4.8is rear struts.....???? Bilstein ? are they good ?

[electricalserv x5]

Hi guy's I am going to do the rear struts DYI very soon are Bilstein good, I have the Arnoff combo strut air bag on the front so...............

[AV8R4AA]

Both times I have tried Bilstein shocks, I have been disappointed.
On a BMW 635 and on a BMW E39 wagon.

They are the stiffest concrete pillars I have ever had the displeasure of
riding in.

I absolutely hate them. Expensive, way too stiff and overrated.

Buy your self a cast iron rod, paint them yellow and install.
That is what you will be feeling before you drop major money on
Bilstein (non) shock absorbers. 👎🏻

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by AV8R4AA

Both times I have tried Bilstein shocks, I have been disappointed.
On a BMW 635 and on a BMW E39 wagon.

They are the stiffest concrete pillars I have ever had the displeasure of
riding in.

I absolutely hate them. Expensive, way too stiff and overrated.

Buy your self a cast iron rod, paint them yellow and install.
That is what you will be feeling before you drop major money on
Bilstein (non) shock absorbers. 👎🏻

Agreed each sport shocks for the X5 is the way to go

[TiAgX5]

I have the Bilstein sport shocks, super firm with the staggered wheels/Ultrac Vorti Y speed rated (186+ mph) tires. The plus side, the X drives like an E39 M Sport (with a seating position around a foot higher).

With the 18" non-staggered and Conti Cross Contact Sport LX all-season tires it's a totally different ride.

Can't imagine the Bilsteins with runflats, must ride like a go-cart.

[X5only]

Originally Posted by AV8R4AA

Both times I have tried Bilstein shocks, I have been disappointed.
On a BMW 635 and on a BMW E39 wagon.

They are the stiffest concrete pillars I have ever had the displeasure of
riding in.

I absolutely hate them. Expensive, way too stiff and overrated.

Buy your self a cast iron rod, paint them yellow and install.
That is what you will be feeling before you drop major money on
Bilstein (non) shock absorbers. 👎🏻

What would you recommend? What do you have on your two X5s?

[TiAgX5]

I think the Sachs shocks are a good choice for those that want more ride compliance.

[bmw540san]

For almost 10 years I'm seeing threads against Bilsteins and I still don't get it.

Sport Bilsteins combined with lowering springs, sure, ride is definitely harsh.

But I have HD yellow Bilstein combined with OEM springs on all 3 cars and my wife and daughter approve.

You simply can't have Cadillac cushy drive on performance SUV with 20" low profile tires. You need GMC Denali or whatever with 65-70 profile tires for that.

I love my setup:

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...gs-delete.html

[itscoo2pyopants]

I have bilsteins with h&r springs. Ride is stiffer, but I prefer it over squishy OEM air ride.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by X5only

What would you recommend? What do you have on your two X5s?

I run the sachs with the H&R springs and the ride is really good. In addition my vehicle has the factory 20 inch wheels and specified tires. My tires are not the run flats and I chose to go with the Vredesteins Ultrac Vortis. Continental DWS is also a good run flat alternative for the X5.

[X5only]

What are your thoughts on Bilstein B4 OE Replacement Strut, the black ones? Their description by tirerack sounds promising for OEM springs but wonder what real lie experience is the same:

"4 OE Replacement Strut are Original Equipment twin-tube, gas pressure replacement struts for drivers who want to restore their vehicle's original ride and handling.
Valved about 10% firmer than stock, B4 OE Replacement Strut feature the same German engineering and quality as Bilstein's monotube gas pressure shocks, but in a competitively priced, twin-tube design.
Not recommended for use with lowering springs. Limited lifetime warranty is included."