Home Forums Articles How To's FAQ Register
Go Back   Xoutpost.com > BMW SAV Forums > X5 (E53) Forum
Fluid Motor Union
User Name
Password
Member List Premier Membership Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Xoutpost server transfer and maintenance is occurring....
Xoutpost is currently undergoing a planned server migration.... stay tuned for new developments.... sincerely, the management


Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #111  
Old 05-31-2017, 02:10 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 59
RVAE34 is on a distinguished road
lol!

It drives fantastic!! I should have done this sooner.
Reply With Quote

Sponsored Links

  #112  
Old 06-16-2017, 10:53 AM
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 59
RVAE34 is on a distinguished road
I am about to do some more suspension work. I feel a slight thud under sudden braking and a slight shimmy when driving which I assume is the other side front control arms. When I bought it, I did the front driver side only to pass inspection but I ordered the passenger side arms/ball joints, all 4 end links, upper strut mounts/bearings and am leaning towards preventatively replacing the front struts since they seem to be original with near 120k miles. Curious whether I should go with the Bilstein B4 touring struts or the Bilstein 4600’s. The 4600 appears to be the HD since it’s yellow/blue. I just want the car to remain like OE though and have no desire for “performance” on this one. Also got 2 new rear tires. Sticking with the Toyo Proxes ST2.
Reply With Quote
  #113  
Old 06-16-2017, 12:44 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 302
dannyzabolotny is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by RVAE34 View Post
I am about to do some more suspension work. I feel a slight thud under sudden braking and a slight shimmy when driving which I assume is the other side front control arms. When I bought it, I did the front driver side only to pass inspection but I ordered the passenger side arms/ball joints, all 4 end links, upper strut mounts/bearings and am leaning towards preventatively replacing the front struts since they seem to be original with near 120k miles. Curious whether I should go with the Bilstein B4 touring struts or the Bilstein 4600’s. The 4600 appears to be the HD since it’s yellow/blue. I just want the car to remain like OE though and have no desire for “performance” on this one. Also got 2 new rear tires. Sticking with the Toyo Proxes ST2.
Thud under braking + shimmy is a classic thrust arm bushing symptom. Just overhaul the whole front suspension and you'll be good for a while.

I would replace the struts with whatever is closest to OE... the 4.6is already has a pretty firm ride due to its low profile tires and sport suspension, no need to go even harsher. I think you only need the Bilstein HD's if you plan to lower it, otherwise the touring struts should be fine. Make sure to replace the strut mounts, those go bad with age too. The ones in my 540it kept groaning and squeaking after I replaced the rest of the suspension so I spent ages trying to chase down that list bit of harshness. Once I replaced my struts and mounts the front suspension was perfect.
__________________
2003 X5 4.6 | 2000 540i Touring

Formerly owned:
2004 Range Rover | 2000 M5 | 2000 540i/6
1995 750il | 2003 Mercedes S500 | 2003 540i/6
Reply With Quote
  #114  
Old 06-16-2017, 01:06 PM
bcredliner's Avatar
Premier Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Little Elm,Texas. (40 minutes North of Dallas)
Posts: 8,105
bcredliner is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by RVAE34 View Post
I am about to do some more suspension work. I feel a slight thud under sudden braking and a slight shimmy when driving which I assume is the other side front control arms. When I bought it, I did the front driver side only to pass inspection but I ordered the passenger side arms/ball joints, all 4 end links, upper strut mounts/bearings and am leaning towards preventatively replacing the front struts since they seem to be original with near 120k miles. Curious whether I should go with the Bilstein B4 touring struts or the Bilstein 4600’s. The 4600 appears to be the HD since it’s yellow/blue. I just want the car to remain like OE though and have no desire for “performance” on this one. Also got 2 new rear tires. Sticking with the Toyo Proxes ST2.
HD struts are a harsher ride than stock.
__________________
X5 4.6 2002 Black Sap, Black interior. 2013 X5M Melbourne Red, Bamboo interior
Dallas
Reply With Quote
  #115  
Old 06-16-2017, 01:49 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Southlake, Texas
Posts: 2,094
X53Jay4.8is is on a distinguished road
Yeah i would stick to the touring shocks. I went back with Sachs oe since i had a 4.6is
Reply With Quote
  #116  
Old 06-16-2017, 01:55 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Ooltewah, TN
Posts: 713
bmw540san is on a distinguished road
You've seen my write up when you asked about rear coils and you probably noticed I went with HD.
I do agree that HD are firmer than stock, but I do like them and I wouldn't call them harsh.
My problem with Touring ones is the longevity. My understanding is that Touring is different type of strut / shock internal build when compared to HD and are lesser quality.
Another advantage of HD over stock or Touring is stability in cornering and high speeds.
This is obviously IMO but I'm not regretting going with HD.
Now, Sport Bilstein and lowered springs, that's too firm IMO.
Also, definitely replace the strut mounts. One of mine, which is pictured in the write up, had big nasty crack.
__________________
2010 BMW M6 * Black Saphire Metallic * Full Black Merino Leather
2019 BMW X3 M40i * Alpine White * Mocha Leather
Reply With Quote
  #117  
Old 06-16-2017, 02:54 PM
bcredliner's Avatar
Premier Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Little Elm,Texas. (40 minutes North of Dallas)
Posts: 8,105
bcredliner is on a distinguished road
If you are concerned with compromising ride just go with OEM parts, you already know what that is like. Touring shock quality is fine and ride is similar, my guess is somewhat firmer, hard to tell for sure since always compared to the worn out struts just removed.
__________________
X5 4.6 2002 Black Sap, Black interior. 2013 X5M Melbourne Red, Bamboo interior
Dallas
Reply With Quote
  #118  
Old 06-16-2017, 03:19 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 59
RVAE34 is on a distinguished road
I have HD's and H&R II on my E38 and love them but that's my car...

I won't go oe bc of price but will look into Sachs. Didnt see them on fcp but will check ecs.

Thanks, everyone!
Reply With Quote
  #119  
Old 06-16-2017, 07:17 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Southlake, Texas
Posts: 2,094
X53Jay4.8is is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmw540san View Post
You've seen my write up when you asked about rear coils and you probably noticed I went with HD.
I do agree that HD are firmer than stock, but I do like them and I wouldn't call them harsh.
My problem with Touring ones is the longevity. My understanding is that Touring is different type of strut / shock internal build when compared to HD and are lesser quality.
Another advantage of HD over stock or Touring is stability in cornering and high speeds.
This is obviously IMO but I'm not regretting going with HD.
Now, Sport Bilstein and lowered springs, that's too firm IMO.
Also, definitely replace the strut mounts. One of mine, which is pictured in the write up, had big nasty crack.
Yes I agree that at the end of day it comes back to personal subjective tastes. I installed HR sport springs on my X5 so its already firmer than stock so using the sachs touring valved for the IS is a good match in comfort and handling. In addition when I changed out my originals they were not blown at all. This was 108K miles when I did the refresh and changed them out.
Reply With Quote
  #120  
Old 06-19-2017, 09:00 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: reno nv
Posts: 679
x5Alpine is on a distinguished road
I would definitely go with the OE sachs set up as I personally believe that its the perfect set up for the 4.6is.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:55 AM.
vBulletin, Copyright 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. SEO by vBSEO 3.6.0
© 2017 Xoutpost.com. All rights reserved. Xoutpost.com is a private enthusiast site not associated with BMW AG.
The BMW name, marks, M stripe logo, and Roundel logo as well as X3, X5 and X6 designations used in the pages of this Web Site are the property of BMW AG.
This web site is not sponsored or affiliated in any way with BMW AG or any of its subsidiaries.