What is the recommended rear shock for stock sport suspension with self leveling
 

Having done my due diligence searching online for appropriate struts/ shocks for my 4.4 2005 stock sports with rear self leveling, I was just about to pull the trigger on a complete set of Bilstein B4 OE Replacement struts/shocks at tirerack. I paused when I noticed the fine print for the rears:

• Rear Fitment: B4 OE Replacement shock Part #: 24-026529
  Note: Rear Fitment (OE Replacement Series) Excludes Self Leveling.
• Front fitment: B4 OE Replacement Strut Part #: 22-119278 left
  B4 OE Replacement Strut Part #: 22-119261 right

What's the recommended replacement shock for vehicles with sports suspension with self leveling air springs in the rear (other than the factory shocks which give me a sinking feeling in the pit of me wallet)? I'm doing a complete suspension overhaul including the rear air springs (from Arnott).

Thanks!

I'd stick with OE. I did a brief look for OEM - did not see much or anything for the same spec.

Would Bilstein 4600 Series (yellow) Part #: 24-107440 be an ok fitment for sports with rear self leveling? Any one know with certainty?

I'm running Bilstein sports all around on mine. You wouldn't want to do this if you live where the streets are cratered w/pot holes, but in Las Vegas/AZ/CA/UT highways it's fine.

Bilstein B4 or Sachs Super Touring would be an OE replacement shock. Personally I wouldn't pay attention to Tire Rack, a buddy of mine had full articulating suspension and used B4 Tourings on his rear shocks after the OE shocks blew, and he has no complaints or issues.

The Bilstein part # when I checked the catalog is what is recommended OE replacement for 4.6iS, which has Sports suspension standard. The matching strut part number is 22-119278. The rear shock part number for Bilstein B4 is correct.

If you go Bilstein yellow (HD) you are making it stiffer than standard sports suspension, it is not a lateral move and OE replacement shock.


If you want to preserve as close to original ride quality, the B4's are what you want.

@ X5only. You can put the normal B6 yellow single tube Bilsteins on the car as upgrade to the OEM B4 installed at the factory. I have an E53 with self leveling on the rear only. NO regrets.

The original Bilstein catalog was wrong (assuming you want to upgrade) - the author who wrote the entry for self leveling (all four) incorrectly assumed the same for rear only. I wrote them and got it corrected 1-2 years ago. Their site is updated and slowly you'll see the update filter to vendor websites.

I found a similar error on the E34 touring wagon and had that corrected in 2007.

I've been with BMW cars (and ran a shop) for 30+ years, anyone can (and will) make some mistakes.

Again, it is compatible with the std or sport suspension. I did front & rear, the most noticeable improvement was the rear. It is a less hoppy and firmer (which is what I live). I drive on 17" (winter) & 18" tires (summer). If did accentuate my weak rear suspension frame bushings - which I replaced 3 months ago. Now its a nice balance of comfort and firm, as a BMW should be.

If you want to know more, PM me but it's a NO regret choice.

Bought Bill's for the front struts on the X5 3.0 while using the old Sachs in the rear and it drove great. Recently put a set of Bill's on the rear and did some linkage/ball joint replacement with 200K mile air system and it drives smooth and tight. I found great deals on the Bill's at Bavauto. BUT, I saw the same disclaimer. Went to the Bill site and sure enough the part number and specs were fine with the air system. One note; they do drive a bit firmer but not obnoxiously.

^If you want firmer, get the yellows. If you want OE ride, get the B4 Touring