Shock/Strut for the E53...

[NardoW12]

I was originally planning on getting the Bilstein HDs and some Eibach Pro-Kit springs, but after some research here it seems like the Bilstein HDs are a little too stiff for most people's preference.

I'm looking to improve the handling a bit without sacrificing too much on ride comfort, so reading these reviews make me want to get something other than the Bilstein HDs.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a good shock+spring combo? I don't mind spending a little extra money for a quality, durable set if it can improve the handling without making the ride comfort too harsh..(I was looking at the KW Variant 3 Coil-Over kit for the X5, looks very nice but a little expensive at $2100 a set )

[kablammo]

Other than going with OEM dampers I'm affraid that Billies are your only option near the OEM price point. A good coil over set is is going to cost >2K and if it didn't then I would not consider it to be a quality product. Short of AST Suspension making dampers for the E53 I think your only options are KW, Billies or OEM.

Personally I would try to drive, or at least ride in a E53 with Bilstein HD before you look them over. Personal perference can vary widely and you might actually like the ride of "X" damper over the opinons of others.

FYI - If you want to price Bilstein HD out I would start here: bilsteins anyone? - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum

I've ordered from this vendor, for another vehicle, and he was able to beat any price on the web.

k

[jst2878]

go to ecs tuning and see what they have. give them a call

[NardoW12]

Originally Posted by kablammo

Other than going with OEM dampers I'm affraid that Billies are your only option near the OEM price point. A good coil over set is is going to cost >2K and if it didn't then I would not consider it to be a quality product. Short of AST Suspension making dampers for the E53 I think your only options are KW, Billies or OEM.

Personally I would try to drive, or at least ride in a E53 with Bilstein HD before you look them over. Personal perference can vary widely and you might actually like the ride of "X" damper over the opinons of others.

FYI - If you want to price Bilstein HD out I would start here: bilsteins anyone? - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum

I've ordered from this vendor, for another vehicle, and he was able to beat any price on the web.

k

I'm leaning toward spending some extra money for the KW V3 set now, but I will try to find someone with a set of HDs on their X5 just to see how it's like Thanks for the suggestion

Originally Posted by jst2878

go to ecs tuning and see what they have. give them a call

Haven't called them yet but I was looking on their website and found a X5 Suspension rebuild kit, which is a really nice package since I'm experiencing the squicking sound problem