Is it worth upgrading to premium shocks?

[Ivan328]

Just got my car (1998 328iC 90k miles) and am wondering if it's worth upgrading to Konis or Bilstein shocks instead of replacing the old ones with regular BMW shocks.

Will it noticeably improve the handling and longevity of car and therefore is worth spending the extra money?

[98bmw323is]

yeah you will notice the handleing im not sure about how long they last. probley just as long as regular shocks. but handleing will be noticable. harder ride though.

[325ic a beer]

If you get the KONI 3 way dial adjusts, you will SH#T when you drive the car after installing them. It is a night and day difference!
I am running mine on the "0" setting and they are perfect for everyday driving.

[PhilipWOT]

Thats what I want. I test drove a '99 M3 and nearly **** when I felt the difference between that and my 325is. I want my car to handle like that.

[motor_werke]

You can do a swap for Bilstein heavy duty shocks/struts, and use your exisiting springs. This will improve the handling without too much money. If you want your car to handle more like an M3, consider replacing the control arms for ones with all-metal ball joints, urethane bushings, and perhaps even go for the Bilstein Sport shocks and new spings to match. This obviously will cost quiet a bit more.

I have the Bilstein HD's, Meyle control arms with all metal ball joints, and urethane bushings. In tandem with the 17" wheels from an 98 M3, the car handles like a champ! The ride is still good, but a bit firm for most people.


Forgot to mention, the bilstein shocks claim to be lifetime, but I've only have mine on for 20k miles, so I can't comment to that.

[Ivan328]

Thanks everyone for the advice - looks like I will upgrade.

[gwumpkus]

hmmthe bilsteins SO DO NOT last a lifetime...

i've used mine for about 40,000kms (a little more than 20,000miles..) and my car feels like a truck now!!...i can feel every little thing the car runs over... i'm now looking for new ones..:(.. so i guess they dun last very long..and i dun even track them..just daily driving..

but i do like the feel of the bilstein sports..:)..albeit short life span..

[motor_werke]

hmmthe bilsteins SO DO NOT last a lifetime...

i've used mine for about 40,000kms (a little more than 20,000miles..) and my car feels like a truck now!!...i can feel every little thing the car runs over... i'm now looking for new ones..:(.. so i guess they dun last very long..and i dun even track them..just daily driving..

but i do like the feel of the bilstein sports..:)..albeit short life span..

Did you replace the stock springs with 1" lowering springs when you put on the sports? If not, that is the problem.

[my_e36]

I thought Bilsteins and Koni can be re-built when they worn out....

[LmtdSlip]

I thought Bilsteins and Koni can be re-built when they worn out....
Depends on the model. Mostly only full on racing shocks are able to be rebuilt. I am not aware of any Koni street strut/shock that is able to be rebuilt.

And in some cases even if they could be rebuilt it isn't cost effective.