Shock/strut options for e53

e39_touring · #1 10-25-2018, 09:41 PM

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 · #2 10-26-2018, 03:14 PM

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.

Emory39 · #3 10-27-2018, 01:30 PM

Quote:

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 · #4 10-27-2018, 02:34 PM

Quote:

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 · #5 10-26-2018, 03:43 PM

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.

X53Jay4.8is · #6 10-29-2018, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

I used the Sachs sports for font and back and have been very pleased with them on the 4.6is.

e39_touring · #7 10-29-2018, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X53Jay4.8is

I used the Sachs sports for font and back and have been very pleased with them on the 4.6is.

I was considering Sachs if the Bilsteins B6's don't become available again soon, but I see conflicting information on whether or not they spec a separate part for sport vs standard suspension. Their aftermarket catalog only lists 1 version for all E53. Most retailers note 'not for cars with sport suspension' while pelican parts shows different sachs struts for with vs without sport suspension - very confusing...

Green Dragon · #8 11-15-2018, 06:26 PM

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.

Dblock2151 · #9 11-27-2018, 02:42 PM

Quote:

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.

bcredliner · #10 10-26-2018, 05:03 PM

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.