What is the recommended rear shock for stock sport suspension with self leveling

[X5only]

Having done my due diligence searching online for appropriate struts/ shocks for my 4.4 2005 stock sports with rear self leveling, I was just about to pull the trigger on a complete set of Bilstein B4 OE Replacement struts/shocks at tirerack. I paused when I noticed the fine print for the rears:

• Rear Fitment: B4 OE Replacement shock Part #: 24-026529
  Note: Rear Fitment (OE Replacement Series) Excludes Self Leveling.
• Front fitment: B4 OE Replacement Strut Part #: 22-119278 left
  B4 OE Replacement Strut Part #: 22-119261 right

What's the recommended replacement shock for vehicles with sports suspension with self leveling air springs in the rear (other than the factory shocks which give me a sinking feeling in the pit of me wallet)? I'm doing a complete suspension overhaul including the rear air springs (from Arnott).

Thanks!

[jsoto]

I'd stick with OE. I did a brief look for OEM - did not see much or anything for the same spec.

[X5only]

Would Bilstein 4600 Series (yellow) Part #: 24-107440 be an ok fitment for sports with rear self leveling? Any one know with certainty?

[admranger]

I'm running Bilstein sports all around on mine. You wouldn't want to do this if you live where the streets are cratered w/pot holes, but in Las Vegas/AZ/CA/UT highways it's fine.

[Ricky Bobby]

Bilstein B4 or Sachs Super Touring would be an OE replacement shock. Personally I wouldn't pay attention to Tire Rack, a buddy of mine had full articulating suspension and used B4 Tourings on his rear shocks after the OE shocks blew, and he has no complaints or issues.

The Bilstein part # when I checked the catalog is what is recommended OE replacement for 4.6iS, which has Sports suspension standard. The matching strut part number is 22-119278. The rear shock part number for Bilstein B4 is correct.

If you go Bilstein yellow (HD) you are making it stiffer than standard sports suspension, it is not a lateral move and OE replacement shock.


If you want to preserve as close to original ride quality, the B4's are what you want.

[Gregory891]

@ X5only. You can put the normal B6 yellow single tube Bilsteins on the car as upgrade to the OEM B4 installed at the factory. I have an E53 with self leveling on the rear only. NO regrets.

The original Bilstein catalog was wrong (assuming you want to upgrade) - the author who wrote the entry for self leveling (all four) incorrectly assumed the same for rear only. I wrote them and got it corrected 1-2 years ago. Their site is updated and slowly you'll see the update filter to vendor websites.

I found a similar error on the E34 touring wagon and had that corrected in 2007.

I've been with BMW cars (and ran a shop) for 30+ years, anyone can (and will) make some mistakes.

Again, it is compatible with the std or sport suspension. I did front & rear, the most noticeable improvement was the rear. It is a less hoppy and firmer (which is what I live). I drive on 17" (winter) & 18" tires (summer). If did accentuate my weak rear suspension frame bushings - which I replaced 3 months ago. Now its a nice balance of comfort and firm, as a BMW should be.

If you want to know more, PM me but it's a NO regret choice.

[Bmwtvboy]

Bought Bill's for the front struts on the X5 3.0 while using the old Sachs in the rear and it drove great. Recently put a set of Bill's on the rear and did some linkage/ball joint replacement with 200K mile air system and it drives smooth and tight. I found great deals on the Bill's at Bavauto. BUT, I saw the same disclaimer. Went to the Bill site and sure enough the part number and specs were fine with the air system. One note; they do drive a bit firmer but not obnoxiously.

[Ricky Bobby]

^If you want firmer, get the yellows. If you want OE ride, get the B4 Touring