Replacing struts

[Coupenut]

I wanted to find out what the owners of SWB E38 740 Sport models are using when it's time for strut replacement. Is there an alternative to OEM units?

Thanks

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[Sleepyhead97]

You should know by now? I see you have 6 bmws?

[clarkitect]

I used the Bilstein Tourings on the rear of my car. Will do the same with the fronts when I do those. Seem to be fine. On sale for cheap at FCP right now!

[Coupenut]

You should know by now? I see you have 6 bmws?

Just getting to the point where I think it's time to replace the struts on the E38. The struts in the E38 sport package have special valving and I'd like to retain the original handling characteristics. If I have to buy from the dealer that's fine, just checking to see if there are any other alternatives that offer similar performance.

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[chris33]

I just went from Bilstein B6's to B4's. I had the B6's since 2007 and decided that when I changed I wanted a more forgiving ride, and at first I did not like the softer ride, but I have come to appreciate it. I also went from Powerflex upper control arm bushings back to Meyle HD bushings.

[Marneus]

B4's & Eibach springs are on my to do list this year. Along with Meyle HD everything else (if I can find everything)
How's the ride? My suspension is 18yrs & 98,000 miles old, I'm thinking it will be a vast improvement...


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[aazevedo]

I just went with B6 Sports. I was initially worried about some complaints about a stiff right, but I'm thrilled. I wouldn't use anything else. That said, roads in SoCal are pretty decent compared to other parts of the country.

[drinkingsnake]

Just a moment , "coupenut" , when you say :

"The struts in the E38 sport package have special valving and ..."

I' understand your choice, to maintain riding abilytie, but do you say , you're equipped with " S-EDC " system on your car ?!?
The M- Sport set, doesnt have " valve", just " S-EDC" does...
In this case , your choice of strut is .....no one except Factory one....

It was my choice, because i wanted to conserve the S-EDC system, when i change my strut...

Regards,

Chris from France

[tmaxx445]

Just a moment , "coupenut" , when you say :

"The struts in the E38 sport package have special valving and ..."

I' understand your choice, to maintain riding abilytie, but do you say , you're equipped with " S-EDC " system on your car ?!?
The M- Sport set, doesnt have " valve", just " S-EDC" does...
In this case , your choice of strut is .....no one except Factory one....

It was my choice, because i wanted to conserve the S-EDC system, when i change my strut...

Regards,

Chris from France

Every strut (damper) has internal valving to create the damping effect, not just EDC struts or shocks. Here is the inter workings of a conventional shock or strut explained at a low level:
http://users.tpg.com.au/users/loats/...ckvalving.html

[HOFFMANN707]

I used the Bilstein Tourings on the rear of my car. Will do the same with the fronts when I do those. Seem to be fine. On sale for cheap at FCP right now!

Why change the rear before the front? Were your fronts changed before?

[clarkitect]

Why change the rear before the front? Were your fronts changed before?

The spring perches on the rears were rusted out and needed to be changed for inspection. Didn't have the funds to change all four at the time. I assumed the rears were original to the car but the fronts may have been replaced before by a previous owner, but really can't be sure.

I did did order the B4 fronts from FCP today.

[chris33]

I used the Bilstein Tourings on the rear of my car. Will do the same with the fronts when I do those. Seem to be fine. On sale for cheap at FCP right now!

I got my B4's from FCP along with the all of the front control arms and steering parts. Could not beat the pricing and the warranty. I am keeping my B6's as they can be rebuilt.

[drinkingsnake]

Every strut (damper) has internal valving to create the damping effect, not just EDC struts or shocks. Here is the inter workings of a conventional shock or strut explained at a low level:
http://users.tpg.com.au/users/loats/...ckvalving.html

You're right Tmaxx,

Due to my sort of poor english, i wasn't able to understand what coupenut said....

I was thinking he was speaking about the command of internal valve of his strut ....

That's the reason why i was thinking about " S-EDC"....



Anyway, some of my friend , on a 2002 E39 540 I, try the Bilstein B6, and, it was ....too harsh

And to prevent his riding confort, he prefers use the " B4"

Regards,

Chris from France

[01740ISP]

I am replacing them with the factory ones that came with the car. Did not want to take a chance on Bilstein and me hating them. It will be a while before i do the work but parts are in the garage.
-Messan

[Coupenut]

None of the after market shock manufacturers seem to offer a specific replacement for the E38 sport suspension. I think I'm going to use replacements from BMW since anything else would appear to be a compromise.

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