replaced rear shocks- what a difference

[Russell]

My indy replaced my old rear shocks with new Boge shocks, shock mounts and bump stops today after 188,000 miles. We also replaced springs with newer OE springs with only 60,000 miles on them (thanks Rick L.).

What a difference, no thump over bumps (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=20137038#) and flat cornering. Steering feels more direct. Just feels better planted. Glad I finally got around to having it done.

[genphreak]

yea. 4 some reason lots of people just manage to work up the gumption to replace them in pairs when they wear out in fours... it's the same with brakes and other things we don't have the cash to do the way they need to be. It is just false economy- and destroys the point of owning a bimmer. Congrats on the newfound response!

[Rick L]

Glad to hear that they worked out good. :)

[Tiger]

Yes... like I said... rear wheel steering the car when rear shock absorbers go bad. My friend's girlfriend kept driving her Altima... that has 83000 miles on it... All 4 shocks are really dead... My friend is a mechanic... on the way over to my house... felt like he is gonna die! LOL

[BennyM]

Anyone else have a set of low-mileage rear OE springs they'd like to get rid of?

[Tiger]

Speaking of springs... Rockauto has rear springs for $36.79 each made and front for $44.79... both made by KYB.

[BennyM]

Hmmm, my experience with KYB leads me to conclude that I would have to replace those springs every 2 years. Great prices though.



Speaking of springs... Rockauto has rear springs for $36.79 each made and front for $44.79... both made by KYB.

[Tiger]

Yeah... it is great price for new springs without going to Eibach, H&R and other lowering springs.

KYB shock absorbers doesn't have good quality feedback... everyone complains about it... could KYB make a decent springs? It should be decent... I don't think it matters that much on what aftermarket springs you are going with... you have to change them every 100,000 miles or so... for new car performance.

[repenttokyo]

yea. 4 some reason lots of people just manage to work up the gumption to replace them in pairs when they wear out in fours... it's the same with brakes and other things we don't have the cash to do the way they need to be. It is just false economy- and destroys the point of owning a bimmer. Congrats on the newfound response!

well, brakes certainly don't wear out in 4's - front brakes almost always wear out much quicker.

[genphreak]

I reckon KYB springs would be fine, so long as you can find the right fitment. The biggest problem with e34 springs is that the rears sag. This raises the front and upsets handling. Not as much as fitting the wrong stuff though...

If you swap the rear springs on your e34, ensure you fit the correct parts.

Note: KYB don't seem to make any non stock ride height springs for e34.

The KYB catalgoue shows a few standard spring types for 6 and 8 cylinder e34s:

For sedans*:
366005 Excel-G front shock (dep on top nut size)?
366007 Excel-G front shock (dep on top nut size)?
RH1027 front K-Flex spring

341081 Excel-G rear shock
RA5017 K-Flex rear spring
RA5177 K-Flex rear spring - Heavy Duty Version
SM9005 kit Suspension Mounting Kit - rear

For e34 estate/touring*:
366007 Excel-G Shock front
RH1026 (dep on top nut size?) K-Flex front spring
RH1027 (dep on top nut size?) K-Flex front spring

RA5018 K-Flex rear spring
RA5181 K-Flex rear spring Heavy Duty Version
SM9005Suspension Mounting Kit

* There is nothing for e34 M5 or M-tech setups, and nothing for e34s with self levelling suspension- i.e. "For vehicles without M-technics, EDC, ride height adjustment"


BTW , the Suspension Mounting kits look like this:

http://www.kayaba.co.uk/images/template/kits1.gif

Improves the link between the shock absorber and the chassis.
Increases the life of the shock absorber and all suspension components (including tyre)
Improves handling and control.

Why change SM kits?
To make steering easier, smoother and more precise
To reduce vibrations
To improve road handling
To improve wheel alignment
To save money by increasing shock absorber life, no extra labour time if changing in same time as shock absorber.

When should SM kits be changed
Each time the shock absorbers are replaced
When the steering is hard and noisy

http://www.kayaba.co.uk/images/template/springs-arrow.gif back to shock absorbers (http://www.kayaba.co.uk/shocks.html)

Can't see any of these Protection Kits to suit e34 though:

KITS : PROTECTION KIT

http://www.kayaba.co.uk/images/template/kits2.gif

Prevents dust and moisture from damaging the piston surface and seal
Protects piston rod from corrosion due to road pollution (dust, moisture, stones impact)
Increases the life of the strut
Avoids premature oil leakage
Limits the suspension travel in the compression phase

Why change Protection Kits?
To improve road handling
To save money by increasing the life of the shock absorber life and coil spring
No extra labour time if changing at the same time as the shock absorber

When should PKs be changed?
Each time the shock absorbers are replaced

http://www.kayaba.co.uk/images/template/springs-arrow.gif back to shock absorbers (http://www.kayaba.co.uk/shocks.html)