so please don't take it the wrong way or take this response as something you SHOULD do. I recommend upgrading your springs if that's the only thing you do...

My $.02 is if you're ONLY replacing the shocks and keeping the stock springs, you're wasting your time. My guess (and I guess is because I have never heard anybody to replace just the shocks) is that the ride quality will be a little stiffer/sportier, but not by much. Since the E38 stock suspension is so soft anyway, and it sounded like you wanted to gain a sporty feel from your new car, I'd replace the springs as well.

The H&R Sport Spring Set (lowers front 1.3", rear 0.60" rear) is perfect and does the job by lowering your car conservatively and at the same time, gaining a much sportier feel. The only thing I did to my suspension is upgraded to the H&R Springs noted above (kept the stock shocks in), and I absolutely love the way my Green Ox sits and feels on the road. Absolutely love it. For a little less than $300, you can't go wrong... If you're worried about "slamming" your car, don't worry, the H&Rs are quite conservative.

"Mike D." recently upgraded to the H&R Stage II springs, which drops the car more, but still looks great. Maybe he can elaborate as to the difference in look and road feel. Maybe he'll remind us with a picture as well...

What kind of rims/tires came on it? Reason I ask is because upgrading from 16" to 18" rims will significantly increase to a stiffer and thus, sportier feel as well, but the cost will be quite a bit higher than $300...!

Randy

Traded my 98 540i sport for 99 740i and in my 4 days of ownership, i really can't believe the difference in build quality. The 5 was sporty, but didn't really feel like a world class auto. The suspension i thought was a bit firm for a daily driver, and the setup on the 7 is a bit soft.
Found Bilstien rear shocks HD for $132ea. and wondered how much firmer than stock these would be. I know the OEM sport pkge. shocks are 100% firmer. Can i use either w/ stock springs? Don't really want to change the profile w/ lower springs. Can't seem to find front Bilstein except from Dinan.
Way overpriced and don't know if these go with stock springs? Is replacing "shocks only" a waste of time/money?
Same labor either way??
Thanks for any insight here.
Regards,
Alan
99 740i