Bilstein OEM Replacements??

[Cadeez]

Are there specific shocks/struts we need to get for our ZHPs or do we just pick sport model 330i ones?

I believe they are different. Part #'s for the ZHP OEM replacements below

Front Struts:
31312282460
31312282459

Rear Shocks:
33522282461

I always thought we shared the same shocks/struts as ZSP-equipped E46s but I could be wrong.

Jeff, I don't know if you're set on OEM shocks or not, but I really like my Koni Sports (Yellows), which last a lot longer than the factory Sachs units and they have a good warranty. I think they're currently on 20% off sale depending on where you look.

I'm definitely not set on OEM, I had my eye on some Koni yellows too, just need to wait for a good deal on either one. I'll look around for the discount you're talking about

[holyc0w]

I believe raceconsultingagency.com still has the best prices around for Koni yellows. $170 for each of the fronts and $106 for the rear. You can also negotiate with them.

[Vas]

Koni yellow or koni fsd.

[BMWCurves]

I believe they are different. Part #'s for the ZHP OEM replacements below

Front Struts:
31312282460
31312282459

Rear Shocks:
33522282461




I'm definitely not set on OEM, I had my eye on some Koni yellows too, just need to wait for a good deal on either one. I'll look around for the discount you're talking about

As holyc0w said, raceconsultingagency is a good place to go for Koni Yellows. It's where I got mine for $500 total last year. Currently:

• Front left strut (8741-1390LSPORT) - $170.34 (link: http://raceconsultingagency.com/koni.../i-101112.aspx)
• Front right strut (8741-1390RSPORT) - $170.34 (link: http://raceconsultingagency.com/koni.../i-101113.aspx)
• Rear shocks (8040-1271SPORT) - $106.21 each (link: http://raceconsultingagency.com/koni.../i-101065.aspx)

Total: 553.10. That's about $50 more than when I bought mine, and I haven't seen them as cheap as when I bought them since.

EDIT: Ancillary part numbers can be found in my 50k mile refresh thread: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showt...miles-10-years

[Cadeez]

Wow that's not a bad deal at all! Right about now I'm wishing I hadn't spent so much $$ on fireworks at the reservations up north...I could have new set of Koni yellow fronts haha

[squashman702]

I just installed the Bilstein B4's all around, no complaints. I think my stock shocks and struts have been in sorry shape since I've owned the car, though, so my baseline for what feels better is a little skewed.

[cornercarver]

Gang - Looks like I need at least one rear shock replaced, hoping to do it myself...probably will replace both as it's recommended to do so in pairs.

Looking at bavauto.com because they're close to me and usually ship within a couple of days.

Questions;

1 - They list a Bilstein B4 "OE Replacement" shock for all 330i models, but nothing specific to 'sport suspension' or ZHP (they do list the front shock with a different P/N for sport suspension though.) Is this correct or is there a different rear shock for the ZHP? Their price for this shock is only $99. They also have a Sachs "OE replacement" shock for $60. The next step up, I think, is the Bilstein Sport shock for around $150. I'd like to stay under $100 per shock and maintain the OE level of performance. If the Bilstein Sport shock is the only way to achieve that, I'll bite the bullet and spend the money. I definitely don't want a lower-performance shock than OE.

2 - What other shock-related parts should be replaced at this time? Does the upper shock mount and gasket need to be replaced or can they be re-used?

3 - Anyone have a good tutorial link/ video for rear shock replacement? I've done it on other cars, but not this one... Would be helpful to see if there's anything specific to this car I should know about before digging into it.

TIA.

-Chris

[Vas]

Gang - Looks like I need at least one rear shock replaced, hoping to do it myself...probably will replace both as it's recommended to do so in pairs.

Looking at bavauto.com because they're close to me and usually ship within a couple of days.

Questions;

1 - They list a Bilstein B4 "OE Replacement" shock for all 330i models, but nothing specific to 'sport suspension' or ZHP (they do list the front shock with a different P/N for sport suspension though.) Is this correct or is there a different rear shock for the ZHP? Their price for this shock is only $99. They also have a Sachs "OE replacement" shock for $60. The next step up, I think, is the Bilstein Sport shock for around $150. I'd like to stay under $100 per shock and maintain the OE level of performance. If the Bilstein Sport shock is the only way to achieve that, I'll bite the bullet and spend the money. I definitely don't want a lower-performance shock than OE.

2 - What other shock-related parts should be replaced at this time? Does the upper shock mount and gasket need to be replaced or can they be re-used?

3 - Anyone have a good tutorial link/ video for rear shock replacement? I've done it on other cars, but not this one... Would be helpful to see if there's anything specific to this car I should know about before digging into it.

TIA.

-Chris

Personally I would upgrade from the OE Replacement shocks. Go with something like the Bilstein Sport if your car is lowered or with Bilstein HD if your car is stock.

Take a look at bimmerworld.com. They have good pricing for single shocks.

http://www.bimmerworld.com/ssearch.h...r.fitment=Rear

Also look into the rear shock mounts like the ones below:

http://www.bimmerworld.com/Rogue-Eng...0-E36-E46.html

Only other thing to consider is the bump stop and dust boot. New shocks do not come with those.

[Cadeez]

2 - What other shock-related parts should be replaced at this time? Does the upper shock mount and gasket need to be replaced or can they be re-used?

While you're in there, I'd also replace the shock tower mounts. They're cheap and you have to remove the old ones to get the shock off anyhow. I have the below Lemforder mounts in the mail as we speak

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...nt-31336760943

3 - Anyone have a good tutorial link/ video for rear shock replacement? I've done it on other cars, but not this one... Would be helpful to see if there's anything specific to this car I should know about before digging into it.

The rear shocks are very simple, just pull up the carpet carefully to get to the two nuts on top of the shock. I'd also replace the rear mounts as well, super cheap and probably worn out if stock.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...nt-33521092362

if you're looking for a little extra beef back there, these reinforcement plates are great.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ecs-part...002478ecs01kt/

[KevinC]

I'll probably do bilstein B6's (HD) at some point. They easily last 100k miles and are hands-down the best non-coilover shock available. But one concern: they have a tendency to raise ride height. Has anyone put them on a ZHP and had any issues with ride height? I don't want to go with Sports (B8) unless that's the proper length shock to go with the ZHP's already somewhat lower-than-standard suspension.