[Griffi]

Hi, just want some basic advice on what to get. Almost 80k on my dd 2008 328i e90 sport. As you can imagine the shocks are not doing much especially over potholes at this point. Not looking to lower, just want to restore ride quality. Should I buy a kit or just keep the sport springs and put some nice shocks in?

[avocet]

sport springs and bilstein hd's are a very, very nice combo.

[Griffi]

Thanks for the quick response! Do you think I need to order new mounts (I saw them recommended on the Turner Motorsports website)? Sounds like a good idea but I wasn't keen on spending an extra $250 on them...

[avocet]

did my struts at around 60k miles... and re used my mounts. they were perfectly serviceable, and I repacked the bearings with grease. YMMV.

[jjellyneck]

Depends on what you find during the job, but I would be prepared....and order them. Can return if not needed. But that is just my preference.

[cdgatti]

I'd go with Bilstein HD with your stock sport springs. Replace the upper rear shock mounts (the ones that are outside the car). The lower ones in the control arm are a massive piece of rubber are more than likely ok. The rear bilsteins will come with new dust tubes and bump stops matched to the shocks. For the front, replace the rubber spring pads, there very cheap and the guide supports. The front bilsteins have built in bumpstops. This will make your car feel new again, actually it will probably feel better than new.

[Rival]

id go with koni yellow's

[Daily_Driver]

I have a 2007 328 E92 (coupe) with a MT. Since its an E92, it comes with the Sport Suspension.

It is time for new shocks as well.

The Bilstein HD's are a 'gas pressure' shock. Did you find that your car gained some height?

If so, how much?

[Griffi]

I ordered the bilstein hd and over the next few weeks will be doing the install -- I'll post my findings after it's done. I found a great deal on the shocks -- $592 delivered. Still haven't decided on what mounting hardware to order...

[solishe]

Originally Posted by Griffi

I ordered the bilstein hd and over the next few weeks will be doing the install -- I'll post my findings after it's done. I found a great deal on the shocks -- $592 delivered. Still haven't decided on what mounting hardware to order...

You can find some OEM mounts for significantly less. Go to realoem and find your mount part numbers and then find the best deals online for OEM vs the BMW stamped parts. Same part minus a stamp. Just FYI.

[Phil325i]

With stock springs? Why not Koni FSD...

[cdgatti]

Originally Posted by Daily_Driver

I have a 2007 328 E92 (coupe) with a MT. Since its an E92, it comes with the Sport Suspension.

It is time for new shocks as well.

The Bilstein HD's are a 'gas pressure' shock. Did you find that your car gained some height?

If so, how much?

After my HD install, car raised 1/4", but went back to previous height the next day.

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by Phil325i

With stock springs? Why not Koni FSD...

Koni FSDs are awful, total waist of money in my opinion. Last time I checked they are about the same price, if not more, than yellows.

To the OP, I would look into Koni Yellows. They perform great and have a track record for being super dependable and performance oriented. I would couple it with BMW Performance Springs or SWIFT spec r springs to improve performance and ride quality. Because your car is older you will most likely need some new shock mounts.

-Mike

[StealYourFace]

How much are the bmw performance shocks going for these days. I got the first set they came out with years back on close out for $133 for all 4, total steal. Work perfect w the stock zsp springs. I think they are revalved bilsteins painted black. Maybe with cca discount they can be had for less that the Bilstein HDs - which as stated above are awesome. I had them on two cars before and they last forever.

OR... maybe go the cheapie route... how long do you plan to have the car? Maybe buy a set of factory take offs from somebody with zsp that replaced them very low mileage for coilovers. Should be able to buy a set for less than 10,000 miles for less that $200.

You'll be blown away how great your car drives with fresh shocks.

[Griffi]

Originally Posted by jjellyneck

Depends on what you find during the job, but I would be prepared....and order them. Can return if not needed. But that is just my preference.

I took this advice and ordered everything from bavauto. Sorry to plug but I made many phone calls and I found them to have the best price and they really talked me through it, which for a part time wrench is very helpful

[Griffi]

Got the rears installed. Replaced all the rubber wear parts and very glad I ordered them all. Amazing the difference between the new and old rubber pieces. Test drive feels nice and tight. Can't wait to finish with the front end.

[Griffi]

Got the fronts installed this AM in time to watch football. Ride is so much better -- I guess I need to get an alignment (recommended in bavauto video) although you can't tell from the test drive! Total cost $800. Much better than the quote from the dealer!

[cdgatti]

Originally Posted by Griffi

Got the fronts installed this AM in time to watch football. Ride is so much better -- I guess I need to get an alignment (recommended in bavauto video) although you can't tell from the test drive! Total cost $800. Much better than the quote from the dealer!

Did you notice a difference when you went from having the stock fronts with Bilstein rears to having the Bilsteins front and back?

[Griffi]

Originally Posted by cdgatti

Did you notice a difference when you went from having the stock fronts with Bilstein rears to having the Bilsteins front and back?

Yes, definitely a big difference. The first thing I noticed was how easily compressed the stock rears were after I pulled them -- just push them together with your hands with little effort. So I drove a few days with just the bilstein rears and the worn out stock fronts. You could feel harshness in the front but nicely damped bumps in the rear. Now with the bilstein hd on all four corners, the good ride is back! Feels great in cornering again.

[Griffi]

Sorry to bring this back but now that I've got the shocks in, Istill need to get in for an alignment. Excuse my ignorance on this issue, but would you trust any reputable place to do it or would you insist on going to the dealer (which is an hour away in my case)?

[mlifxs]

YMMV but I've been taking mine to a tire store that has the hunter hawkeye machine. Bought a lifetime alignment contract from them, four alignments, so far no problems or abnormal tire wear.