I don't know about Monroe but when you hold the strut or shock in your hand by Bilstein and the other hand the OEM, you will know you are getting a much beefier, higher quality, and far superior device that is worth every cent they charge.

 

I don't know how long you plan to own the car, but Bilstein shocks/struts also have a lifetime warranty on them. They are the gold standard of quality when it comes to shocks & struts.

 

The general consensus on bilstiens is that they are too stiff for the e36 chasis. Monroe is more similar to stock as far as ride quality. :dunno:

 

Yes, I agree. It really is not an enjoyable ride. I've been in both an e36 328i and an e36 m3 with bilsteins, and it is too harsh for a daily driver. I can see why you would want that kind of stiffness on the track, but for the bumpy pavement of my city it's very unpleasant.

I know that the OEMs aren't that stiff, but they are also over $100 a shock. A pair of Monroe Sensatracs are about $60 each. For what it's worth, Monroe was at one time the OEM supplier to Audi, not sure if they still are.

I was just curious if anyone had put a less expensive shock on their E36 and what they thought of it. I do plan to own the car for a while, so I'm not against paying for quality....I just didn't want to pay more for a ride quality that I didn't prefer. FWIW the Monroe Sentratracs I was looking at have a lifetime warranty.

 

Its hard to beat 60 bucks a piece. I think the Koni yellows are the best for the e36 chasis. I'll look around for some stuff about the monroes.

 

It's just hard to get opinions because so many people can't get it through their head that track parts aren't always the best for daily drivers.

I just want a cushier ride, and that is definitely NOT what you get from a pair of Bilsteins.

http://www.amazon.com/Monroe-5974-Sensa-Trac-Passenger-Absorber/dp/B000CGCFC8

I know most people would probably scoff at the thought of putting those on your car, but it seems sensible to me for what I'm looking for. Unless I really am just being an idiot....

 

I want pics of the car :thumbup:

i went with coilovers so im essentially useless on this thread. :rofl:

 

I'll get some pics when I wash it tomorrow, I need to do an engine bay clean as well, it's gotten pretty dirty.

I figure the Monroes are probably worth a try, I could get set up to do the rears for under $200 including new shock mounts and reinforcement plates. My fronts are worn but not quite as bad, those might have to wait a bit.

Worst case scenario they suck and I go back to the OEMs in 20k miles (which is about 3 years at the rate I drive, hah).

 

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1499759&highlight=monroe