what are some things that I should know b4...

[trinidon2k]

I'm at 67,500 miles in my 1994 325i.....i've been noticing a rougher ride so I guess its time to change the shocks....about how much should the cost me....should I replace them with factory shocks or is there an aftermarket brand that would do a good/better job.....my understanding of shocks is that each wheel has its own shocks...i dont know if thats true or not because i'm a car-tard.....so do i need to change all 4...or how do i know which one needs changing etc....thanx in advance

[Cruzin 323is]

u definately need to change all 4... with struts and spings... are u into cornering fast?? then get some nice coilovers... they are exspensive, but well worth it... they go to about $1200, but thats your choice... BUT def have to change all 4!

[trinidon2k]

ok...n00b question #2....what is a strut? ....do i need to buy 4 struts and 4 springs? .....is a shock = strut + spring? ...i'm not into cornering fast or anything like that...i just want a smooth ride in NYC

[theogill]

If all you want is a smooth ride, then get the BMW factory shocks/struts, and springs. The strut is the front "shock" assembly which includes a shock looking like thing (but its called a strut), and you also have a spring there--the rear has springs and regular shocks. That's a simple explanation.
You could also go for Bilstein touring shocks/struts. Bilstein has excellent reputation ( i think they do the original factory shocks/struts for BMW), and the touring version is cheaper, though not as responsive or sporty as the stock units, if I understand correctly. The dealer will cost you a lot of money, avoid unless you just don't care about money.
Find a competent independent BMW mechanic and get the parts and installatino through them. That way it's all warrented, etc...
Good luck. Nice looking car.
Ted

[dport]

Pictures can sometimes help. I recently changed all my shocks, struts and springs. The first picture is the front. The blue thing is the strut and the red spring is part of the assembly, it installs as one part. In the rear the blue shock and red spring are not connected.


I did it by myself. It was the first time I had done this on a car. I had changed shocks before on a truck. This was more complicated. You would probably want some else to do this. You should also change the rear shock mounts when you do the rear shocks. This is what they look like.