KYB--stiffer than Bilsteins?????

[eightynine535]

I have read often that those who run KYBs complain of it being stiffer than the springs. I kind of find this hard to believe as I have used H&R/KYB combo on my previous cars (Altima and Volvo 240DL just KYB) with no problems. How is it that KYB are so stiff for the E34? Stiffer than Bilsteins, who IMO is the stiffest shocks I have ever experienced?

I want to hear responses from members who currently or formerly used KYBs with Stock and Lowering springs.

[Sam Son]

might i ask why you are so set on getting kybs?

[T444E]

My 535 had KYBs all round. No complaints but I never drove another E34 to compare to.

[zakizzy]

KYB's are the cheapest shocks available for the e34 and that's probably what is attracting you to them.

i got them and put them on stock springs with brand new mounts and bump stops..... they were so tight, too bumpy, and even a bit noisy. they wore out the bump stops a little, and TOTALLY destroyed the mounts. the shocks were dead too. i had to do a complete rear end suspension rebuild because the KYB's SUCK.

Go OEM with OEM springs.... they are much better, even with the over-swing.

[hellohi]

Had them for 2 months before i got fed up with them. Kill Your Butt its what KYB stands for

[Racerhoze]

I have the KYBs... they are nice. Only think I can compare them to is OEM... so I am not of much use. Unless you want to come to tx and drive my car.

[Beast419]

You know why they call 'em kyb's? Keep Your Bilsteins.

[LouieD]

I had KYB's on the '90 with H&R springs. I bought them because of price and quick availability...mostly price. They were stiff, way too stiff. I thought it was the 18"s, until I drove my newest purchase that came with 18's, Bilsteins and lowering springs (Eibachs i think). I only drove the car around the block but it was clearly better "suspended" that my other e34. I have further "testing" to do, but I don't think I'll be doing anymore KYB's on an e34.

[merikgvr4]

stiff on all four corners? I need to replace my front struts and thinking of getting kybs.

[auto da fe]

I have KYBs with Vogtlands. They are not stiff. In fact, I will probably upgrade to Bils to improve handling in the not-too-distant future.

[garrettpier]

i just pulled out the front struts in my 525it. They were leaky KYBs that made a total mess of everything under the wheel well. The hydrolic fluid was leaking all over. the shoks rode hard and only had 20k on them. I really was not impressed. I didn't install them the PO did; POS is more like it. I switched them back to OEM, Sachs touring shocks. i would't bother with KYB; I have Bilstiens in my 540 and they are just breaking in with 5k on them, they fell awsome, but stiff. I have Boge in my e30 325ic and they are great, I am looking forward to the new Sachs in the touring-- it already has the rears.

[KBHumphrey]

stiff on all four corners? I need to replace my front struts and thinking of getting kybs.
I threw on some KYBs, front only, back in Jan. I personally don't think they're that stiff. Ride is firm. But I also changed out sways and thrust arms around the same time so it's a little hard to say.

[merikgvr4]

thanks for the inputs. Sorry for the thread jack.

[eightynine535]

so the consenus is: KYBs is stiffer than Bilsteins.....

And here I thought that since they are cheaper they would be too soft for lowering springs.