Suspension replacement (archive)

A suspension on your 6 series, especially an older 633, can be quite expensive. Picking the wrong suspension components can be even costlier, as you will have to redo your shocks again!

For a sporty, yet comfortable ride, I always go Bilstein. You could get an entire set for your car for around $350 if you really shopped around.

I have heard KYB makes a good shock. I have also heard it stands for "Keep your Bilsteins!" A set of KYB would cost you around 250-300 dollars.

Monroes give a great ride at first, yet wear in 5 years; a set is around 250-300.

NOW, labor is where it gets a bit expensive. It runs about 1 to 1.5 hrs. per side for front shocks, and, if you remove your own rear seats, hat shelf, and speaker pods, about .75 per rear. A worst case scenario is 5 hrs. total.

Figure about 5 hours @ 50 dollars (if you are lucky). That is $250.00 labor. Is it worth saving $20 per shock to get anything less than Bilsteins? I do not think so! 'Steins will last you 8 to 10 years EASILY. They have a lifetime warr., and handle better than BOGUE, KYB, or Monroe.

Konis are even more expensive than the Bilsteins, but I hear they wear a little faster. They are similar to Bilstein Sport (VERY firm).

Bilsteins will only cost around 80 to 100 extra on your total install. I believe they are well worth the cost. OEM Bogue would be my next choice were I looking to save money or sell the car in the next 4 years! KYB is a Japanese product. Konis are German, like Bilstein, yet too stiff for daily driving (as are SPORT 'Steins).

A buddy of mine used regular Bilstein on the front, and OEM Bogue rear. This actually rode quite well, and was very responsive. In a few yers, though, his rear end started sagging a bit from acceleration.

Don't skimp. It is a Bimmer. I would go so far as to replace the factory springs with a brand new set of OEM BMW (Sachs) springs. It is VERY easy for them to do while replacing the shocks, and shold not run you any more money. The OEM springs will help retain comfort on you longer rides; a set of lowering springs is not the best choice, as it will make the ride much firmer than most folks like.

FOR MORE ON LOWERING and suspenions, see the neat link I posted below on suspensions and lowering. The guy is a fanatic BMW tuner! His sight will show why lowering your Bimmer may not always be a good choice!

Anyway, 4 regular Bilsteins, 4 oem springs, 4 to five hours labor. That is the best tip I can give!

Joe ///M

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