressing the spring, unless you can have a garage compress it for you (literally 5 minutes job to do the swap). The only special tool you need is a 18mm bicycle wrench, which is ultra-thin.

Good Luck!!!

[LeiZ]

As for the rear, exposing the top mount is the only time consuming part.

[bcredliner]

Many auto parts stores will 'rent' you a spring compressor and return the fee when you return the spring compressor.

[Joshdub]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Many auto parts stores will 'rent' you a spring compressor and return the fee when you return the spring compressor.

Yup. Usually about $50 and you get it all back once you return it, as long as it isn't broken and within their time frame.

Also, air tools really help when using spring compressors.

[X5only]

Or if you don't feel inclined to mess around with spring compressors, most small shops can compress and install the springs for a small fee if you remove the assembly from the car and take it to them. I found this easier to do and saved myself a bunch of hustles.

[kevinkay]

Harbor Freight makes a compression tool that worked just fine for $15.
MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor Set

I swapped my shocks and struts from originals to Sachs at 150K. (my old fashion "non-german" auto history/logic thought it was due). Did not do springs or plates. Made little to zero difference in ride quality.

[admranger]

Unless you drive on really bumpy roads (or ones full of potholes), look at Bilstein Sports (yellows).

I got them from shox.com for my 4.4i. I like a 'sportier' ride though. The alternative are the Bilstein touring ones.

Be careful using a spring compressor if you haven't used one before. There is a lot of energy in those springs. A. Lot.

Pro trick. Put the spring compressor on the strut assembly after using a jack to compress the strut assembly on the car. That way you save a lot of cranking time with wrenches (if you don't have air tools -- if you do, never mind)...

Check your spring pads to see if they need replacing. They harden over time and sometimes break. You don't want to wait for them to come in with the car disassembled. Might make more sense to buy new ones ahead of time.

Also, get new rear shock mounts. Clean and regrease the upper strut bearings. If the rubber part of the upper shock bearings is looking iffy, replace (not cheap, but a good idea). Since you have to remove the sway bar end links, now is the time to replace them if you haven't.

Good luck!

[StephenVA]