Cant decide - Bilstein or Sachs rear shocks?

[Mixzzz]

Well, I have to replace rear shocks on my '88 525i(~380kkm) and I'm going stick with OE spec parts because they're pretty cheap. The choices for me are either Bilstein B4s(Touring class, costs 90euros both) or OE spec Sachs(110e both). Bilstein B6(HD) are like 180e for a shock so thats way too expensive for me really. From what I have read B4s are a little more stiffer than OEMs which I think is a good thing but at the same time I'm kind of leaning towards Sachs because theyre the OE manufacturer... Whats your opinion guys? Also, rear shocks need additional bump stops right? And should I also try to replace the springs or just keep the old ones?

[Eero]

Sachs super tourings is way to go.

[Andrewk79]

For stock shocks, both are good, just go with whichever happens to be cheaper. For sports shocks or adjustable shocks, sachs or koni, whichever happens to be cheaper.

All shocks have bump stops not just the rear. If yours are 20 years old, change them they are just a few bucks each.

Change the springs if you want to lower the car. If you want to keep the ride height stock, you only change the springs if they were damaged in a collision.

Whenever you change shocks or springs, think very carefully about changing the shock mounts to save yourself all that huge work and get it done at one go. In fact that's what most people do. Its very extensive if you diy, and expensive if you goto a workshop because alot of time is involved.

It is possible to inspect the shock mounts and judge if they need to be changed. Of course the other thing is how the car rides. Please search.

If you change the shock mounts, get Meyle HD versions if available, if not Meyle. Not Lemforder. Too many china fakes for Lemforder these days. Meyle is about the same price as Lemforder.

If you like this idea but don't have enough right now, wait a month or two to buy the mounts and do them at one go.

Of course, since we're on the subject, and since the brake rotors and pads need to be disassembled to get to the shocks, if they are worn, you might as well have them changed as well at one go, to maximise your labour and downtime for the job. You won't be charged extra for this by the workshop. Not usually.

It is usually easy to live with poor shocks for an extra 2-3 months so seriously think about all my suggestions here.

Brake rotors and pads, get brembo stock for both. Prices same as oem.

[PAFishman]

I just did this entire job. Shocks, springs, shock mounts, dogbones and pitman arms and a new sway bar for the rear. I upgraded my suspension to the Msport OEM equipment all around. Ride is vastly improved. I did not lower the car. I had installed the billies last year but decided I didn't like them and instead went with the OEM Msport boge/sachs combination. The rears are actually pretty easy to do. Just take your time.

[Eero]

OEM Msport boge/sachs

Part numbers?

[Andrewk79]

Part numbers?


www.realoem.com

[Eero]

www.realoem.com (http://www.realoem.com)

Oh boy...

I want to know which Sachs/Boge shocks he have, not BMW part numbers.

This is original M tech shock for 535i
592360

[yura]

If you willn`t drop the car down using short sport springs - both are good. Bilstein 19-020068 or SACHS 290 275. That to choose - everybody has own religion)))
I`m using rear old Boge shocks with springs -30mm. Now Boge it`s Sachs = OEM