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OEM vs Sachs vs Bilstein Shocks/Struts

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Old 04-30-2016, 02:18 PM
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Ok I do have some ruff roads all over jacksonville florida and I don't have the roads laced with rubber so which ones should I get if no to the 8's and the 4's






Originally Posted by BimmerFan52
+1

Bilsteins are great. I had a couple of leaking original struts and switched over to B8 sport struts. I expected much of the mushiness to go away but never expected the huge improvement in handling that was the result. With the active sway bars handling was already very good, but now I can throw the car around with controlled precision.

For those of you in major cities with pot holes the size of Smart cars I would not recommend the B8s as you will knock the fillings out of your teeth. B4s (either regular travel or shorter travel sports if you have a sport suspension) would be a better choice. But here in Scottsdale with our glass-smooth roads (many rubber coated to reduce noise) the B8s are fantastic.
Old 05-05-2016, 04:03 PM
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Originally Posted by star69me
Ok I do have some ruff roads all over jacksonville florida and I don't have the roads laced with rubber so which ones should I get if no to the 8's and the 4's
+1 here. Rough roads here in NorCal. I have Sport (not Msport) don't really want to go any lower, but would welcome something superior or equal to OEM if the price was comparable.
Old 05-09-2019, 07:53 PM
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Anyone have updates with using the bilsteins on the 535xi? I have an 08, and I'm upgrading the suspension. It's been hard to find info, but from the above posts it sounds like the bilsteins B6 may be a good middle ground stock for comfort/handling and would also accommodate a slightly lower ride height?
Old 05-10-2019, 05:29 AM
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There are actually a number of threads discussing this. Quality and results haven't changed in the three years since the start of this thread. People who like the Bilsteins still like the Bilsteins and those who like Sachs still like the Sachs.

Last edited by JayArras; 05-10-2019 at 05:33 AM.
Old 05-11-2019, 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by JayArras
There are actually a number of threads discussing this. Quality and results haven't changed in the three years since the start of this thread. People who like the Bilsteins still like the Bilsteins and those who like Sachs still like the Sachs.
ok, thanks? I've many threads on this forum regarding aftermarket suspension for the 535xi. lots of good info like you said, I just wanted to get some more specific feedback for bilstein B6. I found a comment you made in a different thread:

Originally Posted by JayArras
Boring is good if you want a softer ride. I recently installed the B6's on my '07 530xi and HATE them compared to my OEM Sachs.
What did you ultimately end up doing on your ride Jay?
Old 05-12-2019, 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by inline6xi

What did you ultimately end up doing on your ride Jay?
I kept the Bilsteins because I'm cheap and lazy and didn't want to go through the hassle of switching them out. If I ever have to do this again, I'll go with the Sachs.
Old 10-05-2021, 08:29 AM
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I'm thinking of getting this B4 kit for my car (2006 525i standard suspension). Do I have to get anything else like adapters or something? Would it just be plug and play?

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bilstein...t/22-138361kt/

Sad thing is they seem to be backordered everywhere.

Thanks!
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