Suspension refresh, which shocks/struts?

[TLL0003]

I know there are countless threads on the best suspension replacements, but I wanted to hear what everyone thinks the best options are. I have replaced the bushings with polyurethane so I should be set there. I have noticed that my tires seem to wander on the interstate and when going over bumps. At 130k miles, I think it's time for shocks/struts. I really liked the oem suspension on this car and my immediate thought was to replace with the oem parts. I don't have a huge desire to lower any, but if there is a better option that lowers the car a little I would probably like it. I want to keep the original springs in the car for cost reasons, but I have been looking at the Koni yellow or bilstein sports. I don't want a rough aggressive suspension, but everything I've read about these two shocks sound perfect for what I want. Does anyone have any advise or insight into which shocks and struts would be best? Or any particular site that has the best deals?

Thanks in advance!

Edit. So far tirerack and pelicanparts have the best prices and options that I've found

[Johal E32]

Bilstein HD's work great if you don't want to lower the car

[TLL0003]

Bilstein HD's work great if you don't want to lower the car
Thanks for the quick response. Are they adjustable like the Koni yellows? Also, is it just the fronts that are adjustable or the rears as well?

[gmurphy]

Dinan

[danewilson77]

Dinan

:rofl

[NorCalZman]

Bilstein HDs are stiffer than OEM shocks, right? I was planning on sticking very close to stock so just going one small rung up the ladder and getting Sachs Advantage.

[TLL0003]

Dinan
Isn't dinan just Koni yellows with slightly different springs?

[ELCID86]

Dinan


:rofl
+1 LOL

[gmurphy]

Isn't dinan just Koni yellows with slightly different springs?

Koni shocks set to
Dinan's preference with a Dinan Spring.

[gmurphy]

+1 LOL

;)

[danewilson77]

Koni shocks set to
Dinan's preference with a Dinan Spring.

Dinan makes their own springs?

[Avetiso]

Dinan makes their own springs?
Yeah, made in Chinan.

Get it?

[danewilson77]

Got it. :)

The friendliest forum on the planet!

[TLL0003]

Yeah, made in Chinan.

Get it?
I see what you did there

Back on topic, the one suggestion I'm seeing is the bilstein hds are the go to?

[gmurphy]

Dinan makes their own springs?

Yup

[gmurphy]

Yeah, made in Chinan.

Get it?

:rofl

[johnrando]

Yeah, made in Chinan.

Get it?

LOL. SMH. Garry, you sure you're not on their payroll? :biggrin

[gmurphy]

LOL. SMH. Garry, you sure you're not on their payroll? :biggrin

I'm not but if you all could let them know I would be interested ;)

[johnrando]

Will do :-)

[ELCID86]

Did you get your Q answered OP? If so I'd like to hijack and ask what's better Lemforder OE Control Arm Bushings or Z4M offset CABS.?

:threadjack

[TLL0003]

Well it seems like bilstein hds are the consensus but I'm leaning towards the Koni yellows during tier sale going on right now. Ask away with you Q

[WOLFN8TR]

Well it seems like bilstein hds are the consensus but I'm leaning towards the Koni yellows during tier sale going on right now. Ask away with you Q

I just bought some Koni Yellows and they ride great, the adjustability is nice also.

[ELCID86]

... I'd like to hijack and ask what's better Lemforder OE Control Arm Bushings or Z4M offset CABS.?
Bump

[alexandre]

I love the Z4M ones - they're made of hard rubber instead of fluid-filled, which will make them last longer. BMW Z4M bushing is $56 a side compared to $90 for a pair of Lemfoerder OEM. They seem way more responsive in hard corners - I noticed a big difference after installing them, but I did replace the control arms at the same time.

[ELCID86]

I love the Z4M ones - they're made of hard rubber instead of fluid-filled, which will make them last longer. BMW Z4M bushing is $56 a side compared to $90 for a pair of Lemfoerder OEM. They seem way more responsive in hard corners - I noticed a big difference after installing them, but I did replace the control arms at the same time.

Thanks Alex!

[TLL0003]

Follow up question: I am just about to purchase the koni yellows and I want to make sure I am getting everything that I will need. My car has 130k miles and this is the first time I am working on the suspension other than replacing bushings. I am planning buying the yellows, reinforcement plates all around, all 4 bump stops, all 4 mounts, and the gaskets for the rears. Is there anything else that I need when I get in there or anything that I should reuse? I am using the stock springs as well. Do all these oe parts work with the koni's?

[ELCID86]

yes, there is a rubber ring that goes on the springs in the front. YOu need two (one on each side).

http://blog.bavauto.com/4383/bmw-shock-strut-and-spring-replacement-installation/

[TLL0003]

Ok good to know, thank you! Any chance you know the part number for that rubber ring? I'm having trouble finding it. Are there any bolts that need to be replaced?

[ELCID86]

I have an extra in my box of goodies. try 3133109867 sping pad

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Search/SiteSearch/Spring_Pad/ES50356/

[TLL0003]

I have an extra in my box of goodies. try 3133109867 sping pad

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Search/SiteSearch/Spring_Pad/ES50356/

Perfect,that looks like it! I appreciate it. Are there any bolts/nuts that I need that don't come with the shocks and struts?

[stephenkirsh]

I love the Z4M ones - they're made of hard rubber instead of fluid-filled, which will make them last longer. BMW Z4M bushing is $56 a side compared to $90 for a pair of Lemfoerder OEM. They seem way more responsive in hard corners - I noticed a big difference after installing them, but I did replace the control arms at the same time.

+1 for me here. Better performance, last longer, cheaper? Sold!

[ELCID86]

^thanks. On my list!

Peter said he liked the ride of these. Any other thoughts?
E46 M3 KW Coilover Kit - Variant 1 (V1)
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-11561-e46-m3-kw-coilover-kit-v1-variant-1.aspx?utm_source=goog_product&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=10220023&gclid=Cj0KEQjwjtGfBRCN4-LU9ODG1-wBEiQAy_Xp71jn72P9g4X18vOw3CyuPMsu_j04B19jlEtdogOE J4UaAsX38P8HAQ