Struts

[tomloans]

Here is a strange question...

I have non EDC struts in my 740i. Can I use EDC struts ( the more expensive ones ) in my non EDC 740i?











Sponsored links

No.	Description	Supp.	Qty	From	Up To	Part Number	Price		Notes
01	Left front spring strut		1			31311091569	$382.20
	Required for repair
01	Front right spring strut		1			31311091570	$382.20
	Required for repair
--	Self-locking hex nut	M14X1,5-05 ZNS3	1			31106774714	$1.12
--	Hex bolt with washer	M12X1,5X55-10.9	1			31306779487	$2.17
	For vehicles with Electronic Damper Control (EDC)	S223A=Yes
01	Left front spring strut	EDC	1			31311091557	$1009.39
	Required for repair
01	Front right spring strut	EDC	1			31311091558	$1009.39
	Required for repair

Sponsored links

No.	Description	Supp.	Qty	From	Up To	Part Number	Price		Notes
01	Left front spring strut		1			31311091569	$382.20
	Required for repair
01	Front right spring strut		1			31311091570	$382.20
	Required for repair
--	Self-locking hex nut	M14X1,5-05 ZNS3	1
--	Hex bolt with washer	M12X1,5X55-10.9	1
	For vehicles with Electronic Damper Control (EDC)	S223A=Yes
01	Left front spring strut	EDC	1			31311091557	$1009.39
	Required for repair
01	Front right spring strut	EDC	1			31311091558	$1009.39
	Required for repair

[haynes740]

Not worth the hassle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ghettobird52]

If you are planning on retrofitting s-edc, sure. But why? Kind of a backwards step at this point and age.

[Actros617]

You'll need EDC springs also, non EDC spring will not fit properly, also you'll have to install a EDC module to supply power for the valving, tbh its way too much work for a marginal increase.

[tomloans]

If you are planning on retrofitting s-edc, sure. But why? Kind of a backwards step at this point and age.

I have some struts that have about 40k miles on them that I bought very cheap. They are the ...

Left front spring strutEDC131311091557$1009.39
Front right spring strutEDC131311091558$1009.39

I dont think I have EDC. How can you even tell? Will the EDC shock i bought behave like non edc if they are not hooked up to power?

I will just sell them if not.

[tomloans]

Nevermind, I just figured it out. I dont have Edc but I have the more expensive EDC shocks that I purchase super cheap. Curious if they will work like normal non EDC shocks without being hooked up.

[tomloans]

Here is a good article. I guess if I install these, it will be a very stiff ride...

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...out-about-SEDC

[Ghettobird52]

Yeah sounds like you would then be in edc mode all the time. I would just try to keep selling them. Like I believe you are 😉

[haynes740]

Nevermind, I just figured it out. I dont have Edc but I have the more expensive EDC shocks that I purchase super cheap. Curious if they will work like normal non EDC shocks without being hooked up.

No they won’t, they will default to the stiffest setting with no power.I had them and mine, they were shot out so they rode super stiff. I was going to replace them as a forum member had some for sale but had plans to lower the car and I knew those shocks would prematurely fail. Went with a sport strut/shock setup for my needs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[tomloans]

No they won’t, they will default to the stiffest setting with no power.I had them and mine, they were shot out so they rode super stiff. I was going to replace them as a forum member had some for sale but had plans to lower the car and I knew those shocks would prematurely fail. Went with a sport strut/shock setup for my needs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Curious Haynes, I want the ride to be similar to stock. The Bilsteins I have on current are horrible - super soft wobbly. I think i have 50k miles on them and they are already shot. What is your experience with aftermarket? I dont want to spend an arm leg to get new shocks.

- - - Updated - - -

Yeah sounds like you would then be in edc mode all the time. I would just try to keep selling them. Like I believe you are 

Yes I didnt realize when I purchased them that they were EDC until I started investigating. You would think I would be smarter than that by now. Oh well, they are on Craigslist.

[haynes740]

Curious Haynes, I want the ride to be similar to stock. The Bilsteins I have on current are horrible - super soft wobbly. I think i have 50k miles on them and they are already shot. What is your experience with aftermarket? I dont want to spend an arm leg to get new shocks.

- - - Updated - - -



Yes I didnt realize when I purchased them that they were EDC until I started investigating. You would think I would be smarter than that by now. Oh well, they are on Craigslist.

i’ve been told Bilstein b4 are similar to a stock ride. I am running the B6. version the ride is firm. Probably what you were not looking for.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[tomloans]

i’ve been told Bilstein b4 are similar to a stock ride. I am running the B6. version the ride is firm. Probably what you were not looking for.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Haynes,

DO you have sport suspension or regular? By hard ride, do you mean firm or when you go over a little pot hole, you have to have neck surgery.

[haynes740]

Haynes,

DO you have sport suspension or regular? By hard ride, do you mean firm or when you go over a little pot hole, you have to have neck surgery.

No neck surgery but can no longer call it a luxury barge either. I sent you a text.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[haynes740]

I would say extreme sport.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[tomloans]

I have an e39 M5 also. i would love my 740 to ride like my M5. Tight, firm and still a great soft ride. Not sure what to do really.

Tom

[haynes740]

Your 7 will never ride like an m5 but if you put the sport shocks and springs from the shorty sport you may be closer. It will be a little pricey. Keep doing the research many threads on suspension just gotta go through them to see what works best for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[nmlss2006]

By the by, I would not go through the hassle of replacing shocks to put units which already have 40k mi on them into the car.

[kouks]

I have a 740i Sport with the Sport suspension, 18" MPars. i've also driven an M5. The suspension is not the same, but at least the e38 does not ride like a boat on the standard springs/struts and 16 " tires. Its more of a sporty sedan, comfy, yet responsive.

[Ghettobird52]

Oh well, they are on Craigslist.

I figured that was you!

[tomloans]

By the by, I would not go through the hassle of replacing shocks to put units which already have 40k mi on them into the car.

Good point

- - - Updated - - -

I have a 740i Sport with the Sport suspension, 18" MPars. i've also driven an M5. The suspension is not the same, but at least the e38 does not ride like a boat on the standard springs/struts and 16 " tires. Its more of a sporty sedan, comfy, yet responsive.

I am putting oem back on. Thanks

[kouks]

I am putting oem back on. Thanks

I think the OE Sport suspension is a great ride for the e38. Tighter suspensions will do fine on smooth roads and highways, but most of us drive these going to the supermarket and work on all kinds of roads. The OE suspension was engineered for that.

[haynes740]

I think the OE Sport suspension is a great ride for the e38. Tighter suspensions will do fine on smooth roads and highways, but most of us drive these going to the supermarket and work on all kinds of roads. The OE suspension was engineered for that.

+1 on this. Sometimes I am a man on a mission so I had to put a little secret sauce in my suspension.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[tomloans]

The bottom line from many owners conclusions is that the original is best. Hence why I just ordered brand new shocks all the way around. I bought at BMWpartsnow.com Couldn't find a better price....

Part Number	Part Name	Price	Quantity	Total
31-31-1-096-149	Strut	$421.08	1	$421.08
31-31-1-096-150	Strut	$421.08	1	$421.08
33-52-1-096-151	Strut	$367.88	2	$735.76

Subtotal: $1,577.92

Estimated Shipping to XXXXX via Standard Shipping: $55.46

Total: $1,633.38

[Ghettobird52]

Total: $1,633.38

Holy batman! And i thought i cashed out for the Bilstein B12 Kit, B6 Struts/Shocks with Eibach Pro Springs, for $1020! That thing is gonna ride like it just came off the production line.

[tomloans]

Holy batman! And i thought i cashed out for the Bilstein B12 Kit, B6 Struts/Shocks with Eibach Pro Springs, for $1020! That thing is gonna ride like it just came off the production line.

Yeah I know. That is the best price I can find too. There were some that were trying to get over 2K. I bought an e38 740I in 2000 and then a 2nd one in 2004. ( both used but obviously in new condition - lease returns) Then I took a break until 2015 and realized how much I missed that car. I know this car intimately and really enjoy it. There is absolutely no reason to sell it ever. I even have a rebuilt tranny for back up sitting in my garage. ( although I am looking for a white sport with black interior )

The bilsteins I put in 50k miles ago are shot and were never right with the stock springs. The stock shocks rode so much better than these even though two of them were bad. I lived with the bilsteins all this time but now it is time to upgrade to stock.

After all the reading I have done, it appears from the bottom line comments of people with this same experience I have had, very little rides better then the original BMW struts and springs.

Thanks for your help and feedback.