Shock/strut options for e53

[Green Dragon]

*Update*

Bilstein has been in the process of moving to a bigger better manufacter facility which has disrupted the global supply chain considerably. This has been going on for months. I'm told their still working kinks out, but are catching up.

Here's some photos of the B12 kit installed on a fellow from Russia. The B12 kit does not use B6 shocks, but rather B8's which are slightly shorter and valved to compliment the eibach springs. They are a European item. I purchased mine through summit racing. There a few sets for sale in the UK, Germany, etc on eBay. Just priced higher.

[X5only]

I have Bilstein Touring (B4 OE replacement) and H&R lowering springs on my sports X5 with rear air springs. Perfect for me and no complains - so much better than OEM. Got them from fcpeuro.

Front BIL-22119278
Rear BIL-24026529
Sport Spring Lowering Kit - H&R 29378-1
X5

[Dblock2151]

Originally Posted by Green Dragon

I'm in a similar situation. I ordered the bilstein B12 kit (Bilstein 46-189523), which are the sport B8 version with matched eibach springs. I opted to go this route for better spring rate compliance with the valving and only a 30mm drop.

Here's the kicker.... I ordered them back in May. They were back ordered till Oct, now they are pushed out till Mid December! Whats going on over at Bilstein? Holy crap!

I have a set KW's, but I have opted to simplify things and will be passing those on soon. I mounted the rear springs to do a test, and the drop was lower than what I wanted. Soo.... I'm waiting like you.

Anyone here have the B12 kit? Any feedback? Thanks in advance.

I PM'ed you, but not sure if you received the message with the glitches going on during the forum update.

I am seriously interested in the KW's if you are looking to part with them! I found a pretty good deal on a new set, but am interested to see what you are looking for.

Currently have BC Racing coilovers and wanted a softer ride. My cousin has the KW's on his '03 X5 for 4 years and still rides great.

[e39_touring]

I like the stance with those Eibach springs! I can't wait to install mine. I probably should have used the 15% off ebay coupon the other day and gotten the B6's from ecs tuning on ebay, but it would still be $150 more than what I have them backordered for at last year's black friday sale at bavauto.

As I understand it, they have been unavailable in the US since August 2017. I've never seen a business go dark for that long! Maybe things are starting to move as now both ecs and fcpeuro show them as in stock.

[Gregory891]

Look on Ebay.de, use key words of Stoßdämpfer and BMW E53 with either B6 or B8.

One example.

https://www.ebay.de/itm/2x-Bilstein-...3pZe:rk:8:pf:0

[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.

[Green Dragon]

Geez you fatty! Kidding! Hey, that creak sound could be a number of things, but I'm willing to postulate it's likely your strut mount bushing are getting dry/worn. If that's original suspension, it's definitely time for a refresh. As far as what to replace with, there's a lot of varying opinions depending on roads, your driving style/needs, etc. Fairly safe bets are Sachs, bilstein,etc. Tell us what your looking for.

[bcredliner]

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.

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.

[ajacks8]

Originally Posted by Green Dragon

*Update*

Bilstein has been in the process of moving to a bigger better manufacter facility which has disrupted the global supply chain considerably. This has been going on for months. I'm told their still working kinks out, but are catching up.

Here's some photos of the B12 kit installed on a fellow from Russia. The B12 kit does not use B6 shocks, but rather B8's which are slightly shorter and valved to compliment the eibach springs. They are a European item. I purchased mine through summit racing. There a few sets for sale in the UK, Germany, etc on eBay. Just priced higher.

Been a while since you've installed these. If still driving this SAV, how did you like the B8's and could you please do me the HUGE favor of letting me know the shock part numbers of those B8's? It seems to be a very well kept secret by sellers of this Eibach pro-kit setup. Please.