Sport Suspension Shock Options
 

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?

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

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

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.

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?

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

Bilstein Yellows will be stiffer than the OE sport shocks.

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.

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.

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

^ditto!

Looks like tourings are the leading choice at the moment

I'm another with Bilstein yellow sport....also known outside of the US as B6.

The Bilstein black touring are also called B4.

I'd agree with what David.X5 and admranger have said. It's definitely a notch up from the OEM sport suspension in terms of stiffness and firm ride. It corners very flat, and absorbs bumps pretty well for a car on 20's - but it is noticeable when going over sharp undulations in the road, you get a sort of sharp rise and fall in the front, followed by a sharp rise and fall as the rears cross the same bump. Kind of feels like a soft 'buck'. Some people probably won't like that, especially back seat passengers.

The ride overall is pretty much on par with my 2012 C300 with AMG pack, so, it's more for someone who wants a spirited driving style vs every day comfort.

If I had kids, or if I did long trips in the X5 - I'd probably have to recommend going the touring/black/B4.

Thanks for the input Smoky!

If I lived in a place with better roads I wouldnt mind the Sports. I had them on a previous car, a W124 Merc, together with H&R springs. Thoroughly enjoyed it at the time.

Nowadays I feel I'd like a little less sport and a bit more comfort. Must be getting old, lol!

No shame in that, I don't think you'll be disappointed. It certainly won't be 'too soft' but there is definitely a risk that the B6's would be 'too harsh'.

Bilstein themselves classify the B4 as a direct OEM replacement, and given they're a German company that most often supplies to German manufacturers I think you'll be happy.

Right Smokey, I cross-referenced part numbers and the Tourings came out as replacements for the OE sport shocks.

I remember now that I have Tourings on an E46 (not OE sport package car though), and they are pretty good, sporty but comfy.

If they have the same result on my X I'll be happy.

Tourings look like my best option so far!

has anyone delt with b4 tourings on 4.6is springs? or should i go with b6 hd struts? thanks

IIRC 4.6is springs are the same as any other E53 OE sport springs? If so, the experiences shared here would be applicable to you too.