Anyone runnning yellow Bilstein HD (B6) struts and shocks on their X5?
 

First of all I'm aware of mixed reviews on Bilstein HD, especially on E39 forum where some absolutely hate them.
I believe it comes to personal preference and some people probably do incorrect install or even combine them with wrong springs.
I have Bilstein HD combined with stock springs on both E39's and even my wife and 6 year old daughter don't complain abut harsh ride.
Yes, they're stiffer than OEM Sachs but I'd call it firm and controlled ride instead of harsh, but again, I'm aware of different personal preferences.

So, about to get rid of rear air suspension (already purchased ECS tuning OEM springs kit and 2 rear Bilstein HD shock)
Also since my front left CV joint boot got recently torn, instead of replacing the boot I decided to put complete GKN shaft with OEM seal since I got really good price and the PO had dealer install one on other side.

Considering I have to disassemble number of components and the fact that I have 106k on original struts I decided to all install both front Bilsteins, do alignment and be done.

They're the most expensive part at $229 each but I'll probably never have to replace them ever again.

So, anyone running Bilsteins and their impressions. Thanks!

I installed Bilstein's on my 02 X5 4.4l, kept the air rear springs. Fronts are a bit stiffer, but not harsh, better turn in (also replaced strut bearings, totally collapsed). Rears appear to be much harsher over sharp bumps, uncomfortable for rear passengers, rougher than my Chevy S10 also riding Billy HDs.
It appears the X5 is lifted about 1/2 - 3/4 in all around, but shop was able to properly align it to factory specs.
Handling is improved, ride is worse, has stayed the same after about 80k on shocks.
I do not ride in the back seat, I like them. Do wish the rears were a bit more compliant.

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same here...

I run Bilstein yellows on my 2005 X5 4.4i sport and they are fine. I don't usually have rear seat passengers except the dogs, and they don't get to vote on rear seat comfort.

I live in Vegas though, so I don't have many potholes to contend with and the roads are generally decent.

No complaints other than I wish I'd have put them on sooner.

I got mine at shox.com iirc

Well here is my 2 cents. I originally was going to install the Bilstein HDs on my X5 4.6is but there was just to many X owners that I asked that had this set up and most did not like it. So I even had an X5 owner with the setup let me go for ride in his vehicle and I quickly came to the conclusion that it's too stiff of a ride in this vehicle. Mind you I have run bilsteins on my other BMWs with great success and comfort. So I found one X5 owner that took the approach of installing the Sachs dampers with H&R Sport springs and this was after this X5 owner did the Bilstein HD setup (expensive way to find out).This setup sounded promising and I decided I would try the same route. Well so glad I did. This setup in my opinion is perfect for my X5 4.6is. The vehicle has firmed up nicely with great control but no harsh ride. I am glad I did not have to go through multiple sets of suspension dampers and springs to get the ride and control I was desiring. I am the kind of guy that if my suspension is not set up correctly I keep seeking out the one that satisfies. My 635csi has Dinan springs with Bilstein HDs,my 540iT E39 has Dinan Springs with Bilstein Sports, My E39 M5 has Dinan Springs with Konis Sports. On the X5 the H&R lowered the vehicle 1.5 inches. I love this setup with the Sachs dampers. By the way the Sachs dampers are pretty well built and should deliver years of enjoyment.

Forgot to mention that Bistein also makes a touring damper as opposed to the HD so you could also consider this option.

Guys, thank you all for your responses and it's about what I figured it.
I'm aware of black touring ones but my impression is that they're not as good quality which cheaper price somewhat confirms it.
I'm not 100% sure but Yellow HD is should be better quality and longevity.
Anyway I'm close to pulling tiger on them and I'll report back.
Thanks again to all who responded.

What did you end up going with?

Whenever the e53's go bad Im going with koni adjustables. I have them on my e46 and love them.

Don’t think Koni is an option