E89 struts and shocks

S

scootr

Senior member
 USA
I have a 2010 3.0 6 spd with 60,000 miles. I wanted a like new ride. Emphasis on comfort for an old guy and handling enough for spirited weekend drives in mountains etc. I installed Bilstein B4 shocks and struts, Sachs strut towers, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tires.

I was surprised how much the original shocks and struts were worn. The ride is much tighter and smoother all at once. I'll post more feedback after a good romp in the hills.
 
Yes my cars standard rear shocks at 50k seemed worn out and they looked cheap, making strange squelching noises when pumped.
First noticed some skipping over bumps and traction light going off.
Bilsteins cured the problem, well worth the investment.
 
Scootr How many miles does you car have? also should shocks be changed according to mileage or age or both? mine has done 36000 miles but it is 10 years old. I am debating if to fit some Eibach springs only or go the whole hog and get the Bilstein B12 together with some new top mounts, question is do the struts really need replacing?. All this work will be for next year mind! :wink:
 
This 2010 Z4 has nearly 62000 miles (10,000km). I had noticed some skipping in the rear previously which is gone now. I went with the stock type replacements B4 from Bilstein front and rear. My goal was to simply get a like new ride. With the Michelin non run flat tires added I think we exceeded our expectations. I can't wait to throw her into a few hard turns now :thumbsup:
Here is a link to my supplier LMPerformance (late model performance) https://www.lmperformance.com/searchresults.asp
I got the first 3 items on this page. Also find these at the Bilstein website >https://cart.bilsteinus.com using the model # below
I even see them on Amazon now for a little bit less. lol
Rears
LMP Catalog #: 00864924
Model #: 19-183916
Fronts are right and left
LMP Catalog #: 00864922
Bilstein #: 22-183897
Bilstein#: 22-183903

Sachs strut tower mounts were https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-strut-mount-sachs-31306785962
FCP Euro ID: 576881

We did some bench and floor testing on the old and new shocks. The compression rate had suffered more than the expansion rates but movement was significantly easier and quicker in both directions for the old vs the new ones. I read somewhere that at 50,000 miles the shocks and struts will have reduced performance.
 
I fiited the Bilstein B8s with stock Msport springs as fiited OE and the ride is firm, very well controlled but just slighly 'jiggly' on patched tarmac..no more bottoming out on high speed 'whoops', the H+R ARBs fiited at the same time may be the cause of the slighly compromised.

Running 18" non run flats

ride..overall great and much better ride than the OE springs/dampers with 19" run flats!

Will try 17" non run flats soon and see if that gets rid of the 'jiggles'
 
Nothing as satisfying as a good romp in the hills. :rofl:
You will like the comfort of 17NRF like Michelin Sports. Feels like they just repaved the road.
Of course the worst bumps are still transmitted through the car but, overall everything is smoother with the sidewall flexing a bit :thumbsup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom