Strut assembly non OEM
 

Has anyone used this strut assembly? Slap right in without removing/compressing the springs. Or should I run away from them? I figured my 206K mile stock springs might be too tired now.

https://www.1aauto.com/2000-06-bmw-x...5/1388420/2004

The OE struts are really good but you might want to check the back springs to see if they are broken on the bottom before worrying about the front.

It has airbags on the rears and so far they are fine. No signs of sagging or leaking. Maybe the previous owner might have replaced it or might still be original.

Haha, sorry I thought you were still talking the E83 ;)

I have not heard of this brand, but they look like auto parts store quality, which in my experience is not the move. I don't know though, maybe they're excellent. The price is right. If you can get a warranty on them and they aren't terrible, just keep changing them out nice and quick, you might be on to something. For sure the worst part of doing this job is the spring compressor part on the workbench.

I do have the Bilstein kit sitting on the shelf. I was going to get all new mounts, and all the hardware, to avoid the spring compressor and have a nice easy swap like you are saying. I believe I somehow ended up with $800 something in the shopping cart and decided I would try again later. The mounts, bump stops, price gouging bolts and various washers etc, adds up quickly.

So I do think you're onto something, if those shocks are any good, and you can warranty, it might be really nice. However they're probably just good enough for someone to pass inspection and bounce down the road.

I've used that brand on cars. No complaints on my part. They have fit without issues. No complaints from car owners.

Be sure to replace the upper strut steering bearings! I didn't and had to order some. One bearing was really worn out.

Made in China...

Yes, my Iphone is made in China also...

There is a lot of TRQ branded struts on amazon mostly with mixed reviews, though more positive than negative.

I've not heard good things about off-brand suspension parts. It's unfortunate that there's not an good aftermarket pre-loaded strut for the X5. But I've heard the cheap ones ride poorly and/or fall apart (bad to worse). there's a reason why they are so cheap and a OE-replacement Sachs is $125 for just the damper at Rockauto.