E46 Replacement dampers advice

bmw328 · Nov 27, 2018

Hello All,

Need some advice on replacement dampers for my 2004 E46 320d Special Edition (Individual)

Car got just below 400 000 KM's on the clock.
Whats the best to get?: Monroe or Gabriel? (Not impressed with Bilstein at all Reason to follow

I replaced OEM front and rear shocks, mounts with Bilstein shocks and mounts last year 2017-06-05 (To be exact) 360 000KM

1st Problem - Rear Shock Mounts (Bilstein) only lasted about 200KM, then had to be replaced under warranty
2nd Problem - Noticed car being a bit dodgy on the road a couple of months back, decided to get suspension checked out today. To my surprise everything checks out except that all 4X Bilstein shocks are worn, Yap- Not even 40 000KM (About 37 000km) and they are shot.

Not sure, how long does dampers (Shocks) suppose to last? (Keep in mind only reason I had to replace my OEM shocks was because 1 shock (Left front) was bent and wheel alignment could't be done. (I don't believe in just replacing one suspension component at a time - pairs) and that I don't drive gravel roads ect.

rbmwiv · Nov 27, 2018

Sachs is what we use the most for replacement at the shop. They are an oem supplier. Great shocks for stock suspension. Man I haven’t even had those problems from bilstines. They are oem on some BMWs and the ones I have put on I know 1 car last time it was in the shop the customer had put 144,xxx miles on the bilstines and they all were still fine, and another car I have. It’s a e30 I’ve had since about 1998, I put bilstines on it as soon as I got it. They are sport shocks. The sports can only be used with lowering springs and they are serious shock absorbers. So they have been on there for 20 years, I have only put a little over 30k miles on it in 20 years. It stays in the shop unless I drive it. Boge is another good brand that’s also a oem supplier. The brands that you listed I don’t have any experience with. I always try to use oem parts. Hopefully someone else can chime in about their experience with the brands you listed. I have been messing with BMWs for over 25 years. I always try to use oem stuff because it always works great and lasts. I try not to use generic equivalents.

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bmw328 · Nov 27, 2018

rbmwiv said:
Sachs is what we use the most for replacement at the shop. They are an oem supplier. Great shocks for stock suspension. Man I haven’t even had those problems from bilstines. They are oem on some BMWs and the ones I have put on I know 1 car last time it was in the shop the customer had put 144,xxx miles on the bilstines and they all were still fine, and another car I have. It’s a e30 I’ve had since about 1998, I put bilstines on it as soon as I got it. They are sport shocks. The sports can only be used with lowering springs and they are serious shock absorbers. So they have been on there for 20 years, I have only put a little over 30k miles on it in 20 years. It stays in the shop unless I drive it. Boge is another good brand that’s also a oem supplier. The brands that you listed I don’t have any experience with. I always try to use oem parts. Hopefully someone else can chime in about their experience with the brands you listed. I have been messing with BMWs for over 25 years. I always try to use oem stuff because it always works great and lasts. I try not to use generic equivalents.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for response.

I do drive a lot, but i would expect the bilstein dampers to atleast last 100 000KM (My driving conditions).

I checked and can confirm that my car came with Sachs dampers from factory, they are really hard to come by here, Stealers quoted me R13 640 yesterday on Sachs (With new oem mounts and bolts), just for the front. (That's like R11 000 more than Monroe dampers (Also front) fitted.

At this stage, I'm very disjointed in the Bilstein brand.

AdiS · Nov 27, 2018

I don't think its all that difficult to find sachs shocks? Try ZF? Or just google, there are a fe places that sell... and usually very affordable.

Stay away from Monroe and Gabriel, they are junk.

rbmwiv · Nov 27, 2018

Check eBay also I just saw a front pair of Sachs but I don’t know if they ship to where you are. Here’s the link $249. https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/401223222042

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Tinuva · Nov 27, 2018

AdiS said:
I don't think its all that difficult to find sachs shocks? Try ZF? Or just google, there are a fe places that sell... and usually very affordable.

Stay away from Monroe and Gabriel, they are junk.

Not to derail thread, I am also looking at shocks for my 330i. Which are the ones you would recommend AdiS? Asking you because I know you will know

raise:

In my case, not looking for coilovers, just the best for usual road driving. If the Sachs are the way to go, thats what I will be looking at. Pretty certain I can find them here in Cape Town, seen enough ads for the brand to know they here.

I can see I have Gabriel Gas in the front on my car (no idea on the rear, dont see a logo without taking out). Wasn't need to change up until now, but since one is leaking, may as well correct it to a better one.

AdiS · Nov 27, 2018

Tinuva said:
AdiS said:

I don't think its all that difficult to find sachs shocks? Try ZF? Or just google, there are a fe places that sell... and usually very affordable.

Stay away from Monroe and Gabriel, they are junk.

Click to expand...

Not to derail thread, I am also looking at shocks for my 330i. Which are the ones you would recommend AdiS? Asking you because I know you will know raise:

In my case, not looking for coilovers, just the best for usual road driving. If the Sachs are the way to go, thats what I will be looking at. Pretty certain I can find them here in Cape Town, seen enough ads for the brand to know they here.

I can see I have Gabriel Gas in the front on my car (no idea on the rear, dont see a logo without taking out). Wasn't need to change up until now, but since one is leaking, may as well correct it to a better one.

I am probably going to cross this bridge on my 330i too in the next year or so. My first choice are the Koni Special Active because they have special valving that improves ride quality, whilst still delivering good handling. The Special Active is the successor to the FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) which first introduced this technology. It won't be cheap, but on my daily driver I value ride quality a little more than outright handling performance, and I think these are the option that offer the least compromise to that end.

If you want a more sporty ride, you can consider Koni Sports (yellows) which are rebound adjustable, or you could consider the STR.T which are cheaper but not adjustable.

SACHS is a very affordable option that is OEM, so if you are budget conscious I would consider either SACHS or Koni STR.T depending on ride quality preferences (STR.T might be a little harsher than SACHS).

If you want outright sporty handling, go for the Koni Yellows.

If you want the best of both worlds, Koni Special Active.

rbmwiv · Nov 27, 2018

Get Sachs if you can, that’s what it had from the factory.

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AdiS · Nov 27, 2018

rbmwiv said:
Get Sachs if you can, that’s what it had from the factory.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's true, and they are very well priced when not bought from the dealer. But I would not limit my options to this, because there has been a lot of improvement in damping technology since the E46 was designed, so there are non-trivial gains to be had from the high quality aftermarket brands.

This is one of the few times when I believe that OEM is not necessarily the best.

Sabre · Nov 27, 2018

You can get Sachs from Diesel Electric. They didn’t have stock for my E36 M3 but were able to order them for me.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Tinuva · Nov 27, 2018

AdiS said:
Tinuva said:

AdiS said:

I don't think its all that difficult to find sachs shocks? Try ZF? Or just google, there are a fe places that sell... and usually very affordable.

Stay away from Monroe and Gabriel, they are junk.

Click to expand...

Not to derail thread, I am also looking at shocks for my 330i. Which are the ones you would recommend AdiS? Asking you because I know you will know raise:

In my case, not looking for coilovers, just the best for usual road driving. If the Sachs are the way to go, thats what I will be looking at. Pretty certain I can find them here in Cape Town, seen enough ads for the brand to know they here.

I can see I have Gabriel Gas in the front on my car (no idea on the rear, dont see a logo without taking out). Wasn't need to change up until now, but since one is leaking, may as well correct it to a better one.

Click to expand...

I am probably going to cross this bridge on my 330i too in the next year or so. My first choice are the Koni Special Active because they have special valving that improves ride quality, whilst still delivering good handling. The Special Active is the successor to the FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) which first introduced this technology. It won't be cheap, but on my daily driver I value ride quality a little more than outright handling performance, and I think these are the option that offer the least compromise to that end.

If you want a more sporty ride, you can consider Koni Sports (yellows) which are rebound adjustable, or you could consider the STR.T which are cheaper but not adjustable.

SACHS is a very affordable option that is OEM, so if you are budget conscious I would consider either SACHS or Koni STR.T depending on ride quality preferences (STR.T might be a little harsher than SACHS).

If you want outright sporty handling, go for the Koni Yellows.

If you want the best of both worlds, Koni Special Active.

Thanks that's a great summary with options.

Didn't know about the special active. Will do reading up on them, I am intrigued.

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Nikhil · Nov 27, 2018

honestly never had an issues with bilstein shocks personally or with anyone else that I know using them. have them on my E36 & Koni STR.T on my E46. the str.t is ok but my bilsteins are way better given the mileage how sure are you that your springs arent shot causing the shocks to frequently hit the bump stops? I suspect you going to encounter the issue again with another brand. Which version of Bilstein shocks did they fit to your car? if they are the black ones (B4) then those are also incorrect as your car should have the Msport suspension on it. you should be fitting no less than B6 shocks to it or B8 being an upgrade. also note if you purchased it from Goldwagen they probably supplied you B4 unless you specifically asked for the B6 or 8. The shock mounts you have are Febi Bilstein and is a different brand all together from just Bilstein

bmw328 · Nov 28, 2018

Nikhil said:
honestly never had an issues with bilstein shocks personally or with anyone else that I know using them. have them on my E36 & Koni STR.T on my E46. the str.t is ok but my bilsteins are way better given the mileage how sure are you that your springs arent shot causing the shocks to frequently hit the bump stops? I suspect you going to encounter the issue again with another brand. Which version of Bilstein shocks did they fit to your car? if they are the black ones (B4) then those are also incorrect as your car should have the Msport suspension on it. you should be fitting no less than B6 shocks to it or B8 being an upgrade. also note if you purchased it from Goldwagen they probably supplied you B4 unless you specifically asked for the B6 or 8. The shock mounts you have are Febi Bilstein and is a different brand all together from just Bilstein

Hi Nikhil,

Thanks for your input: I never had issues with OEM (Sachs), will be looking at sourcing that. Only reason I replaced my OEM shocks was because 1X was bent (Was still testing fine, when we had shocks tested). I have never heard my shocks hitting the bump stops, ride has always been smooth, In fact the car still handles great around corners, but seems dodgy in the straights. You are also right sourced them from Goldwagen (Only place in Rustenburg that could supply) Don't know about your Goldwagon staff, but these guys know everything and have a counter answer for everything you ask/say. I'm aware that the OEM Sport suspension damper is shorter than the normal comfort damper and did point that out. They just replied its the same, all is the same (coming from Audi/vw drivers) & FEBI is Bilstein (Don't get me started on the FEBI brake pads please...)

Well car is old, how would I know coil springs are gone, can't dismiss it? definitely possibility. They didn't mention anything when they checked suspension and shocks yesterday?

Bottom line, My car has always been reliable and do a lot of preventative maintenance to keep it that way.

I'm more than happy with how the stock Msport suspension handles and drives, I'm looking for the most reliable and long lasting option. To add, When I replaced the OEM Sachs with Bilstein (Didn't notice any difference in handling.)

Sabre said:
You can get Sachs from Diesel Electric. They didn’t have stock for my E36 M3 but were able to order them for me.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Will definitely try them today (We have Diesel Electric here in Rustenburg), Will probably be special order.

Ok, thanks for everyone's input.

But let met clarify something. My car is not a track car, I really don't have any desire to go around a bend doing 200KMH.

I'm looking for reliability, maybe a little comfort, but most important a damper that will last longer than 37000KM's. (To give you a good idea, my set of tires lasted twice as long as that...)

So currently it seems that OEM is the way to go (Sachs) ?

Zach · Nov 28, 2018

So it wasnt bilstein that failed on you, it was that cheap crap Febi they sold you...big difference!
From now consider "Febi" means "fake" in german.....

bmw328 · Nov 28, 2018

Zach said:
So it wasnt bilstein that failed on you, it was that cheap crap Febi they sold you...big difference!
From now consider "Febi" means "fake" in german.....

LOL,

Both Failed!

The FEBI Bilstein shock mounts (BILSTEIN according to Goldwagen) failed within a week of installation (Rear Shock Mounts)

The Bilstein shocks (4X front and back) failed within 40 000KM normal road conditions.

Zach · Nov 28, 2018

Do you have pictures of the said failed shocks? I find it hard to believe genuine bilstein shocks would fail so soon.

bmw328 · Nov 28, 2018

Zach said:
So it wasnt bilstein that failed on you, it was that cheap crap Febi they sold you...big difference!
From now consider "Febi" means "fake" in german.....

LOL, But I noticed the "Fake" part with the brake pads.

Noticed FEBI (Bilstein according to GW) start making noises after about 30% of pad is used...

Tinuva · Nov 28, 2018

Nikhil said:
honestly never had an issues with bilstein shocks personally or with anyone else that I know using them. have them on my E36 & Koni STR.T on my E46. the str.t is ok but my bilsteins are way better given the mileage how sure are you that your springs arent shot causing the shocks to frequently hit the bump stops? I suspect you going to encounter the issue again with another brand. Which version of Bilstein shocks did they fit to your car? if they are the black ones (B4) then those are also incorrect as your car should have the Msport suspension on it. you should be fitting no less than B6 shocks to it or B8 being an upgrade. also note if you purchased it from Goldwagen they probably supplied you B4 unless you specifically asked for the B6 or 8. The shock mounts you have are Febi Bilstein and is a different brand all together from just Bilstein

Just to correct this bold part.
There are actually 2 different variants of the Billstein B4 shocks. You need to order to correct version depending on whether you have sport settings or not on your car, depending on whether it has "S226 Sports suspension settings" listed or not for the VIN.

For example, both of these 2 links are Billstein B4 front shocks:
non-sport -> http://www.bilstein-shop.com/bilste...p-9960.html?osCsid=l5up447pqkl8l13d17d2h66vl1
sport -> http://www.bilstein-shop.com/bilste...p-9961.html?osCsid=l5up447pqkl8l13d17d2h66vl1

So while this is confusing, you have to make sure you order to correct part# if you go with B4. The different in the above 2 shocks, is the one is made to work with the sport spring vs the other one made to work with the normal spring.

That said, I bought my 2x 330i cars, both have Gabriel Gas. The one car has S226 the other doesn't. Realoem shows they came out with different shocks from factory. How do I now know the previous owners have not also changed the springs, to who knows what. Both cars are the same height from the ground, same in the wheel arches. So as far as I can tell, to correct this, I may also need to correct the springs.

So using those part#, this is what Goldwagen quoted me earlier the year, for front shocks for the sport version:

Nikhil · Nov 28, 2018

Tinuva said:
Nikhil said:

honestly never had an issues with bilstein shocks personally or with anyone else that I know using them. have them on my E36 & Koni STR.T on my E46. the str.t is ok but my bilsteins are way better given the mileage how sure are you that your springs arent shot causing the shocks to frequently hit the bump stops? I suspect you going to encounter the issue again with another brand. Which version of Bilstein shocks did they fit to your car? if they are the black ones (B4) then those are also incorrect as your car should have the Msport suspension on it. you should be fitting no less than B6 shocks to it or B8 being an upgrade. also note if you purchased it from Goldwagen they probably supplied you B4 unless you specifically asked for the B6 or 8. The shock mounts you have are Febi Bilstein and is a different brand all together from just Bilstein

Click to expand...

Just to correct this bold part.
There are actually 2 different variants of the Billstein B4 shocks. You need to order to correct version depending on whether you have sport settings or not on your car, depending on whether it has "S226 Sports suspension settings" listed or not for the VIN.

For example, both of these 2 links are Billstein B4 front shocks:
non-sport -> http://www.bilstein-shop.com/bilste...p-9960.html?osCsid=l5up447pqkl8l13d17d2h66vl1
sport -> http://www.bilstein-shop.com/bilste...p-9961.html?osCsid=l5up447pqkl8l13d17d2h66vl1

So while this is confusing, you have to make sure you order to correct part# if you go with B4. The different in the above 2 shocks, is the one is made to work with the sport spring vs the other one made to work with the normal spring.

That said, I bought my 2x 330i cars, both have Gabriel Gas. The one car has S226 the other doesn't. Realoem shows they came out with different shocks from factory. How do I now know the previous owners have not also changed the springs, to who knows what. Both cars are the same height from the ground, same in the wheel arches. So as far as I can tell, to correct this, I may also need to correct the springs.

So using those part#, this is what Goldwagen quoted me earlier the year, for front shocks for the sport version:

thank you sir, was not aware of there being two B4 versions :thumbs:

bmw328 said:
Nikhil said:

honestly never had an issues with bilstein shocks personally or with anyone else that I know using them. have them on my E36 & Koni STR.T on my E46. the str.t is ok but my bilsteins are way better given the mileage how sure are you that your springs arent shot causing the shocks to frequently hit the bump stops? I suspect you going to encounter the issue again with another brand. Which version of Bilstein shocks did they fit to your car? if they are the black ones (B4) then those are also incorrect as your car should have the Msport suspension on it. you should be fitting no less than B6 shocks to it or B8 being an upgrade. also note if you purchased it from Goldwagen they probably supplied you B4 unless you specifically asked for the B6 or 8. The shock mounts you have are Febi Bilstein and is a different brand all together from just Bilstein

Click to expand...

Hi Nikhil,

Thanks for your input: I never had issues with OEM (Sachs), will be looking at sourcing that. Only reason I replaced my OEM shocks was because 1X was bent (Was still testing fine, when we had shocks tested). I have never heard my shocks hitting the bump stops, ride has always been smooth, In fact the car still handles great around corners, but seems dodgy in the straights. You are also right sourced them from Goldwagen (Only place in Rustenburg that could supply) Don't know about your Goldwagon staff, but these guys know everything and have a counter answer for everything you ask/say. I'm aware that the OEM Sport suspension damper is shorter than the normal comfort damper and did point that out. They just replied its the same, all is the same (coming from Audi/vw drivers) & FEBI is Bilstein (Don't get me started on the FEBI brake pads please...)

Well car is old, how would I know coil springs are gone, can't dismiss it? definitely possibility. They didn't mention anything when they checked suspension and shocks yesterday?

Bottom line, My car has always been reliable and do a lot of preventative maintenance to keep it that way.

I'm more than happy with how the stock Msport suspension handles and drives, I'm looking for the most reliable and long lasting option. To add, When I replaced the OEM Sachs with Bilstein (Didn't notice any difference in handling.)

Sabre said:

You can get Sachs from Diesel Electric. They didn’t have stock for my E36 M3 but were able to order them for me.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

Will definitely try them today (We have Diesel Electric here in Rustenburg), Will probably be special order.

Ok, thanks for everyone's input.

But let met clarify something. My car is not a track car, I really don't have any desire to go around a bend doing 200KMH.

I'm looking for reliability, maybe a little comfort, but most important a damper that will last longer than 37000KM's. (To give you a good idea, my set of tires lasted twice as long as that...)

So currently it seems that OEM is the way to go (Sachs) ?

honestly not sure how they test springs, i have come across a few articles on E46 fanatics where spring sag on the E46 seems to be a common issue and as a result prematrure wear of the shocks more so the rears due to weight shift on acceleration and pull away due to the damper carrying more of the load than it should.

I suppose one could measure the height of a coil with no load compared to a "new" coil with no load. the worn spring should theoretically be shorter as it has fatigued over time and compressed. Ride height compared to another vehicle of the same model and spec could also be a good comparison but again these cars are old so comparing with another night vehicle might show no difference as they both have the same issue :hammerhead: unless its a low km garage queen ofcourse

bmw328 · Nov 28, 2018

Zach said:
Do you have pictures of the said failed shocks? I find it hard to believe genuine bilstein shocks would fail so soon.

Not sure why I must proof myself, but here goes. (Had to crawl in)
http://s1024.photobucket.com/user/impwfuels/media/20181128_152724_zpsnrewpyqp.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

http://s1024.photobucket.com/user/impwfuels/media/20181128_151909_zpsghfdcuhn.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1

http://s1024.photobucket.com/user/i...70605-WA0006_zpsj2l5p8do.jpeg.html?sort=3&o=3

http://s1024.photobucket.com/user/i...70609-WA0030_zpsajrw82qi.jpeg.html?sort=3&o=2

Having issues uploading images, above links to images (front, rear, box front shocks came in aswell as image of my original shocks and manufacturing date of it.

Sabre said:
You can get Sachs from Diesel Electric. They didn’t have stock for my E36 M3 but were able to order them for me.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks Sabre,
I went to Diesel Electric Rustenburg today, ordered and paid for replacement front dampers:
SACHS E46 320d Sport M-tech Dampers @ R2366.70 for the set (VAT included)

Only catch is, its on back order. So will probably only arrive Jan 2019.
(Will keep u posted)

Nikhil said:
Tinuva said:

Nikhil said:

honestly never had an issues with bilstein shocks personally or with anyone else that I know using them. have them on my E36 & Koni STR.T on my E46. the str.t is ok but my bilsteins are way better given the mileage how sure are you that your springs arent shot causing the shocks to frequently hit the bump stops? I suspect you going to encounter the issue again with another brand. Which version of Bilstein shocks did they fit to your car? if they are the black ones (B4) then those are also incorrect as your car should have the Msport suspension on it. you should be fitting no less than B6 shocks to it or B8 being an upgrade. also note if you purchased it from Goldwagen they probably supplied you B4 unless you specifically asked for the B6 or 8. The shock mounts you have are Febi Bilstein and is a different brand all together from just Bilstein

Click to expand...

Just to correct this bold part.
There are actually 2 different variants of the Billstein B4 shocks. You need to order to correct version depending on whether you have sport settings or not on your car, depending on whether it has "S226 Sports suspension settings" listed or not for the VIN.

For example, both of these 2 links are Billstein B4 front shocks:
non-sport -> http://www.bilstein-shop.com/bilste...p-9960.html?osCsid=l5up447pqkl8l13d17d2h66vl1
sport -> http://www.bilstein-shop.com/bilste...p-9961.html?osCsid=l5up447pqkl8l13d17d2h66vl1

So while this is confusing, you have to make sure you order to correct part# if you go with B4. The different in the above 2 shocks, is the one is made to work with the sport spring vs the other one made to work with the normal spring.

That said, I bought my 2x 330i cars, both have Gabriel Gas. The one car has S226 the other doesn't. Realoem shows they came out with different shocks from factory. How do I now know the previous owners have not also changed the springs, to who knows what. Both cars are the same height from the ground, same in the wheel arches. So as far as I can tell, to correct this, I may also need to correct the springs.

So using those part#, this is what Goldwagen quoted me earlier the year, for front shocks for the sport version:

Click to expand...

thank you sir, was not aware of there being two B4 versions :thumbs:

bmw328 said:

Nikhil said:

honestly never had an issues with bilstein shocks personally or with anyone else that I know using them. have them on my E36 & Koni STR.T on my E46. the str.t is ok but my bilsteins are way better given the mileage how sure are you that your springs arent shot causing the shocks to frequently hit the bump stops? I suspect you going to encounter the issue again with another brand. Which version of Bilstein shocks did they fit to your car? if they are the black ones (B4) then those are also incorrect as your car should have the Msport suspension on it. you should be fitting no less than B6 shocks to it or B8 being an upgrade. also note if you purchased it from Goldwagen they probably supplied you B4 unless you specifically asked for the B6 or 8. The shock mounts you have are Febi Bilstein and is a different brand all together from just Bilstein

Click to expand...

Hi Nikhil,

Thanks for your input: I never had issues with OEM (Sachs), will be looking at sourcing that. Only reason I replaced my OEM shocks was because 1X was bent (Was still testing fine, when we had shocks tested). I have never heard my shocks hitting the bump stops, ride has always been smooth, In fact the car still handles great around corners, but seems dodgy in the straights. You are also right sourced them from Goldwagen (Only place in Rustenburg that could supply) Don't know about your Goldwagon staff, but these guys know everything and have a counter answer for everything you ask/say. I'm aware that the OEM Sport suspension damper is shorter than the normal comfort damper and did point that out. They just replied its the same, all is the same (coming from Audi/vw drivers) & FEBI is Bilstein (Don't get me started on the FEBI brake pads please...)

Well car is old, how would I know coil springs are gone, can't dismiss it? definitely possibility. They didn't mention anything when they checked suspension and shocks yesterday?

Bottom line, My car has always been reliable and do a lot of preventative maintenance to keep it that way.

I'm more than happy with how the stock Msport suspension handles and drives, I'm looking for the most reliable and long lasting option. To add, When I replaced the OEM Sachs with Bilstein (Didn't notice any difference in handling.)

Sabre said:

You can get Sachs from Diesel Electric. They didn’t have stock for my E36 M3 but were able to order them for me.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

Will definitely try them today (We have Diesel Electric here in Rustenburg), Will probably be special order.

Ok, thanks for everyone's input.

But let met clarify something. My car is not a track car, I really don't have any desire to go around a bend doing 200KMH.

I'm looking for reliability, maybe a little comfort, but most important a damper that will last longer than 37000KM's. (To give you a good idea, my set of tires lasted twice as long as that...)

So currently it seems that OEM is the way to go (Sachs) ?

Click to expand...

honestly not sure how they test springs, i have come across a few articles on E46 fanatics where spring sag on the E46 seems to be a common issue and as a result prematrure wear of the shocks more so the rears due to weight shift on acceleration and pull away due to the damper carrying more of the load than it should.

I suppose one could measure the height of a coil with no load compared to a "new" coil with no load. the worn spring should theoretically be shorter as it has fatigued over time and compressed. Ride height compared to another vehicle of the same model and spec could also be a good comparison but again these cars are old so comparing with another night vehicle might show no difference as they both have the same issue :hammerhead: unless its a low km garage queen ofcourse

Well, I took car to 2X other repair shops to check out suspension and shocks. (TODAY) For 2nd and 3rd opinion.

All shops say my coil springs are fine (Still very firm).

There are only 2X shops in Rustenburg that got the proper machine to test shocks (Drive on type) - and BOTH confirm dampers are shot. (Front ones need replacement now and rear ones 0.03 from replacement status (Taking rear dampers was replaced few days after font ones (Had to wait for stock). I'm convinced if I had it checked out in week or so, it will be in (Replace now zone as well)

As an additional opinion I took my car to an friend of mine that specializes in BMW for more than 30years, he drove the car (Shit out of it), says my springs are fine (also)…. (Apparently you will immediately notice it when springs are shot when u go around a bend at high speed...- Being Wavy and bumpy, body roll

E46 Replacement dampers advice

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