4 Questions – e39 – 530i – 2002 (shock absorbers) - BMW Forum

rashid · 02-02-2009, 01:18 AM

Having 530i – 2002 & wanted to buy “used” shock absorbers as a cost effective solution. I want answers for following questions:

1.How to verify that my shock absorbers need replacement?
2.“Used” replacement is risky or ok?
3.How to check the conditions of the used ones?

I am having another 2007 car & I don’t want to spend much on my 530i-2002 but I like to keep it as I like it too much. But sometimes I find difficulty on what cost-effective items can be used & what can only be new & OEM only.

4.Any valued advises?

marti5 · 02-02-2009, 02:51 AM

1) push down on wing or rear, if it bounces straight back up ok more than one bounce on there way out, check for fluid leaks

2) Up to you as they will be either worn or not

3) check them on the donor car as # 1

4) I would always fit new but that's my choice.

Teh Prof · 02-02-2009, 09:26 AM

2. I think this is an horrible idea. Just spend the money on some Koni yellows, which are both cheaper and better than stock shocks.

Torque · 02-02-2009, 10:50 AM

Don't do it. If you look around, Bilsteins can be had for 500 dollars. Is it really worth going through the trouble of replacing shocks with used ones only to potentially find out you put in a bad one again, or to have it fail a week later?

BimmerE39 · 02-02-2009, 11:25 AM

Just buy new stuff and upgrade it over factory. I know we're all trying to save some money right now but it's not worth saving a few bucks on used parts to have them fail and need replacement again or have the used part fail and damage other parts of the suspension. Spend some money now on good parts and save money down the road. Look at Bilstein over stock.