touring shocks

[GE45TON]

Has anyone any suggestions for replacement rear shocks for my 1.9 Z3, I want something a little firmer than stock but as we use the car mainly for weekend touring, nothing too hard. I was looking at Monroe Reflex or Sachs but I'm open to ideas. I'll be fitting them myself and have new Mehle HD RSM's and reinforcement plates.

thanks

[Del]

I am looking at exactly the same thing myself for the rear. I have been looking at Bilstein B4 which I understand are just a small upgrade (in terms of firmness) from the original ones. As far as I know the Sachs Super Touring sold by Euro Car Parts (and sister company Carparts4less.co.uk) are more like the originals. The latter company is only charging £48 each for the Bilsteins, less further discounts for purchases up to a certain level.

[GE45TON]

I had a look at 'carparts4less' and they seem quite good for prices, I thought the B4's were for lowered cars or is that wrong? The Monroe's are on ebay..

[Del]

My understanding is that the B4 is the entry-level Bilstein shock and is intended as a direct OE replacement ideal for use with the standard spring but can also be used with a slightly uprated or lowered springs.

[GE45TON]

thanks for that, didn't notice the money off deal either. Looks a good offer as long as they can get them in stock..

[Z3cade]

Sachs super touring are great shocks.. I upgraded my last 2.8 zed with those.. There gas filled where as the original we're oil filled so you will notice a better ride.. Slightly firmer

[GE45TON]

where did you get those from, are they the same as the one listed on carparts4less?

http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4l/c/B ... 66b&000925

cheers

[Z3cade]

Got them from eurocarparts

[BladeRunner919]

Carparts4less and Eurocarparts are the same company. Sometimes one is cheaper, sometimes the other. Depends on what discounts are on offer.

[Pierrick]

I am also having a look at shocks... I'm amazed how cheap they are! Good for us!

But when you change the chocks is it better to change the springs as well? and is there any other parts who MUST be change in the same time?

[GE45TON]

Wouldn't think it necessary to change springs as well, only unless they have failed or it's a really high mileage car. Always change the top shock mounts even if they look good, they're not expensive either. Just ordered some B4's but they are out of stock at carparts4less, there is another supplier on ebay at the same price if I have trouble..

[Del]

It’s a question worth asking and one which I asked myself. I agree with GE45TON. It seems that if the height of the car is consistent/right, the springs are not broken and still look in good condition (with their coating largely in place) then there is no need to replace if you are keeping the OE standard suspension. I gave my springs a good inspection when I did some brake work back in the summer. I wiped them over with waxoil and they came up like new – my MOT technician also agreed. As my front shocks are newish (2011) I’m just looking to renew the original back ones, in 2013.

[Pierrick]

Thanks for your answers guys. I know it's possible to know if the springs need to be changed by mesuring the height between the wheel rim and the wheel arch under normal load... I try this! And the springs are more expensive than the suspentions!! Crazy!

And here are the mounts I found...
http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/suspension-mounting

Thay are not that cheap!

[GE45TON]

Pierrick this is what you need for the rear shock mounts, you can get more expensive units if you're going on track days but these are ideal for normal road use:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/220796448545? ... 1497.l2649

[Pierrick]

Thanks! that's better!

[jont]

Hi
Just be carefull with the Bilstein rears when you assemble the shaft only has a step down at the top and it relies on the dust boot washer on the upward stroke but it pushes past when you hit a good sized bump and destroys your top bushing assembly.

Normally that step has a washer welded to it to stop this, it's a bit hard to explain please see attached picky.when you strip your old shocky down you will see what I mean.


https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/C ... directlink

johnt

[GE45TON]

Thanks for that John, I'll keep an eye out for that when the time comes, still waiting for carparts4less to let me know when and if they can supply the B4's, I'm not in a hurry..

[GE45TON]

thanks again..