Shocks Advice Needed, Please

ktnez99

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
Joined
May 18, 2018
Points
164
Location
West Midlands
Model of Z
Z3 2.8L
Hi all who have faced this dilemma: what make of shock absorbers do I fit to my Z3?

I have two Sachs shock absorbers for the front which were bought about three years ago at about £99 each. These now are ridiculous money with one side being about £270 and the other about £199. Why these are different prices is anyone’s guess.

The rear need doing and someone has suggested I have Arnold Clark supplied rear shocks with two brand names I don’t recognise which AR use. The brand name is KYB: is this any good? Has anyone used these and how have they faired? I also need springs/coils.

Any advice as to which to choose from personal experience would be appreciated.

Thanks.
 
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Barron

Dedicated Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2022
Points
34
For shocks I would go for bilstein B4, the rears are available for around £60 each on autodoc. For springs I went for a set of eibech lowering springs which I got for £160 also on autodoc, they are around 30mm lower than standard but ride really good and the car sits lovely on them. I've got a set of the rear bilstein shocks spare I could let you have them for £110 plus postage.
 

ktnez99

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
Joined
May 18, 2018
Points
164
Location
West Midlands
Model of Z
Z3 2.8L
For shocks I would go for bilstein B4, the rears are available for around £60 each on autodoc. For springs I went for a set of eibech lowering springs which I got for £160 also on autodoc, they are around 30mm lower than standard but ride really good and the car sits lovely on them. I've got a set of the rear bilstein shocks spare I could let you have them for £110 plus postage.
Thanks for your advice @Barron
I’m not sure if lower rear suspension is for me. I’ve always thought the car sits low to the ground and these speed bumps which seem to be all over and by where I live might make lowering the rear suspension near on impossible.
Has anyone else any thoughts in this, please?
 

Barron

Dedicated Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2022
Points
34
Thanks for your advice @Barron
I’m not sure if lower rear suspension is for me. I’ve always thought the car sits low to the ground and these speed bumps which seem to be all over and by where I live might make lowering the rear suspension near on impossible.
Has anyone else any thoughts in this, please?
The rear shocks are standard and work with standard springs.
 

ktnez99

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
Joined
May 18, 2018
Points
164
Location
West Midlands
Model of Z
Z3 2.8L
In terms of the springs/coils: has anyone any recommendations, please?

Has anyone used Kilen branded parts?
 
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ktnez99

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
Joined
May 18, 2018
Points
164
Location
West Midlands
Model of Z
Z3 2.8L
Hi everyone.
Thanks for your advice and offer. After much thought snd research, I’ve decided to go with Sachs in the rear as this is the brand I’ve got for the front. Interestingly, EuroCarParts on Ebay is considerably cheaper than the website. Might be of interest to others in the future.
 

Jimbob_OD

Dedicated Member
Supporter
Joined
Jan 13, 2024
Points
39
Location
Lancashire
Model of Z
1.9 M43
I have KYB on the front.

I don’t know a massive amount about them but when I took them to my local independent German car specialist to have the springs swapped over, he was very complimentary about them.

Said they were a good choice and are an underrated brand.
 

ktnez99

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
Joined
May 18, 2018
Points
164
Location
West Midlands
Model of Z
Z3 2.8L
I have KYB on the front.

I don’t know a massive amount about them but when I took them to my local independent German car specialist to have the springs swapped over, he was very complimentary about them.

Said they were a good choice and are an underrated brand.
I’ve found out that KYB are OEM for a lot of car manufacturers so good quality despite not being well known.
 
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