replacing shocks and springs all round on 2.8 Z3
- Thread starter ALEC
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From Aylesbury
Hi and welcome Alec. My 2000 2.0 had K&W lowered suspension on when I bought it.
Tony.
Tony.
ALEC
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comfort..... Im not interested in driving sporty. Historically Ive always gone with main dealer parts but in reality BMW dont make these parts so why pay way over the odds for what others can supply and fit cheaper. There are different manufacturers out there providing components that local 'quick fit' type shops can fit. but whats the different characteristics offered by different manufacturers ?
ALEC
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hi thanks.. how was the ride ? soft / hard// bouncy etc
I just replaced my rear shocks with Sachs who make OEM components for BMW. Got them from Eurocarparts.
If you want something a bit more "premium" then Bilstein are generally well regarded by people on here too.
If you want something a bit more "premium" then Bilstein are generally well regarded by people on here too.
ALEC
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do you know why they are highly regarded ? is it comfort ? how do you like you Sachs ? what is thereir charachteristics ?
I wouldn't describe it as a hard ride Alec but definitely I would say firm. After market replacement parts are made by manufacturers who make OE parts but not to the same spec I would suspect. I would get quotes from several sources and make a choice from mid to top range of price. HTH.
Tony.
Tony.
ALEC
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thanks ;-)
Someone like @zedonist should be able to answer you when he sees I've tagged him
. He's has switched to them.I don't really have any comparison to give as the rear shocks on mine were completely knackered when removed, and probably had been for the 10k miles I've done since owning my current Z3. One of them would compress and not have enough pressure to push the rod back out. Car drives well enough now though!
ALEC
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oh cool... Ive always been megga impressed with the drive of mine .... Ive had her for 12 years and done 60k in her... but right now the ride is just sooo painful lol... lots of work needs doing including I need to change the flex disc and probably next year a new clutch.. but I dont care ... shes worth it
Z
zedonist
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The Bilsteins in my opinion are heads above Sachs, the ride is progressive and sharp, it is not harsh at all, and they soak the bumps up including speed humps. They come in different flavours, the B4 is an uprated OEM style shock similar to the Sachs unit, then you have the B6 and the B8 these are both the same with regards to performance, and are a performance shock, the B8 is shorter and meant for use with lowering springs, these are what I have fitted with Eibach 30mm lowering springs and they are a matched set as part of the B12 kit. After these there is the B14 kit which is a coilover kit. If you want OEM but improved performance then fit either Sachs super touring or the B4 dampers.
ALEC
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wow this is the perfect advice I needed .... thanks.... any ideas if these can be purchased online ?