Shock/strut options for e53

[e39_touring]

So I've had a set of bilstein b6's on backorder from bavauto for a year now. I want to use them with a set of eibach lowering springs I bought right after getting my 5mt.

I emailed bilstein asking if the b6's week be available in the US anytime soon but got no response. A few retailers sell show them in stock, but naturally, they're the ones with ridiculous prices.

Are there any other good options? I'm thinking of doing Sachs front and Monroe oespectrum rear (monotube) since it will be cheap and better than my stock non-sport 110k mile dampers.

[bcredliner]

The stock suspension is more than competent for the street. If you want to upgrade the handling I would add thicker sway bars, wheel spacers, lower it as you intend to do and maybe wider tires and then see if you can scare yourself before it breaks loose with stock shocks and struts.

[e39_touring]

Yeah, I'm not looking for all out handling (have other cars for that). I've just read a lot about using lowering springs and 'stock-ish' dampers not being a good idea - them blowing out early or something. I'm not sure I buy those arguments.

My X has the standard suspension but for some reason looks jacked-up (higher than normal ride height). I guess I'm just used to our other one that has the sport susp.

I'm already riding on style 87's, and I just figured its best to put new shocks/struts on at 110k miles if I'm going through the trouble of installing the eibach lowering springs.

[bcredliner]

For lowering I used the H&M lowering kit to lower the center of gravity with side benefit of helping to fill the wheel wells. I used 17MM spacers from Velocity with the 87s to improve stability with same side benefit.

Based on what you are after that should make you very happy. If you bite the bullet and rebuild the front and rear suspension you will be amazed at the improvement. I had about 75,000 miles on my X5 when I did the rebuild and I was shocked at how 'sloppy' my suspension had become even though nothing had failed.

[e39_touring]

Which struts/shocks are you running?

I already have the eibach lowering springs, and I've replaced most of the bushings up front so I'm all good there. Overall the truck feels pretty good, but I want it lower and a little stiffer would be OK with me.

[bcredliner]

My goal was strictly to improve handling. I made several other upgrades not mentioned. I tried OE shock and struts. The were not a good compliment to the rest I had done. I have Bilsteins and they do make it stiffer. I tried Bistein HDs. Ride was ever stiffer but it was too skittish regardless of the alignment. Bilsteins will give you a stiffer ride and logically they should improve handling but logic doesn't always apply when you modify suspensions.

[Emory39]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

The stock suspension is more than competent for the street. If you want to upgrade the handling I would add thicker sway bars, wheel spacers, lower it as you intend to do and maybe wider tires and then see if you can scare yourself before it breaks loose with stock shocks and struts.

I tried to search for thicker sway bar but did not find any. Where can you find a kit? I already have the B6 shocks on mine. also, what is the website for the spacers?

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by Emory39

I tried to search for thicker sway bar but did not find any. Where can you find a kit? I already have the B6 shocks on mine. also, what is the website for the spacers?

Eibach no longer makes the sway bar model I have. Purchased mine from Tirerack. They may have something. Other than that I would check to see if the 4.6 or 4.8 sway bars are thicker and fit or if you watch on Ebay the Eibach versions sometimes pop up.

I suggest you read the information from the link I am sending. Some go to thinner or thicker spacers than I did with 87s. It all depends on what is important to you. I didn't go wider because I wanted to make sure tires couldn't throw debris on the side of the vehicle.

I couldn't find the source of the spacers I have. What is important is that the spacers come with the proper length lug bolts. I prefer the kind that bolt to the hub rather than those that are secured only by the lug bolts. I didn't purchase inexpensive spacers offered on Ebay since it is so important the surfaces are true and add as little unsprung weight as possible. Also, some tire stores like Discount Tire will not replace tires if the spacers are not secured to the hub.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/t-w...s-encyclopedia

ECS Tuning also offers spacers.

[e39_touring]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

My goal was strictly to improve handling. I made several other upgrades not mentioned. I tried OE shock and struts. The were not a good compliment to the rest I had done. I have Bilsteins and they do make it stiffer. I tried Bistein HDs. Ride was ever stiffer but it was too skittish regardless of the alignment. Bilsteins will give you a stiffer ride and logically they should improve handling but logic doesn't always apply when you modify suspensions.

Thanks for the feedback, bcredliner. But, I'm still a little confused about what you wrote here. Are you saying you're running Bilstein HD's and they're too stiff in your opinion (for good handling)?

I don't mind it pretty stiff, but I don't want the car bucking or becoming skittish on less-than-perfect roads.

[bcredliner]

My mistake, yes, I have HDs all around. I can't remember if they had a racing version at that time or that it was another brand that was too skittish. Bear in mind that I did a complete upgrade so your results may be different. I don't think they call them HDs anymore but they are the version that is one step above OEM specs.

Some go to coilovers when it is time to replace strut and shocks. It's a little to a lot more to go that route depending on your choice. The low end versions were not what I was looking for and what I wanted were too much investment and overkill for the street.