KYB Gr-2

[tonyroc14]

This may be an unconventional question, but how are the KYB’s in terms of quality. I.E. will they last long? Or am I “getting what I pay for?” When I searched, all I read was, “They are good, a slightly stiffer ride,” nothing on quality and longevity. The reason I am searching for new suspension is because I had to cancel my order with bavauto to buy a windshield, so now I’m searching on a budget. I may be able to get some bavauto springs for 100 bucks, and the KYB’s are only 230 on eBay. Thank you

[Bill R]

In terms of quality they are as good or better than bilsteins, I almost never have to warranty a kyb, they are about equal to tokico from my own experience.
I haven't noticed them being stiff in any of the bmw 's that i've put them in. But then again all the cars i have put them in are basically stock, stock suspension, stock ride height






This may be an unconventional question, but how are the KYB’s in terms of quality. I.E. will they last long? Or am I “getting what I pay for?” When I searched, all I read was, “They are good, a slightly stiffer ride,” nothing on quality and longevity. The reason I am searching for new suspension is because I had to cancel my order with bavauto to buy a windshield, so now I’m searching on a budget. I may be able to get some bavauto springs for 100 bucks, and the KYB’s are only 230 on eBay. Thank you

[tonyroc14]

Yea, i just read up a little, they have a lifetime warrenty, WITCH is awsome. Im not worried about stiffness, or lack there of. I just want a good, solid platform again. Thanks man.




ill point it out for you max :shifty

[Sam Son]

are you typing up your posts in word, doing spell check then copy pasting to here?

[tonyroc14]

are you typing up your posts in word, doing spell check then copy pasting to here?
what's it to ya'? :shifty

[MaxSteel]

are you typing up your posts in word, doing spell check then copy pasting to here?

Let him, it doesn't save him the embarrassment of mixing up which and witch :shifty

[mikemxbike4]

Stay away from KYB GR-2.Save your money and get the good stuff

[Electricalbox]

From my experience for most cars...not too sure about bimmers I just got here :D. These are in order of highest rated, not longevity.

Kyb gr2 < Tokico Blues < OEM < Tokico Illumina < KYB AGX < Billstein < Koni < etc.

[Sixdown]

From my experience for most cars...not too sure about bimmers I just got here :D. These are in order of highest rated, not longevity.

Kyb gr2 < Tokico Blues < OEM < Tokico Illumina < KYB AGX < Billstein < Koni < etc.
Are you meaning to say Bilstein as in Bilstein HD/Sport? Bilstein makes regular touring shocks, which I use on my e28.


are you typing up your posts in word, doing spell check then copy pasting to here?
You mean the weird font?

[tonyroc14]

Stay away from KYB GR-2.Save your money and get the good stuff
would you like to elaborate?

[Sixdown]

GR-2's should be completely fine in terms of longevity and price. Ride comfort is the only thing I've heard a single complaint about.

[tonyroc14]

well thank you, but i dont care about what people have "heard." Anyone here riding on KYB's care to chime in?

[mikemxbike4]

would you like to elaborate?

Opinions on GR-2 vary from very bad to good.So chances of you not liking them are pretty high.Id go with a more reputable choice like bisteins or koni's.You might save a few bucks with GR-2 but if you're not happy then whats the point?

[tonyroc14]

Opinions on GR-2 vary from very bad to good.So chances of you not liking them are pretty high.Id go with a more reputable choice like bisteins or koni's.You might save a few bucks with GR-2 but if you're not happy then whats the point?
anything has got to be better than my current setup. two blown struts, and a blow shock, and old springs, with bad bushings? And idk what "bad" would be? If they have a lifetime warrenty, and are reliable, then the only thing that would be bad would be ride quality, right? and im not concerned about to stiff, or soft, or whatever. But, i really can't afford to buy billies, or konis for that matter. Allthough i think a stiffer strut and shock would be better with the bavauto springs...

[Bill R]

well thank you, but i dont care about what people have "heard." Anyone here riding on KYB's care to chime in?


I'm not riding on them because i still have the original boge's on mine... but i have installed them in e24's,E34's,e30's,e36's,e46's and one e32 They have worked fine in all of them with the exception of one warranty in a 9 year old 89 525i install.

[Sixdown]

anything has got to be better than my current setup. two blown struts, and a blow shock, and old springs, with bad bushings? And idk what "bad" would be? If they have a lifetime warrenty, and are reliable, then the only thing that would be bad would be ride quality, right? and im not concerned about to stiff, or soft, or whatever. But, i really can't afford to buy billies, or konis for that matter. Allthough i think a stiffer strut and shock would be better with the bavauto springs...
JESUS. That is what I said in the first place! I know you don't care about ride quality, and I know you care about longevity, so get them. I can say that they WILL last from experience on other cars.

[mikemxbike4]

anything has got to be better than my current setup. two blown struts, and a blow shock, and old springs, with bad bushings? And idk what "bad" would be? If they have a lifetime warrenty, and are reliable, then the only thing that would be bad would be ride quality, right? and im not concerned about to stiff, or soft, or whatever. But, i really can't afford to buy billies, or konis for that matter. Allthough i think a stiffer strut and shock would be better with the bavauto springs...

Well KYB is reliable on bikes so id asume that their car stuff is just as good.That is if reliability is your main concern.But if you look around ebay you can pick up billies HD for almost same price.BTW its recommended that you use shorter struts and shocks if you're using lowering springs.

[Sixdown]

Well KYB is reliable on bikes so id asume that their car stuff is just as good.That is if reliability is your main concern.But if you look around ebay you can pick up billies HD for almost same price.BTW its recommended that you use shorter struts and shocks if you're using lowering springs.
Ebay HD is twice the price of Ebay KYB GR-2. When it says Bilstein it means touring, but when it says Bilstein HD/Sport then it is that. Bilstein Touring will be close to stock ride quality and KYB is generally harder than that.

[tonyroc14]

JESUS. That is what I said in the first place! I know you don't care about ride quality, and I know you care about longevity, so get them. I can say that they WILL last from experience on other cars.
relax. i would still like to hear a thing or two about ride quality

Well KYB is reliable on bikes so id asume that their car stuff is just as good.That is if reliability is your main concern.But if you look around ebay you can pick up billies HD for almost same price.BTW its recommended that you use shorter struts and shocks if you're using lowering springs.
well i could give it a look. ultimately i'd like billie's

[Sixdown]

relax. i would still like to hear a thing or two about ride quality

well i could give it a look. ultimately i'd like billie's
Go for the Bilstein Tourings then. Half the price of the HD/Sports, and you can get them on ebay for $250 for four.
I bought them for my e28 from the same seller.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BILSTEIN-SHOCKS-BMW-E34-525i-530i-535i-540i-88-95_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c66Q3a2Q 7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a 1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem3 70159522603QQitemZ370159522603QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5f TruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[mikemxbike4]

Ebay HD is twice the price of Ebay KYB GR-2. When it says Bilstein it means touring, but when it says Bilstein HD/Sport then it is that. Bilstein Touring will be close to stock ride quality and KYB is generally harder than that.

My bad.Tourings is what i meant

[slocar]

If I had to compare Gr-2 to anything, I always like to compare them to Bilstein HDs; they're about the same, maybe a little stiffer. No, your car wont glide like a Cadillac, but honestly, if that's what you want in your life, buying a e34 was your first mistake.

And yes, they will work just fine with lowering springs. I know people with various cars that have been running lowering springs with them and they work just fine. That said, I believe KYB will void your warranty if you use them with springs over 1.25 inches shorter than stock or something like that ... but honestly, I can't say I've ever seen one blown KYB shock ... even with lowering springs, they'll probably last longer than the rest of the car will. And either way, they're so cheap, it doesn't matter.

btw, I've been riding front Gr-2s for the last 21k miles.

[tonyroc14]

If I had to compare Gr-2 to anything, I always like to compare them to Bilstein HDs; they're about the same, maybe a little stiffer. No, your car wont glide like a Cadillac, but honestly, if that's what you want in your life, buying a e34 was your first mistake.

And yes, they will work just fine with lowering springs. I know people with various cars that have been running lowering springs with them and they work just fine. That said, I believe KYB will void your warranty if you use them with springs over 1.25 inches shorter than stock or something like that ... but honestly, I can't say I've ever seen one blown KYB shock ... even with lowering springs, they'll probably last longer than the rest of the car will. And either way, they're so cheap, it doesn't matter.

btw, I've been riding front Gr-2s for the last 21k miles.
thank you, thats what i've been looking for :buttrock

[shelbyz4u2nv]

i have gr-2's in my dodge w/ eibach lowering springs and have no complaints. the price is right man, do it, who cares...anything beats a blown suspension

[Electricalbox]

Are you meaning to say Bilstein as in Bilstein HD/Sport? Bilstein makes regular touring shocks, which I use on my e28.


You mean the weird font?Sorry, but I would not know how to place those seeing that I came from other forums where bilsteins are not as popular. I would have to say using my ratings above, that would probably account for sport or HD.

[tonyroc14]

i have gr-2's in my dodge w/ eibach lowering springs and have no complaints. the price is right man, do it, who cares...anything beats a blown suspension
thats exactly what i was thinking. And if they are a little stiffer than stock, than that's a plus. Thanks to those who helped. :buttrock

[Electricalbox]

thats exactly what i was thinking. And if they are a little stiffer than stock, than that's a plus. Thanks to those who helped. :buttrock

Please don't assume that all shocks will perform the same on all cars. MY AGX's were crap IMO on my CRX, yet they rode nicely on my brother's miata. But as previously stated anything will be better than blown suspension. :( That is what I also have as of now.

[mikemxbike4]

thats exactly what i was thinking. And if they are a little stiffer than stock, than that's a plus. Thanks to those who helped. :buttrock

Fine,go with KYB i guess:wwfinger

[tonyroc14]

Please don't assume that all shocks will perform the same on all cars. MY AGX's were crap IMO on my CRX, yet they rode nicely on my brother's miata. But as previously stated anything will be better than blown suspension. :( That is what I also have as of now.
well i just wanted to hear what people had to say who own KYB on their e34.

Fine,go with KYB i guess:wwfinger
not all of us have money, sorry :dunno

[mikemxbike4]

well i just wanted to hear what people had to say who own KYB on their e34.

not all of us have money, sorry :dunno

Just giving you hard time bro.BTW im gona be in cali this monday

[tonyroc14]

yea i know. and where about?

[mikemxbike4]

yea i know. and where about?

Some place called Indio or something like that.

[tonyroc14]

Some place called Indio or something like that.
oh, you mean where i was born? Indio, right next to palm desert :D great place, lots and lots of money in that town

[mikemxbike4]

oh, you mean where i was born? Indio, right next to palm desert :D great place, lots and lots of money in that town

Oh nice.3 of my buddies are doing FMX show up there so im rolling with

[tonyroc14]

didn't hear anything about it... but maybe that's because that's a little too far south for me to care lol

[kalevera]

For the price, I don't think there's a better shock around, but I think GR-2s are a little harsh on E34s.

Couple of years ago, I had occasion to drive a car with a newer GR-2 on one side and a new Boge turbo gas on the other. The BTG was noticeably tighter and smoother, less post-bump jarring/bounce.

[skylinergtr]

how much are the kyb a piece?

[slocar]

You can get all for for a little over 200 dollars.

[Racerhoze]

I have had the gr-2s on my car for about 15k and they are fine. Paired with eibachs the ride reminds me of my 330 sport suspension, so I am not complaining! I am wondering where the washers that came with the rear shocks were suppoesta go though....

[skylinergtr]

wow a little over 200$ for all? nvm that is good. and i though all bilsteins for a little less than $400 was good.

[Christoffer]

I have gr2's on vogtlands....in the rear they are ok, on the front they bottom HARD. so, not lowered would be fine, but if you ride as low as vogtlands go, you won't like them much. BANG BANG BANG!

[tonyroc14]

I have gr2's on vogtlands....in the rear they are ok, on the front they bottom HARD. so, not lowered would be fine, but if you ride as low as vogtlands go, you won't like them much. BANG BANG BANG!
hmm, that might be a problem, as im going to pick up some bavauto springs.

well i just bought the KYB's

[Christoffer]

The price is right...

[Sam Son]

You mean the weird font?
yeah thats what caught my attention

[auto da fe]

I have gr2's on vogtlands....in the rear they are ok, on the front they bottom HARD. so, not lowered would be fine, but if you ride as low as vogtlands go, you won't like them much. BANG BANG BANG!

This has been my experience too. Vogtlands and KYBs do not make a good pairing. The ride is pleasant but handling is mediocre, poorer even than the Bilstein HD/stock spring setup in my wife's car.

[mrsharp]

This has been my experience too. Vogtlands and KYBs do not make a good pairing. The ride is pleasant but handling is mediocre, poorer even than the Bilstein HD/stock spring setup in my wife's car.Billie HDs on stock springs handles poorly? I'd think it would be pretty good

[Sixdown]

Does everyone forget that Bilstein makes a touring version? :)

[SC David]

I've got them paired with H&R's. Decent setup for the money. I've got about 30k miles on the setup, which has been in my old '89 525 and this new one. The ride is relatively comfortable and good for everyday driving, but as soon as you throw it at some corners it bottoms out. Same thing with all the bumps in the roads here...I have to be careful with how I angle the car or else I get that horrible bottoming crunch.

[auto da fe]

Billie HDs on stock springs handles poorly? I'd think it would be pretty good


You're correct. The sentence structure leaves something to be desired. My wife's car actually handles very well, especially compared to the KYB/Vogtland setup on my car. Clearer?

[mikemxbike4]

See i care for handling and i have billie sports with H&R right now.I liked it a lot at first but im now im used to it and i want to go stiffer.Coilovers maybe?:devillook

[tonyroc14]

so the kyb's won't handle very well? Are they worse, same, or better than the stockers? It wont be a big deal, just kind of a buz kill if they handle worse

[mikemxbike4]

so the kyb's won't handle very well? Are they worse, same, or better than the stockers? It wont be a big deal, just kind of a buz kill if they handle worse

There is only one way to find out

[tonyroc14]

im sure anything will handle better then my shit

[eightynine535]

I Pared KYB GR2 with H&R spring on my altima and the ride was smooth. Most folks answers about KYBs will just be a repeat of what they have heard someone else said. Nex Coilovers were berated as being Chinese crap without anyone trying them. After 2 members tried them, the attitude changed.

IMHO most of the Lowering springs on the market are too soft to begin with. if the KYBs are stiffer that can only help.