[fgpalmer71]

Originally Posted by Kooner23

$2,100 seems way too high for just front struts? The last time I replaced my suspension I went with Bilstein B4s (front and back), and my install was only $400 including alignment. Parts were maybe around $500-600 Canadian at the time.

Sorry to thread jack a bit Gregrobin.....

Kooner23, did you have the sport suspension prior to your B4 purchase? I'm curious as to what they'd give me over going with the stock Sachs replacements for my sport suspension equipped car. I thoroughly enjoy the stock sport setup but could see the benefit in something just a touch "more".

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

I asked the dealer if I can purchase my own and then pay them to install. They said yes, labor is $800 for both front struts. Much better.

I would never take my car to the stealership in a million years.

That $800.00 is $400.00 anyplace else

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

I got a 2nd $2000 quote today for the front struts, seems to be the going rate. Both shops asked for my VIN so I assume they are confirming if I have sport or standard suspension. I have the Sport.

If you have the sport suspension, you need bilstein B6.

[fgpalmer71]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

If you have the sport suspension, you need bilstein B6.

So is that an upgrade over the Sachs dampers FCP is repping as the OE replacement for my factory sport suspension, or is it truly the equivalent?

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by fgpalmer71

So is that an upgrade over the Sachs dampers FCP is repping as the OE replacement for my factory sport suspension, or is it truly the equivalent?

Bilstein is absolutely an upgrade over Sachs

[fgpalmer71]

Duly noted.

[Kooner23]

Originally Posted by fgpalmer71

Sorry to thread jack a bit Gregrobin.....

Kooner23, did you have the sport suspension prior to your B4 purchase? I'm curious as to what they'd give me over going with the stock Sachs replacements for my sport suspension equipped car. I thoroughly enjoy the stock sport setup but could see the benefit in something just a touch "more".

Yes, I had the sports suspension before the B4s. I won't be able to give you an exact comparison since I also put in H&R sport springs at the same time. From what I've heard is the Bilsteins are typically a slight bit firmer than the Sachs, but I not sure how noticeable the change would be.

[Kooner23]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

If you have the sport suspension, you need bilstein B6.

Bilstein makes a B4 OEM replacement for the sports suspension that is different than the B4 for standard suspension. So I don't believe you need the B6 for sports suspension.

[Steve Sas]

I have the B4 m sport version on my car.
Same as original sachs m sport ones.

They are most likely sach re-badged as Bilstein.

[Gregrobin]

FCP Euro at this time does not carry the B4s for my 335i. Based on my VIN, they recommended the one's I ordered:

BMW Strut Assembly - Bilstein Touring 22-136602

I assume the VIN tells them what suspension I have? I have the Sports package, not sure if that means the suspension/struts are different.

My understanding in these are an upgrade from the Sachs, especially since they are gas, not oil. Is that correct?

[relative4]

Touring = B4

[Gregrobin]

Originally Posted by relative4

Touring = B4

I thought that as well, which is odd. MHD explicitly said they do not carry the B4s. In the same email they sent me a link to one's they do carry, which I ordered.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...335i-22-136602

[Steve Sas]

There are 2 part numbers, one for left and one for right shock.

Funny the link you sent shows up as B4 shocks.

And if the shocks are leaking then most likely top hat and bump stops need replacing as well.

[Gregrobin]

Originally Posted by Steve Sas

There are 2 part numbers, one for left and one for right shock.

Funny the link you sent shows up as B4 shocks.

And if the shocks are leaking then most likely top hat and bump stops need replacing as well.

Yup, 2 different #'s, left and right. And yeah, I love FCP Euro so I am not sure where the miss is on this one. I am happy they had them though, even though they said they did not.

I purchased bump stops as well as they do not come with the struts. I also bought new strut mounts:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...nt-31336760943

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...in-31336767333

[Steve Sas]

I made the mistake of not changing the strut mounts as they looked ok.
I didn't realize afterwards that one side was lower by 12mm. This was due to these mounts.

If you are not comfortable installing the springs, get some shop to do so.
The good and safe compression clamps are not cheap.
There is a lot of energy stored in these springs when compressed. It won't just break bones, it will shatter them.

[Gregrobin]

Originally Posted by Steve Sas

If you are not comfortable installing the springs, get some shop to do so.

I have 2 labor quotes, one from the dealer and one from a local BMW shop. I'll let them do this one :-)

[fgpalmer71]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

I have 2 labor quotes, one from the dealer and one from a local BMW shop. I'll let them do this one :-)

After spending 4 hrs last night getting my car on jack stands, removing the under trays, getting 2 of the wheels off (my 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch coupler broke clean off on wheel #3) I'd say that decision is brilliant! Lol. When I decided to call it quits for the night I decided to let someone else do the dampers when the time comes. On the plus side the car is mint underneath. No oil leaks, all dampers look great no weeping, just more evidence of the upper radiator hose weeping.....I'm changing ALL of them.

[relative4]

What's a 1/4" to 3/4" coupler?

[ky0u]

Originally Posted by relative4

What's a 1/4" to 3/4" coupler?

Maybe he meant drive adapter? I'm curious too

Originally Posted by fgpalmer71

After spending 4 hrs last night getting my car on jack stands, removing the under trays, getting 2 of the wheels off (my 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch coupler broke clean off on wheel #3) I'd say that decision is brilliant! Lol. When I decided to call it quits for the night I decided to let someone else do the dampers when the time comes. On the plus side the car is mint underneath. No oil leaks, all dampers look great no weeping, just more evidence of the upper radiator hose weeping.....I'm changing ALL of them.

Changing my first rear shock on this car took me just over an hour. Changing the second one took me 15 min. If you do pay someone, don't shell out too much

[fgpalmer71]

I meant 1/2 to 3/8 drive adapter.

[relative4]

Originally Posted by fgpalmer71

I meant 1/2 to 3/8 drive adapter.

How did that get involved in removing a wheel?

[Gregrobin]

Originally Posted by relative4

How did that get involved in removing a wheel?

So now I am not sure if I should pay the dealer, or a local European/BMW shop. Local shop came in about $200 less for the install than the dealer. Dealer is including the front end alignment though, local shop is not, it will be extra.

I've used the dealer, never used the local shop though online reviews are good. Working in IT I don't trust online reviews though, easy to write them yourself as the owner :-)