[rudnickimike]

I am needing to replace the shocks on my 1996 Z3, front and back. Was wondering if anyone has any good suggestions for what brand i should use or what brand i should avoid. I am kinda on a budget, so i am not looking for the best out, a good medium. any responds will be appreciated.

 

[amancuso]

My friend had no problem with KYB GR2's from rockauto.com. They are on his '96 Z3 1.9

 

[Blacklane]

I think the Bilsteins are considered the best economy-grade shocks. They're a little better than OEM, but not performance-grade. I put them on my car and they are certainly better than the worn-out shocks that were on it. The fronts are something like VE3-4401 and the rears are BE3-2386. You will also want to replace the rear shock mounts. Rogue Engineering and Ireland Engineering both make excellent RSMs.

 

[Pinecone]

Koni and Bilstein are the higher end. Boge are OEM replacement.

It depends on what you are looking for in the areas of ride and handling.

 

[[email protected]]

Check out EACeuroparts they carrie Bilsteins ans Sachs-Boge and the prices are really good.
http://www.eaceuroparts.com/parts

 

[amancuso]

Those other brands are nice, sure, but the KYB's are half the price @ approx 120 ea vs/ approx 246 ea for the others. The quality has been great and offers an OEM ride quality.

 

[dougmcintyre]

Where are you buying shocks?

Tire Rack has front Koni Sports for $234 and rears for $115, Bilstein Sport fronts for $203 and rears for $88, Bilstein Touring fronts for $113 and rears for $83, KYB G2-2 fronts for $132 and rears for $36(!). http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...oModel=Z3+Roadster&autoYear=1996&autoModClar=

Not having any experience with KYB, I would recommend the Koni Sports. If that is over budget, the Bilstein Touring would be my next choice. The Touring should give you stock performance.

 

[amancuso]

OK, again I'll state, the KYB's are perfect OEM replacements. They hold up well over time too.

 

[Pinecone]

KYB are not bad. But Bilstein have a very long warranty and Koni are adjustable to make up for wear.

There are more than one choice, for different reasons.

I have Konis (double adjustables) or Bilsteins on all our vehicles, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

 

[smayo964]

I just replaced mine with the Bilstien touring, front and rear, non adjustable, for my daily driver and love tbe ride. Not to harsh and not to soft. Good luck with your choice.

 

[aba4430]

I have purchased KYBs for our 98, 2.8. Have not installed as yet, but have the units for the 4 corners, front strut boots/cushions and Lemforder strut mounts. Pleased with KYBs on two current Nissans, not expecting anything unusual on the Z3. The KYB shocks/struts do include a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

 

[wmcq6]

I have purchased KYBs for our 98, 2.8.

Where by chance did you purchase and price if you don't mind (ballpark is fine)

 

[aba4430]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/part-finder/slide-show/1998/BMW/Z3?ie=UTF8&brand=KYB&carId=005&partsNode=2286889011

From Amazon - both shocks and struts and the SB110 (per KYB catalog, this is the correct one for the 98 Z3, I hope so). Lemforder strut mounts from Amazon, actually delivered today. The two KYB struts and boots are German, the rear shocks are from Japan, the Lemforder's from Germany. Also have the Rogue RSMs that I need to install. Waiting to get coil spring pads and other misc. parts to complete the items.

Lemforder link:

http://www.amazon.com/Lemfoerder-W0133-1805700-LEM-Lemforder-Strut-Mount/dp/B001T1433Y/ref=au_pf_ss_4?ie=UTF8&Make=BMW%7C31&Model=Z3%7C214&Year=1998%7C1998&carId=005&n=15684181&s=automotive

 

[wmcq6]

I have purchased KYBs for our 98, 2.8. Have not installed as yet, but have the units for the 4 corners, front strut boots/cushions and Lemforder strut mounts. Pleased with KYBs on two current Nissans, not expecting anything unusual on the Z3. The KYB shocks/struts do include a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Cross checking the parts they are the same on 97 and 98. let me know how it goes, Looking to do refreshing of front end and handling. Rear same time too.

 

[Pinecone]

I have bought from here with good service:

http://www.shox.com/

 

[MCDz3]

I am in the same situation where as I was shopping for struts for my 98 z3 and Bilstien kept coming up in the recommendations I received in this forum. I was able to get their touring struts for $107.00 each. Now I just have to get them installed. Really looking forward to a better ride...

MCDz3

 

[vintage42]

That's a good price, and Touring will be more comfortable than the expensive Sports. But you need to replace the shocks at the same time. I used Sensens and new rear shock mounts as a precaution, and am very pleased with the ride.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=3604752&cc=1013331
http://apxautoparts.com
http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/MEYLE_HD/

 

[dadmog]

Unless you plan to track the car, I'd go with Touring rather than Sport Bilsteins. I put the Sports on my MZ3 and the ride is HARD or the street.

 

[ALM168]

I just installed Sachs OEM shocks in my 98 Z3 2.8L (45K miles) along with the Meyle RSM and UUC reinforcement plates. Total from BAV Auto was $200 and change. The hardest part of the job was removing and reinstalling the interior trim. Don't forget to have an 18mm 6 point socket 1/2 drive ready to remove the lower shock mounting bolts.

 

[MCDz3]

Hello, I'm about to have my struts replaced by a friend but in your post you mention interior trim removal and re installation, can you elaborate?


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