Suspension question...again!!

[dva99999]

i can't find a definitive answer to the question purely because many people have different budgets and different requirements.
I noticed while changing my rear tyre that one of the shocks was leaking. I also started hearing a pneumatic sound on the inside.
My budget isn't large and my requirement not sporty. I'm quite happy with the way it handles so not looking at lowering or stiffening.
So I saw Bilstein B4's tears on Demon tweeks and thought "cheap!". But are they any good?
Am I better off going with Spax ones or will the Bilsteins do the same job as my current set up?
The MOT is due September so I don't want to be throwing money away.
Also should the springs be changed at the same time. Again there doesn't seem to be a general consensus on this either?
Thanks all

 

[Nodzed]

Not sure about the B4 but I have B8s (for lowering springs) all round on mine and they are fantastic.

 

[Grumps]

If you like the ride why not replace with own? And yes I'd change the springs at the same time as your there.

 

[GazHyde]

Bilstein B4's are basically the same as OEM fitment, so pretty much the same as what you have - except the ride will be firmer as they aren't knackered like the old ones...

Springs aren't essential to change, and can be judged reasonably with a visual inspection. May just need a tidy up and a re-paint if they are sound, and haven't already snapped!

 

[Bozzy]

I renewed mine recently and kept it as standard,shocks,springs and top mounts.
Can't remember the exact cost of components but somewhere around £400.
The old rear shocks were completely knackered,one was leaking.
The old front ones weren't too bad but tired.

The car feels much better and soaks up our rough British roads just fine.

 

[dva99999]

I replaced the top mounts with rogue engineering type last year. But this pretty much is what I'm looking for. I no longer have the body to soak up a stiff suspension (ooeer) so if the budget ones are pretty much the same as OEM I'll stick with those, however if I opt for the B8's as Nodzed suggested, it states they will still be good with the standard springs. Plus, I like the price.
Thank you.

 

[5harp3y]

B4s are great

They are uprated vs stock and can accept lowering springs

I have them with my eibachs

 

[Eddie Zedder]

Same as @Bozzy, Sachs shocks & springs from www.carparts4less.com came in around £400 with discount code.

To see if you need springs, follow this guide from the Bentley Bible.

 

[buze]

I don't know for sure, but I got in a bit of buyer's paralysis the same way you did for rear shocks + mounts. Ultimately I ordered that: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/152000203962 -- I know the springs have been changed 'recently' do I didn't bother do these, however the shocks + mounts needed changing. Doesn't get bad reviews online, even if you get about 20000 different opinions. we'll see!

 

[Steve Medlock]

I don't think you can go wrong with the B4s - I fitted those last year along with the Bilstein 'std' springs. The ride is quite firm enough for me.

 

[dva99999]

Now I'm torn which is just what I expected. I'd seen a good review for the Monroe Reflexes recently coming in even cheaper than the B4's.
Now it just comes down to who can deliver them first.
I've even got my SO saying she'll be happy to give me a hand if need be....must be something in the air!

 

[t-tony]

I think @Bozzy meant "Funny" Fat Fingers

Tony.

 

[Sean d]

Now I'm torn which is just what I expected. I'd seen a good review for the Monroe Reflexes recently coming in even cheaper than the B4's.
Now it just comes down to who can deliver them first.
I've even got my SO saying she'll be happy to give me a hand if need be....must be something in the air!

I have read some great reviews on the Monroe Reflex shocks and have ordered a full set for £200,

 

[Bozzy]

I think @Bozzy meant "Funny" Fat Fingers

Tony.

Woopsy now corrected .
Well spotted Tony .
I have no excuse this time as I'm on the laptop and not my phone .

 

[lucky jim]

i can't find a definitive answer to the question purely because many people have different budgets and different requirements.
I noticed while changing my rear tyre that one of the shocks was leaking. I also started hearing a pneumatic sound on the inside.
My budget isn't large and my requirement not sporty. I'm quite happy with the way it handles so not looking at lowering or stiffening.
So I saw Bilstein B4's tears on Demon tweeks and thought "cheap!". But are they any good?
Am I better off going with Spax ones or will the Bilsteins do the same job as my current set up?
The MOT is due September so I don't want to be throwing money away.
Also should the springs be changed at the same time. Again there doesn't seem to be a general consensus on this either?
Thanks all

hi had same fault as you & also did not want to get to involved so got a pair ( new ) of ebay £29 easy to fit work great ...still on sale i also know you will get a lot of advice to spend more but mine work fine.

 

[gookah]

Same as @Bozzy, Sachs shocks & springs from www.carparts4less.com came in around £400 with discount code.

To see if you need springs, follow this guide from the Bentley Bible.
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Why don't they just give one measurement of ride height from ground to wheelarch, instead of giving different measurements for different size wheels?
The wheel arch to the floor measurement means it does not matter what wheels you have fitted, so you don't have to provide one for each size wheel, and surely different wheel types of the same diameter mean different offsets change the measurement

They do it for the overall height of the car from the ground

 

[dva99999]

I've ordered the B4's. I'm thinking that in a few weeks I'll order similar for the front too and keep it standard all round. I know the Monroe's were cheaper but the Bilsteins can be delivered sooner.

 

[Eddie Zedder]

Why don't they just give one measurement of ride height from ground to wheelarch, instead of giving different measurements for different size wheels?
The wheel arch to the floor measurement means it does not matter what wheels you have fitted, so you don't have to provide one for each size wheel, and surely different wheel types of the same diameter mean different offsets change the measurement

They do it for the overall height of the car from the ground

I thought that too! I would assume it is to account for variations in one make of tyre to another, wear and varying tyre pressures. Measuring from the rim takes the tyres out of the equation and gives a more accurate measurement.