Sport Suspension Shock Options

[davintosh]

Mine is one of the X5s ordered with the Sport suspension option box checked, and has air springs in the back only. It's getting close to 180,000 miles, and I think it's still on the original shocks & struts, so I've been looking at replacing them. I've checked with the dealer & ECS Tuning, and was told that OEM is the only option for the Sport suspension, but the cost for all that is pretty astronomical; fronts are about $380 each and rears $225. Ouch.

I really doubt there is much fitment difference between the shocks/struts spec'd for the Sport suspension vs. the non-Sport. Has anybody with the Sport suspension been adventurous (and cheap) with shock replacement?

[David.X5]

I have the same suspension. I contacted Bilstein and they suggested the HD shocks (4600 series). So far I have just done the rears. The ride is good. Definitely "sport" and not stock.

The search function on many of the resellers seems to be incorrect as many label these as "not self leveling" or "not sport" but that is not what the Bilstein selector says. Also did Arnott air springs while I was at it (one air spring was just starting to deflate overnight...)

Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873

[Ricky Bobby]

Doesn't Gregory891 have sport package with rear air and replaced his? He might be a good one to ask.

And yes, definitely Arnott for the air aprinfs

[admranger]

I just replaced my sport suspension struts/shocks with Bilstein sports (yellow ones). They also, as has been stated before, make a regular 'touring' Bilstein shock that works with our sport suspensions.

I love mine, but roads around here are not terrible, not like I-90, I-29, or US81 expansion joint madness (Yankton HS grad...).

If I were you, I'd look at shox.com for the regular ones. FCPeuro.com also lists them.

Rear 'touring' are P/N: 24-026529

Front 'touring' are P/N: 22-119278 (L), 22-119261 (R)

Prices (and time for shipping) were closer via shox.com as they are out of California.

[g300d]

I was going to start a thread with this exact same title, glad I searched first lol!

I'm planing on a refresh that includes new shocks/struts.

Anyone pair the Bilstein Tourings with the sport package springs?

How are they compared to OE sport struts/shocks?

[Ricky Bobby]

Bilstein Tourings would be what you'd want for an OE replacement sport shock.

Bilstein Yellows will be stiffer than the OE sport shocks.

[JWMich]

I did the Bilstein Touring (black) with mine - 4.4i w/sport package. They are great, a little firmer than stock, well controlled, not harsh in everyday use. Recommend.

[g300d]

Thanks guys for chiming in. I was not sure the Tourings would work with sport springs.

So they are stiffer than stock sport shocks? I was wanting something a bit softer actually, if there is such a thing. I find sports a bit harsh on the rough roads I pass often.

Price difference is significant compared to OE though.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by g300d

Price difference is significant compared to OE though.

^this. I'll take a touch stiffer for 1/3 the price per shock.

[g300d]

^ditto!

Looks like tourings are the leading choice at the moment