I need new front struts on my 2001 325i with sport suspension. Any suggestions of what to get? The stock replacements seem more expensive and not as good as alternatives such as the str.t. I do not track or auto x with her, and my commute has some fairly rough roads. Planning on keep my stock springs as I do not want to drop the ride height. However, I do want as vehicle that rides sportish...cost is a factor, and if I can reasonably do it, I'd like to refresh what I need to on the front for my 165k mile car. Not completely sure what that would be. I checked out some BMW forums, but most of the advice is based on "stance" or keeping it totally stock that I have found. Any help is much appreciated.
Bilstein has great quality dampers and they make OE replacements for your car.
At 165k you should be looking at wheel bearings, ball joints (inner & outer), tie rods (inner & outer), control arm bushings, sway bar end links and bushings and replacing anything with any play at all or any cracked rubber. Check the steering rack for any excessive play or leaking too.
In reply to Giant Purple Snorklewacker: I didn't know Holsteins made a stock replacement. Do you think they are a little better than stock? Thanks
upwardlymobilehome wrote:
I didn't know Holsteins made a stock replacement. Do you think they are a little better than stock? Thanks
Yes, they are udderly better. I would steak my reputation on it.
cdowd
HalfDork
10/29/14 10:12 a.m.
In reply to Giant Purple Snorklewacker:
now that was funny!
I run the Bilstein Pro-Kit on my DD e46. The Eibach springs that come with it are equivalent to the stock Sport spring (height-wise) and they use Bilstein HD struts. I think the ride is great.
Technically the stock replacement would be a Bilstein TC shock, but HDs are swell; they typically have some pretty serious rebound, if you're into that. Koni FSDs are widely considered the bee's knees when it comes to an excellent handling daily driver shock, but they aren't cheap.
Any thoughts on Bilstein TC vs. Koni Str.t?
