Aftermarket Adaptive Drive Shocks?

Green Dragon · #1 08-04-2022, 06:51 PM

Hey Chaps,
I've got an '11 e70 Msport 35i (w/coil springs) last year. Has about 120k on the clock. We have noticed the suspension is pretty choppy and harsh at times. Seems like the adaptive drive shocks are toast. My wife drives around with the sport button on all the time just to eeek every bit of control out of them.

I have recently seen options on ebay and aliexpress, etc for replacements. Has anyone tried any of these out yet? I know its wishful thinking that these chinese parts are any good, but at 1/4th cost its worth at least asking. Thanks!

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ard · #2 08-05-2022, 01:01 AM

I dont know of ANYONE that actually makes replacements.

You might- MIGHT- be able to find standard shocks that fit as a replacement, but if you want AD, I would be very very careful.

Digging deep in the weeds on ebay, aliexpress, and other 3rd world backwaters will most likely result in you finding mistakes and errors.

If someone ACTUALLY makes an AD replacement, they WOULD be sold everywhere. Or at least at the handfull of reputable BMW parts vendors. Again, the fact that they dont carry anything and you found 3rd world sellers that say 'they fit'.

Im willing to bet that they arent real AD components.

But this is speculation on my part- if you find real AD components we will all be happy to know!

You sure they are bad? Odd for all 4 to wear out at once- or even a pair. No warning messages? no lights that are ignored? Used a BMW computer to check for any errors? Nice quality rubber? Owned it since mile 1, so you know what it used to feel like?

Roadster44 · #3 01-12-2023, 11:52 AM

Is it fine to replace AD shocks with standard non AD shocks? Such as Bilstein B4? Any impact on AD?

jimoreno · #4 01-12-2023, 05:14 PM

You won't have AD as the shocks have electronic valving controlled by the system. The system will probably shut off due to not "seeing" the AD shocks. Not sure if it will give you errors in the dashboard.

Roadster44 · #5 01-12-2023, 05:36 PM

Yea and (this may be a duplicate post), my whole reason for asking is that I want to lower the X5 with the 2" H&Rs and wasn't sure which route to take with the shocks.

ard · #6 01-13-2023, 02:12 AM

So ruin the ride, disable your suspension (not sure the AD roll bar will work)...likely deal with constant errors...all to lower the vehicle?!?! Seems nuts.

I suppose if AD died or you were faced with $$$ to replace, I might want to figure a way around AD...but if it is working, it is FAR superior to standard- and far superior to 2" lowered HR springs.

JMHO

Roadster44 · #7 01-13-2023, 08:45 AM

Exactly good Sir. I agree it would be beyond stupid to kill AD all for the sake of lowering the vehicle. It was a highly sought after option back in 08. See my approach to all things, and even outside of cars, is to fully understand ramifications of each move whether good, neutral or bad and then go from there. In other words, asking if instaling standard shocks in lieu of AD, is purely a curiosity question, as opposed to "let's lower at all costs, damn the torpedoes!"

Then again, on Mercedes side, lots of folks swap out air ride for regular shock & spring setup. See this a lot on the CL.

ard · #8 01-13-2023, 08:49 PM

Got it-

there are 4 ride height sensors in an AD system, independent of the struts. So if you lower it, that alone may trip errors. Or maybe it tries to respond to an 'implausible' ride height...dunno

Over the years ive seem people ask about replacing AD...NEVER seen a successful "Non-BMW" solution.

Roadster44 · #9 01-13-2023, 10:22 PM

Thanks! I like suspension fiddling, but without compromising the longevity or rather integrity of suspension

TriX5 · #10 01-16-2023, 09:58 PM

My E70 suspension (with AD) was horrible at the 120k mark and it was caused by really worn out bushings and ball joints front and rear. Replaced all of it including the rear LCA inner bushings and it rode like a dream once again. If you have not done work on this then that is the place to start.

As to the AD shock absorbers, I noticed in a recent episode of "M539 restorations" from a Youtuber called Sreten that he was sending a set of 850i AD shocks to a shop in Poland for refurb. He is usually VERY picky about quality and he maybe on to something there. I would contact him and see what the damage is for something like that. (Of course shipping your shocks to Poland maybe a limiting factor....)

Like ARD said, removing the AD shocks will destroy the ride and also require standard sway bars. You would need to code out the AD from the VO in order not to have a bunch of annoying failure messages.

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