Replace OEM Shocks or upgrade?

mocsman · 09-20-2013, 07:10 AM

So a few weeks back I got an EDC error and after a visit to the stealership they said both rear shocks need to be replaced. They were going to charge me 2300 so I said no thanks.

So now I need your help guys, on making the decision to either replace with OEM or do an upgrade. I have 20" volks on so even with stock shocks and eibach springs the stance is already to my liking.

Appreciate your opinion. Not willing to spend over 1K on this so OEM replacement was what I am leaning towards. If you agree, what brand do you recommend and where's the best place to get them. Much appreciated.

elm3 · 09-20-2013, 08:53 AM

First make sure that you don't have a loose connection. Dealerships like to tell you that you need to spend money with them. I will first make sure that everything is good. I had an EDC error one time, and the front right EDC connection came loose. Plugged back in and the error went away. Just my 0.02cents.

slicer · 09-20-2013, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elm3

First make sure that you don't have a loose connection. Dealerships like to tell you that you need to spend money with them. I will first make sure that everything is good. I had an EDC error one time, and the front right EDC connection came loose. Plugged back in and the error went away. Just my 0.02cents.

+1 I have had the same issue multiple times. The front connections are sensitive.

thekurgan · 09-20-2013, 01:00 PM

How many miles on your car? Agree on the front connections, I used Deoxit on the connectors and have had good luck, sometimes if you just disconnect/reconnect, the error will go away.

Z K · 09-20-2013, 01:25 PM

If you don't care for EDC, you can get it coded out and get Bilstein sport shocks. They are OEM-like replacements.

Denk · 09-20-2013, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z K

If you don't care for EDC, you can get it coded out and get Bilstein sport shocks. They are OEM-like replacements.

+1

Billj747 · 09-20-2013, 03:18 PM

That's in the back of my mind all the time. I might go with KW V3's on my E90 when my dampers die. OEM pricing is ridiculous.

Black Gold · 09-21-2013, 03:08 PM

Used dampers are really cheap and for sale often.

I just retrofitted the oem zcp suspension and will have the oem shocks for sale.

aus · 09-22-2013, 09:50 PM

How much are OEM replacements?
BMW stock shocks don't usually don't last more than 50,000-60,000 miles, so I'm always weary of buying used. Nothing personal KennyPowers.

For the wife's 335, the stock shocks were as much as a set of Koni's and almost as much as some inexpensive coilovers.

.

elm3 · 09-23-2013, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lute

I agree with taking this approach, but the OP said it was his rear shocks. Does EDC have connections on the rear as well?

Yes, the rear shocks has connections too. You just have to take the side rear panels off in the trunk to be able to access the connections. I would try that first I start shelling out some money for either OEM or aftermarket shocks.

1MOREMOD · 09-23-2013, 09:51 AM

if your not looking to spend much money go with a set of slightly used. you can find whole oem edc suspension for under 1000 as lots on here step up to coilovers.

bimdo · 09-23-2013, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z K

If you don't care for EDC, you can get it coded out and get Bilstein sport shocks. They are OEM-like replacements.

have you used these or the bilstein heavy duty shocks on a stock suspension? i was looking into bilsteins and on bav auto and turner motorsports it says they have heavy duty ones and sport,the sport being for use with lowering springs and riding firmer than the heavy duty.i was thinking about trying the heavy duty and wondering how much harsher than stock they ride, how they affect handling, if you or anyone else has tried them.

here's the link to tms-
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/BMW-...hock-sets.aspx

mocsman · 09-23-2013, 07:27 PM

Thanks for the info guys. I just might live with the error for the time being. I am almost 99% of the time on sport mode anyway so not a big difference. Just don't want to shell out 2k at either stock or aftermarket dampers. Will see if I can get used ones here.

edwinm3 · 09-28-2013, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbiedawg

have you used these or the bilstein heavy duty shocks on a stock suspension? i was looking into bilsteins and on bav auto and turner motorsports it says they have heavy duty ones and sport,the sport being for use with lowering springs and riding firmer than the heavy duty.i was thinking about trying the heavy duty and wondering how much harsher than stock they ride, how they affect handling, if you or anyone else has tried them.

here's the link to tms-
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/BMW-...hock-sets.aspx

I had Bilstein sports on my E36 M3 back in the day, bad ass shocks, very firm and awesome on the track. They ride a little harsh on the street but give you a very very sporty ride. Perfect for lowering springs

bimdo · 09-28-2013, 07:15 PM

good to know-has anyone used the bilstein heavy duty shocks?

aus · 09-28-2013, 09:00 PM

Never understood why people over the Bilsteins in the E36 days. They were pretty stiff. Koni's are adjustable and don't cost anymore.

edwinm3 · 09-29-2013, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus

Never understood why people over the Bilsteins in the E36 days. They were pretty stiff. Koni's are adjustable and don't cost anymore.

Bilsteins were a simple swap and konis involved cutting open the oem shocks. Maybe that's why

1M_@teewhybs · 09-29-2013, 10:03 PM

Upgrade!

09-20-2013, 07:10 AM	#1
mocsman Second Lieutenant 37 Rep 264 Posts Drives: AW E90 M3 Join Date: May 2009 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Replace OEM Shocks or upgrade? So a few weeks back I got an EDC error and after a visit to the stealership they said both rear shocks need to be replaced. They were going to charge me 2300 so I said no thanks. So now I need your help guys, on making the decision to either replace with OEM or do an upgrade. I have 20" volks on so even with stock shocks and eibach springs the stance is already to my liking. Appreciate your opinion. Not willing to spend over 1K on this so OEM replacement was what I am leaning towards. If you agree, what brand do you recommend and where's the best place to get them. Much appreciated. __________________
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09-20-2013, 08:53 AM	#2
elm3 ///M Fan 366 Rep 2,159 Posts Drives: '09 E92 M3 IB/'17 f85 X5M LBB Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Canton, GA. iTrader: (1) Garage List 2017 BMW / X5M [9.00] 2009 E92 M3 [10.00] 2004 Yamaha R1 [10.00]	First make sure that you don't have a loose connection. Dealerships like to tell you that you need to spend money with them. I will first make sure that everything is good. I had an EDC error one time, and the front right EDC connection came loose. Plugged back in and the error went away. Just my 0.02cents. __________________ '09 E92 ///M3 Interlagos Blue,6MT,Silver Novillo Leather,CF Trim,Premium Package,Technology Package,Cold Weather Package,Premium Sound,19"Wheels,Moonroof-Toy/'17 X5M, Long Beach Blue, Executive Package,Technology Package, Lighting Package, Driver Assist, Full Mughello Red Interior, 21" wheels-Toy/'14 535i with M Sport and 19" wheels-Daily
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09-20-2013, 01:00 PM	#4
thekurgan Bad Lieutenant 232 Rep 3,517 Posts Drives: E90M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	How many miles on your car? Agree on the front connections, I used Deoxit on the connectors and have had good luck, sometimes if you just disconnect/reconnect, the error will go away. __________________ 02 E39M5 \| TiAg/Schwartz \| Tubi Rumore \| Ultimate Ti Pedals \| E60 SSK \| Jim Blanton 3.45 40/100% \| Coby Alcantara \| StrongStrut STB
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09-20-2013, 01:25 PM	#5
Z K Major General 1889 Rep 5,506 Posts Drives: E90 M3, G20 M340i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (3)	If you don't care for EDC, you can get it coded out and get Bilstein sport shocks. They are OEM-like replacements. __________________ Auto Detailing Enthusiast!
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09-20-2013, 03:18 PM	#7
Billj747 Captain 162 Rep 658 Posts Drives: Everything Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SoFlo iTrader: (0)	That's in the back of my mind all the time. I might go with KW V3's on my E90 when my dampers die. OEM pricing is ridiculous.
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09-21-2013, 03:08 PM	#8
Black Gold Major General 592 Rep 5,396 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (15)	Used dampers are really cheap and for sale often. I just retrofitted the oem zcp suspension and will have the oem shocks for sale.
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09-22-2013, 09:50 PM	#9
aus Major General 890 Rep 9,032 Posts Drives: Odysse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA iTrader: (10)	How much are OEM replacements? BMW stock shocks don't usually don't last more than 50,000-60,000 miles, so I'm always weary of buying used. Nothing personal KennyPowers. For the wife's 335, the stock shocks were as much as a set of Koni's and almost as much as some inexpensive coilovers. . __________________ Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
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09-23-2013, 09:51 AM	#11
1MOREMOD - 11817 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	if your not looking to spend much money go with a set of slightly used. you can find whole oem edc suspension for under 1000 as lots on here step up to coilovers. __________________ 02 Tiag e46 M3\|6MT\|GC plates\|MCS c.o.\|GC bars\|GC race control arms\|GC bushings\|BW eng. & tran. mounts\|subframe kit\|BW race shifter\|BW Jaffster\|Euro header\|BW exhaust\|K&N c.a.i.\|Epic race tune\|Rouge pulleys\|Seibon CF hood\|CSL bumper\|apr gt 250 & splitter\|ST-40\|XR-2\|SS lines\|half cage\|Recaro profi\|Profi 2 harness\|BMWpedals\|BW studs\|
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09-23-2013, 07:27 PM	#13
mocsman Second Lieutenant 37 Rep 264 Posts Drives: AW E90 M3 Join Date: May 2009 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the info guys. I just might live with the error for the time being. I am almost 99% of the time on sport mode anyway so not a big difference. Just don't want to shell out 2k at either stock or aftermarket dampers. Will see if I can get used ones here. __________________
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09-28-2013, 07:15 PM	#15
bimdo Lieutenant 42 Rep 486 Posts Drives: 2008 e90 m3 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: usa iTrader: (0)	good to know-has anyone used the bilstein heavy duty shocks?
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09-28-2013, 09:00 PM	#16
aus Major General 890 Rep 9,032 Posts Drives: Odysse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA iTrader: (10)	Never understood why people over the Bilsteins in the E36 days. They were pretty stiff. Koni's are adjustable and don't cost anymore.
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09-29-2013, 10:03 PM	#18
1M_@teewhybs Lieutenant 35 Rep 515 Posts Drives: E82 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW M3 [8.34]	Upgrade!
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