tortoiseracing

Does Bilstein make a shock for the wagon's rear suspension? My E61 wagon has the self-leveling air suspension in the rear, but there are shock absorbers in the rear along with the air bags. I've talked to a few people, and some people say the rear B8 shocks will work, and others say that they will not.

I spoke to a Bilstein representative on the phone, and they said that the following part number should work for my car: 24-120708

Has anybody installed these on their car with self-leveling suspension?

Thanks!

bco532335

BMW Parts, Performance & Accessories | Turner Motorsport

Bilstein Sport Rear Shock - E60 530xi, 535xi - Wagon
Part #: 24-120708
Sale on Engine Performance Packages!Position: Rear, Left or Right
Setting: Sport, for lowered suspensions
Rear Bilstein Sport shock. Sport shocks are for cars lowered from the factory ride height and are about 20% stiffer than the factory shocks. Sport shocks work great with lowering springs such as H&R or Eibach. Includes top nut, stock dust boot is re-used. Price is per shock.

This Bilstein Sport Rear Shock fits the following BMWs:
2004-2010 E60 530xi, 535xi - Wagon
Not For Vehicles With Ride Height Control, or EDC (Electronic Damping Control).

Shipping Dimensions: 20 x 4 x 4
Shipping Weight: 5.00

Regular Price: $130.91 (USD)
Sale Price: $117.82 (USD

TPIOlds

wow

norsecarnut

well????

Bilstein Sport Rear Shock - E60 530xi, 535xi - Wagon - Turner Motorsport

tortoiseracing

The representative at Turner Motorsport said that the Bilstein shocks are not compatible with the E61's self-leveling rear suspension. I also called Bilstein's US office again, and the lady there did not sound very sure that the shocks would work in the car.

I ended up only getting the front shocks, and passing on the rear ones. I didn't want to take the chance of ending up with shocks I couldn't use or return. I'm interested to see if anybody has ever physically seen the shocks to see if they will fit our cars or not. Or, even better, if somebody has fit these shocks onto our cars.

Tue-Track

I have a complete set Bilstein B8 layin around at home. When I have mounted them I will return..
Can't see why the won't fit. I have mounted B6 on a wagon before, without probs, and B8 is the same, but made for lowered cars.

If you have EHC (Electronic Height Control) THEY SCHOULD FIT, I WILL GET BACK TO YOU.
- This is the most common on

If you have EDC (Electronic Damper Control) THEY WONT FIT.

norsecarnut

same thing Turner told me. Front Heavy Duty, "yes". Rear, "no".

Seems new Billstien fronts and new oem rear would freshen up my car now at 100,000 miles?

Installing RD Sport sway bars this week.

They (Trinity drop ships from RD Sport as far as I can tell) did not send me the required new mounting brackets. First response was that "if you lost them you can buy another set at dealer..." Seriously, first response is to blame the customer?! All the crap is in one sealed bag. Who the hell would "lose" 2 baseball size brackets. Very annoying. NOT impressed.

---
update: RDSport was very cool about it once they realized the situation and spoke with me directly. They called the local dealer in order to have the brackets available for me to pick up by the following day. It's not to my door but that would have apparently taken longer due to sourcing and then shipping to me.

I'll be starting with the softest setting first as I do not want too much loss of grip in slippery situations.

Tue-Track

Here is a picture of the original one and Bilstein.
Can't see why they scouldn't fit..

norsecarnut

"fit" is not just about the bolt points. The length and range of motion are just as important for it to "fit"

Tue-Track

I know the length and range is the important thing, but on Bilsteins page it says it will fit.
Anyways.. I will mount them within the 2 next weeks, I hope, and report back.