Sport Suspension Shock Options

[SMOKEY53]

I'm another with Bilstein yellow sport....also known outside of the US as B6.

The Bilstein black touring are also called B4.

I'd agree with what David.X5 and admranger have said. It's definitely a notch up from the OEM sport suspension in terms of stiffness and firm ride. It corners very flat, and absorbs bumps pretty well for a car on 20's - but it is noticeable when going over sharp undulations in the road, you get a sort of sharp rise and fall in the front, followed by a sharp rise and fall as the rears cross the same bump. Kind of feels like a soft 'buck'. Some people probably won't like that, especially back seat passengers.

The ride overall is pretty much on par with my 2012 C300 with AMG pack, so, it's more for someone who wants a spirited driving style vs every day comfort.

If I had kids, or if I did long trips in the X5 - I'd probably have to recommend going the touring/black/B4.

[g300d]

Thanks for the input Smoky!

If I lived in a place with better roads I wouldnt mind the Sports. I had them on a previous car, a W124 Merc, together with H&R springs. Thoroughly enjoyed it at the time.

Nowadays I feel I'd like a little less sport and a bit more comfort. Must be getting old, lol!

[SMOKEY53]

Originally Posted by g300d

Thanks for the input Smoky!

If I lived in a place with better roads I wouldnt mind the Sports. I had them on a previous car, a W124 Merc, together with H&R springs. Thoroughly enjoyed it at the time.

Nowadays I feel I'd like a little less sport and a bit more comfort. Must be getting old, lol!

No shame in that, I don't think you'll be disappointed. It certainly won't be 'too soft' but there is definitely a risk that the B6's would be 'too harsh'.

Bilstein themselves classify the B4 as a direct OEM replacement, and given they're a German company that most often supplies to German manufacturers I think you'll be happy.

[g300d]

Right Smokey, I cross-referenced part numbers and the Tourings came out as replacements for the OE sport shocks.

I remember now that I have Tourings on an E46 (not OE sport package car though), and they are pretty good, sporty but comfy.

If they have the same result on my X I'll be happy.

Tourings look like my best option so far!

[AIRMAX1_87]

has anyone delt with b4 tourings on 4.6is springs? or should i go with b6 hd struts? thanks

[g300d]

IIRC 4.6is springs are the same as any other E53 OE sport springs? If so, the experiences shared here would be applicable to you too.