[karlou]

Hi all,

Have a leaking and knocking right shock absorber on my front right e92 330d msport.
Garage suggested to replace springs and top mounta together with shock absorber because he said springs very likely to snap as this is 15y old bimmer and has done 90k miles.
Just wanted to see other’s opinions on this and find out if replacing shock absorbers only is a good idea?
Also if you would be getting new shocks, what brand would you choose and where would you by them in UK?

Thanks in advance.

[tcphoto]

The springs are likely fine but I would replace the strut, mounting hardware and see if the rubber in the perches are torn.

[TGTIW]

Sounds like your shop is being lazy and just wants to toss in a built strut.

[Joe_in_WLA]

Both good posts ☝️

I recommend you do the math. Replacement springs are a relatively cheap part and transferring one to a new strut assembly will probably cost more than installing a pre-built strut, parts + labor.

I'd encourage you to replace both struts. Not only will ride improve but the effort required to turn the wheel will decline dramatically.

New vs Worn strut mounts

[whyzee125]

Are your springs badly rusted? They really don't go bad unless all their coating is gone and it's just rust remaining. In that case, I would replace, but I doubt it.

[Tambohamilton]

Spring on my e91 330d broke at about 15 years old. I'd replace them unless the coating is pristine.

Also definitely replace the bump stops ("auxiliary springs"), strut mounts, etc.

New shocks...probably bilstein. B4 for stock replacement. Buy them where they're cheap, IMO.

[ppointer]

Never lost a spring on an e9x. I have / had six of them. Go with Bilstein or Koni. I only ver do the Bilsteins, but others here also like the Koni.

[karlou]

Thanks all for a great advice.
Will inspect springs to see if they badly rusted and coating worn off.
Seems like other bits to replace is quite common.
I wonder what is price difference between OEM and Bilatein B4s shocks.

[The Nightman]

Originally Posted by TGTIW

Sounds like your shop is being lazy and just wants to toss in a built strut.

This exactly. Less work and more profit for the shop. You pay more for inferior parts.

[Joe_in_WLA]

Originally Posted by karlou

I wonder what is price difference between OEM and Bilatein B4s shocks.

B4 is Bilstein OEM replacement and reasonably priced at $390 for fronts and rears.

Keep in mind, all shops make profit off parts and may charge more for same items. You may want to ask them to match these prices or see if they're okay with you providing parts if saving money is a concern.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bilstein...t/22-135049kt/

[Tambohamilton]

Originally Posted by Joe_in_WLA

B4 is Bilstein OEM replacement and reasonably priced at $390 for fronts and rears.

Keep in mind, all shops make profit off parts and may charge more for same items. You may want to ask them to match these prices or see if they're okay with you providing parts if saving money is a concern.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bilstein...t/22-135049kt/

Other side of the pond