Shocks Choices and Part Numbers

[frostyfx]

Hey everyone

So I have searched and searched and everything has ended up pointless.

What I have:
2003 4.6is with sport suspension and auto leveling in the rear. The front shocks are blown.

My Choices:

1) BMW Shocks - $550 a shock
2) Bilstein B4 (L -22-119278, R - 22-119278) - $400 for a pair
3) Bilstein B6 (L - 35-107422, R - 35-107439) - $735 (all 4 rear - 24-107440)
4) KYB Excel-G (L - 335925, R - 335924) - $220 a shock
5) Monroe OESpectrum (L - 72340, R - 72339) - $220 a shock

Now I have read that Bilstein shocks are too harsh. I have not been able to track down if it is the B4's or the B6's that are too much so please can someone shed some light on this once and for all.

Thanks you in advance for your replies.

[Papa13]

I have blistein hd's and I love them. I don't find them to harsh at all.

[frostyfx]

Thanks for the reply.

Anyone else have an opinion?

[Sterling 4.4]

I just replaced with OEM shocks / struts along with control arms, bushings, tie rods etc. drives like new at 93k miles.

[hoaesq]

So I have asked this question before and am still in search of rear shocks for my 05 4.4 (sports suspension) with rear self leveling. I currently purchased the H&R lowering spring set (with rear links) and HD Bils struts for the front and will install them when I replace both front axle assemblies.

I would like to replace the rear shocks as well but don't want to replace them with OEM/touring shocks. Anyone knows where I can get a set of performance shocks for the rears for a reasonable price? I contacted these guys (Schmiedmann - Styling/Tuning/Spare parts for BMW - New parts) but they stated they did not carry the shocks for my X.

At this point I'm starting to think that there are no rear performance shocks for X5's with the sport suspension/self leveling . . . possibly because it is not necessary due to the self leveling - it'll adjust according to type of driving? Should I just replace the rears with OEM or OEM type shocks? Ifso, any recommendation on vendors? I purchased the suspension components listed in the first paragraph from tire rack - best prices I've seen so far.

Thanks.

[Dan Fowler]

I put Bilstein HD on front and love them. Just like oe sport feel. Mine is 4.4 with sport package. Rear is air self level so I have not replaced those shocks yet.

[jcorreanyc]

Hoaesq, what did you end up doing? I'm about to buy the H&R spring set myself, and was thinking about going with stock shocks all around. I hear the Bilstein HD's are too stiff and I live in New York where the roads are awful.

Does anyone have feedback about going with stock shocks and a 1.2 inch drop? All the aftermarket options say that the shocks are not applicable with air ride suspension. I don't want to mix and match front and rear shocks and it'll be much cheaper to just swap springs.

Also, for anyone with the H&R springs, how much does it actually lower the car? Is it 1.2 inches as they claim? Do I need to program the rear at all or do the links do the trick alone?

Thanks!

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by jcorreanyc

Hoaesq, what did you end up doing? I'm about to buy the H&R spring set myself, and was thinking about going with stock shocks all around. I hear the Bilstein HD's are too stiff and I live in New York where the roads are awful.

Does anyone have feedback about going with stock shocks and a 1.2 inch drop? All the aftermarket options say that the shocks are not applicable with air ride suspension. I don't want to mix and match front and rear shocks and it'll be much cheaper to just swap springs.
Also, for anyone with the H&R springs, how much does it actually lower the car? Is it 1.2 inches as they claim? Do I need to program the rear at all or do the links do the trick alone?

Thanks!

I have the H&R lowering kit for rear air which is the two front springs and height sensor links. I tried the Bilstein HDs and took them off. The ride was too harsh. I could have lived with that but the X was skittish, darted around the lane, felt like a handful all the time, was not even comfortable to passengers. In the rain it slowed me down and kept me on full alert. I went back to OEM struts and shocks. FYI- The Bilstein setup was with Eibach sway bars that contributed to the resulting handling.

The front drop was closer to 1.5. I don't recall if the links for the rear were enough, I think they were. I replaced then with metal adjustable links. I also added spacers which dropped it a little more because of the geometry and added to the new look.

[jcorreanyc]

@bcredliner, tell me about these adjustable rear links! Where did you get them? How do they work exactly? How much of a range do you have with them?

Thanks to everyone for the great info. I think I'm just going to put H&R's on my stock struts and shocks. Why spend an extra $700 on shocks to just make the ride worse? I just hope I don't destroy my stock struts by bottoming them out on potholes... We'll see.

[xRide]

fi the bilstein is anything like what they make for the e39 5 series, i wouldnt recommend them. They raised the front of the car and they are only compliant on smooth pavement.

I'd get the KYB.