Leaking front shocks: Need to know what they are first before a repair strategy

[Legoman]

I've just had my July '92 built 740iL up on a hoist this morning checking suspension bushes chasing a steering shimmy problem. Out of that was revealed the driver's side front shock is leaking, the bump stops have perished away to dust and the dust boot/gaiters are just flopping around in the breeze. Obviously some work to be done.

I've got the bumps stops, the dust boots & the top shock mounts all sorted. I know what they are and all will be replaced. All that remains are the shock inserts themselves. What are they? I have the local Bilstein agent very close to me who can rebuild Bilstein shocks if indeed they even are Bilstein inserts. Does anyone know what went in the front of a mid-92 build 740iL from the factory? Mine have never been replaced before. They are definitely the originals that have done 227,000km now.

The rears I know are Sachs shocks being equipped with the SLS suspension being an 'iL'. I'm unsure if the rear being equipped with Sachs for the SLS therefore means the front will also have Sachs inserts or if they're more likely to be Bilsteins?

Any advice would be much appreciated so I can start formulating a strategy for the repair. Thank you!

[shogun]

When I select on realoem a 1992 740iL RHD this number comes up 31321139403 , and that is a Sachs suspension cartridge using google with that BMW p/n
Sachs 110 990 left and right, price approx $ 150 new.
Check once more with your VIN which BMW p/n it has and then google with that number and that will show you the maker.
If you want to have it cheaper, KYB, see here the options
http://www.bmwbuddy.com/z/part/31321...t-insert-front

[Legoman]

When I select on realoem a 1992 740iL RHD this number comes up 31321139403 , and that is a Sachs suspension cartridge using google with that BMW p/n
Sachs 110 990 left and right, price approx $ 150 new.
Check once more with your VIN which BMW p/n it has and then google with that number and that will show you the maker.
If you want to have it cheaper, KYB, see here the options
http://www.bmwbuddy.com/z/part/31321...t-insert-front

Cool thanks. That makes things a bit easier if it takes rebuilding Bilsteins off the table as an option. Sachs are not rebuildable I don't believe. On RealOEM for my VIN DE73018 it says that 39403 part number is indeed the correct one. Think I saw a chap on here selling two NOS Sachs front shocks for a '88 E32, so I'll see if they're the same thing and maybe give him a PM.