Re: Rear shocks? 92 325i

["Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I agree with Alex's statements about the quality and longevity of Bilstein 
shocks/struts.  I replaced the stock (Boge) shocks/struts and springs on my 
E30 318i after ~105k miles, with Bilstein Sport shocks/struts and Eibach 
Pro-Kit springs.  150k miles later, the struts are still as good as when 
they were first installed.

The shocks were replaced after ~80k miles.  I found that the left rear shock 
was leaking oil, so I had it replaced under warranty (free, other than 
shipping).  Since the shocks need to be changed 'per axle', I received a 
PAIR of shocks, and replaced both, even though the right rear shock was 
still fine.

And, although I purchased the Bilsteins from RD Enterprises (www.shox.com), 
they told me to deal with Bilstein for warranty service, and Bilstein told 
me to send the shocks to them for analysis and replacement.  The warranty 
only covers shock or strut replacement, not the labor involved in replacing 
them.

Not liking the prospect of having my car out of commission for a few weeks 
while the shocks are shipped and analyzed, I called Korman.  They shipped a 
pair of shocks to me, and billed my credit card for them, and credited my 
complete purchase price (less shipping), when they received the old shocks.  
My car was only out of commission during the time that I was replacing the 
shocks.

Many thanks to Korman for providing excellent customer service in this case!

- -rb


>
>Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 12:56:40 -0600
>From: alex.fadeev@domain.elided
>Subject: Re: Rear shocks? 92 325i
>
>Doug,
>Bilstein is still what is used to be. Which is to say one of the best
>shocks you can buy for your car. The other solid choice are Koni shocks, 
>but they since they some in either single or double adjustable variety 
>those are typically a bit more expensive.
>Wanna bet that your reputed independent shops sells Boges and not Bilsteins 
>and that has something to do with their recommendation?
>In my admittedly limited experience with OE Boges (sample size of three
>BMWs), you get what you pay for: they do not last. Two sets of my Boges had 
>failed within 40K miles on my two E36 cars and were past gone by the time I 
>got my E30 with 89K miles on them.
>That E30 got Bilstein HDs soon afterwards and now has 203K miles, 110K of 
>those on the Bilstein HDs. I was replacing rear shock mounts on that car 
>the other weekend and the shocks are as strong as new. And yes, they do 
>come with a lifetime warranty but I would overestimate its importance 
>unless you will be swapping the suspension yourself. If you are not a DIY 
>suspension guy, most of your cost would be in the labor and time involved 
>it taking the shocks out, keeping the car on the blocks until free lifetime 
>replacements arrive and putting the replacement shocks back on.


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