Shock Replacement - quesfrom a ghost from the past

[markv]

Hi guys! I tried using search to get a recommendation on repalcement shock absorbers for my '96 and ended up with pages of threads about shock mounts...so, forgive me my sins of posting. :-)

For the old crew that will remember me, I am still running the OEMs but replaced the rear shock mounts with Ground Control mounts...and they obviously need to be replaced again.

So, what's the conventional wisdom on replacement for the front and rear shocks? I'm looking for something that will give me good balance between solid handling and comfort.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Mark
MarkV
'96 Z3 Black/Black/Beige
'06 X3 White/Beige

[prdz3]

Seems odd to have the original shocks and be thinking about a third set of mounts, but maybe I misunderstood. I replaced my shocks and struts at about 75k with Bilstein Sports. Did the rears myself but had a shop do the struts. I like them, except when driving on really bad roads, when they do bump you around a lot. I also replaced my rear shock mounts (even though the original ones looked fine) and added the reinforcement plates, which you should do it you go with the Sports. And don't worry about the Sports being for cars with lowered springs; Z3s came with lowered springs from the factory.
Phil '97 1.9 Montreal Blue

[fredr]

I have tried both Koni Single Adjustable and Bilstein HDs on my car. I prefer the Konis They are a bit more expensive but they ride better. I did have one of the rear Konis fail after 100k miles but they are rebuildable(I still haven't sent them out for rebuild yet). BTW How's thangs?
Fred
96 1.9 Z3 black/tan/black
97 M3/4 estoril/gray
08 Kubota 3400 HST orange/charcoal
08 GMC Sierra stealth gray/gray

[@ MinnMark]

MinnMark
'00 2.3 Oxford Green/Tan/Tan

[TexZan (Dover, DE)]

I went with Bilstein HDs. I couldn't get them for the rear (they only make sports for the rear) so I have a mix. It's a little harsh but I don't mind it so much. Tourings might be better.

Good to see you here again. I hope all is well.

[ZeattleDave2002]

All the old complaints have been addressed by the company and their shock mounts are quiet and pretty bulletproof nowadays.




Boston Green M Roadster

[MarkV]

Lynn and I are enjoying life here in northeast PA. Dealing with the needs of aging parents but cherishing the time we have with them. And, trying to get used to the sleep pattern of a new puppy - 3 Labs in the house now.

How's things with you?

[markv]

We're doing well here in retirement!! How's life with you?? WHat's your current AF ride?
MarkV
'96 Z3 Black/Black/Beige
'06 X3 White/Beige

[markv]

Thanks! I was wondering whether to go with the GCs again or not - I'll try the Rogues.

Mark
MarkV
'96 Z3 Black/Black/Beige
'06 X3 White/Beige

[markv]

Thanks, Phil. I replaced the mounts once years ago but the shocks were still fine so I left them go.

Do the reinforcement plates come with the shocks - the mounts - or do I need to buy them seperately?
MarkV
'96 Z3 Black/Black/Beige
'06 X3 White/Beige

[TexZan (Dover, DE)]

I'll be heading off to upgrade to aircraft commander soon and probably pcs in the next year to who-knows-where. I'm sure you can relate to that.

[prdz3]

I think they were $14 each. They just slip on over the mounting studs and are important if you go with a stiffer shock than OEM. They came installed on late year '97 and subsequent years, but I have a Jan. '97 build date and mine didn't have them.
Phil '97 1.9 Montreal Blue

[markv]

You're moving right along...and I can so relate to the PCS thing. I have to admit that I don't miss the moves...but I miss do being with soldiers every day.
MarkV
'96 Z3 Black/Black/Beige
'06 X3 White/Beige

[fredr]

Just watching the trees grow on the farm.
Fred
96 1.9 Z3 black/tan/black
97 M3/4 estoril/gray
08 Kubota 3400 HST orange/charcoal
08 GMC Sierra stealth gray/gray

[markv]

as they grow. :-)

Hope to see you sometime in the near term!
MarkV
'96 Z3 Black/Black/Beige
'06 X3 White/Beige

[fredr]

I've got 13 more states to go to have driven in the lower 48. 8 of those are new england so we are thinking of a trip this fall. PLus youngest daughter walks with her Masters in May @ Geo. Mason so we will be in DC then.
Fred
96 1.9 Z3 black/tan/black
97 M3/4 estoril/gray
08 Kubota 3400 HST orange/charcoal
08 GMC Sierra stealth gray/gray

[nealmann]

I've got 13 more states to go to have driven in the lower 48. 8 of those are new england so we are thinking of a trip this fall. PLus youngest daughter walks with her Masters in May @ Geo. Mason so we will be in DC then.


Interesting, but New England consists of only six states. ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, and CT.98 Z3 1.9 ; HMS strut tower brace, antisway bars, and roll bar; Supersprint cat back exhaust; Dinan chip; Whalen Shift Machine; Strong-Strut Butt strut; FOGGED air box, Downing Atlanta Supercharger.

[fredr]

You are correct, but us rubes in Texas consider anything north of DC as new england. Please remove NY & NJ from the 8 so now I have the 6 new england states and the 2 New's to hit this fall.
Fred
96 1.9 Z3 black/tan/black
97 M3/4 estoril/gray
08 Kubota 3400 HST orange/charcoal
08 GMC Sierra stealth gray/gray

[nealmann]

Having been born in CT and raised in MA it becomes a matter of pride for us New Englanders. We hold nothing against texans however.98 Z3 1.9 ; HMS strut tower brace, antisway bars, and roll bar; Supersprint cat back exhaust; Dinan chip; Whalen Shift Machine; Strong-Strut Butt strut; FOGGED air box, Downing Atlanta Supercharger.

[TexZan]

We'll have a cold beverage waiting for you (and likely a crying baby...)

97 2.8 Arctic Silver - Tanin Red interior with wood console - black top
Whalen Shift Machine, polished - Type II windscreen (non roll-hoops) - Bilstein HD shocks/struts
Axxis Metal Master pads - Brembo rotors - Doug Whalen seat bushings
Passenger Eject (unfortunately non-functional) - OEM Passenger Airbag Disable switch
Polk Audio all around - Blaupunkt PA amps - LeatherZ Mark II armrest - Strong Strut Trio - AUX input via tapedeck