2000 750il strut / shock brand recomendations

[Magus528]

Currently I have H&R 29991 lowering springs I can use.

For those who have done the SLS delete. What brand of shocks did you go with?
Has anyone used Billies or Monroe If so...what kind?

I tried KYBs in the front when I left the rear SLS intact and did not like the ride...looking for something a bit cushier ride.

Thank You

[CPHES]

Cushy - don’t go bilstein hd / yellow. Harsh is a nice description

[rslifkin]

Cushy - don’t go bilstein hd / yellow. Harsh is a nice description

The Bilstein HDs aren't valved all that stiff for the E38. They're slightly stiffer on low speed compression than the stock sport shocks, but they otherwise don't feel much different. That said, running them with soft springs will lead to them being harsh (as they'll be over-damped). But if you're running something in the ballpark of the stock sport springs or a little stiffer, they ride fine.

[CPHES]

Ok - so you find they work with stock e38 sport springs? To the OP - the kyb’s were with the H&R’s? If that was not to your liking, I think Bilsteins won’t make you happy - on the other hand, I’ve heard that the H&R’s are stiff. Buck Clifford has UUC springs. It’s hard to find a reasonably priced alternative. Any chance you want to rebuild the edc’s?

[rslifkin]

Yeah, the Bilsteins are just a little harsher / stiffer over small bumps, etc. than the stock sport shocks, both with stock sport springs. Over big bumps, etc. they feel very similar. And that's comparing to old (but not blown) sport shocks, so new ones might be a little stiffer.

[Magus528]

Is there anything else with a softer ride? shock wise?

[RIboater2]

just about ready to do this also. just the front to start. EDC delete. there are some write ups on it and I know some of the mounting hardware to go non EDC is different. I also want a soft ride.
Following.

[tominizer]

After a bit of reading, I'm likely going to go with the BC Racing setup on my 2000 750IL. I like the ability to set the ride height to my tastes and have heard decent things from others using this kit.

[CPHES]

Yeah - outside of rebuilding edc, that is one of the choices I’ve considered. Buck Clifford - can you tell us what struts you run up front on your 750?

[Ruskii]

Yeah - outside of rebuilding edc, that is one of the choices I’ve considered. Buck Clifford - can you tell us what struts you run up front on your 750?

I believe he had stock EDC shocks with B&G (UUC) springs.

[CPHES]

That sounds right. I did the Bilstein thing years ago with volvo / Audi / Saab, etc. I swore off that - never again. I had 2 HD’s fail out of the box - this was late 80’s and mid 90’s. Returns were a pain.

[Magus528]

What does everyone thing of the B4's or the SACHS 170822

[CPHES]

I’d go with Sachs first. Close to oem for a non sport - not sure on springs to go with that

[rslifkin]

There's a pretty good chance the stock BMW struts were made by Sachs, so I'm not surprised the aftermarket ones are similar (possibly the same).

[stevick]

If you're interested in returning to front EDC struts, I came across these on Amazon @ $679/pair shipped: https://www.amazon.com/AIRSUSFAT-Sus.../dp/B07QGQN383 They also appear to be the same as this Chinese supplier listing on Alibaba for ~$635/pair shipped: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32952985524.html? While neither of these listings is explicit, one of the other Alibaba importers of the item lists "Original Refurbished" on their specs page, so these are also likely refurbished. Looks like it would be cheaper than a Nagengast rebuild when considering shipping and customs. A one year warranty seems to be the standard.

Considering the origin, there is undoubtedly some risk here, but the reward could be pretty great. No recommendations here, just food for thought... and I know many will have trouble keeping it down LOL.