Cheapest Shocks - BMW Forum

Needlesharp · 06-04-2009, 11:20 AM

Yay so I got the bimmer finally running and cleared all the codes! Car runs beautifully. Here is the original thread:
http://www.bimmerwerkz.com/forum/3-s...elp-60819.html

I ended up replacing the Crankcase Vent Valve and the four hoses connected to it. The hoses were leaking VERY bad. The valve cover gasket was also leaking so bad that it was causing issues with the car in addition to oil leaking. So the car is getting close to being finished with only the A/C to work on and suspension.

What is the cheapest suspension I can get away with? The struts are shot and definitely need to be replaced but do I really need to go ahead and replace the springs as well? I don't really want performance suspension because I want the ride as smooth as possible (no going to be racing it around) but mainly I want the cheapest that won't shit out on me.

Being that these are 1/3 of the price of everthing else, I'm guessing they are complete shit? Lol help me out here guys!
GABRIEL-SHOCKS-STRUTS-$230 shipped

Bimmermann · 06-04-2009, 08:11 PM

You get what you pay for. If the springs have not taken a set, and I don't think they did, you don't need to change them. As for shocks, go to a trusted store and tell them what they recommend for a soft ride, and how long they would last at a budget. Then buy what you wish, where you wish. Gabriel is a known name in shocks, but I'd choose Monroe's. All the brands, have several levels of quality. Just keep the tire pressure right, and the car aligned; this will keep your suspension healthy.

Cheers, Bim.

Needlesharp · 06-04-2009, 08:45 PM

what do you mean by taking a set on the springs? The car sits pretty low and I know the springs are the originals (have 200k miles on them). I don't want to spend more than $400 on the suspension if possible. If I can get away with decent strust/shocks for that and keep the springs then awesome. Or if you are saying that Gabriel set is decent I will most likely just go with that.

Thanks!

Nick_318is · 06-05-2009, 09:47 AM

Get a set of Bilstein shocks and call it a day don't waste your money on something poor, because you get what you pay for. Your springs should be fine.

Needlesharp · 06-06-2009, 02:06 PM

The only reason why I even bothered asking about some lower end shocks is because I won't be keeping the car for more than a year so if they shit out in 5 years I don't really care lol...