I just recently replaced the oem struts on my 05 MCS that had 136k miles and thought it would make a big difference in ride quality due to the oem struts were wore out but I was wrong. I seems to be stiffer and there is a 7 mile section of highway I take to work everyday and it bounces me to death. The struts I replaced them with are Bilstein and also replaced the strut tower bearings and LCA bushings. So is this normal?

 

I would say yes, as the new ones are tighter than the worn out ones. These are made to handle, which means the suspension is set stiffer that a normal street car!

 

Ok thanks do you think that was the right decision to go with Bilstein or should have went back to oem?

 

Bilstein shocks are a good street set up, so all is good! They should last a good long time too!

 

Ok thanks!

 

The stiffness you’re now experiencing is common with Bilstein replacement struts. Bilstein runs high initial gas pressure on their offerings. You won’t be ill-served by them, certainly.

 

When I was looking for something to replace them with Bilstein claims oem ride quality and since they are a good quality part that’s why I chose them. Is there a different strut out there that would b a little softer?

 

Of course there is, but if you are running run flat tires, get rid of them first! Then your ride will be better!

 

Just bought new ones..

 

Ok got some new different tires coming and will go on tomorrow.

 

Well got the new tires on today and yep the ride is smoother.just hope I don't get a flat now.

 

Remember too that these cars do not ride smoothly even when new. They have a short wheelbase and spring rates set for good handling and as such are compromised more for performance than comfort. They also do not have a lot of compression travel. As such, they aren't really well suited to places with lots of poor quality roads. Where I live, in Florida, most of the roads are smooth with few potholes because of the lack of freezing temperatures and frost heaves. I have the Bilsteins (black) in front and I rarely notice how stiff the car is except when I turn the wheel. The few times I have been on dirt roads though, it is very noticeable and about as bad as my lowered Nissan truck. It is a lot worse than my Prius C, a car with only about 2 inches longer wheelbase but a suspension more tuned for comfort than fun.

 

Nothing an AAA membership can't fix.

Or carry an air pump and some tire sealant. It'll be enough to get you a few miles to a tire shop where they'll curse while having to fix the tire with the innards covered in the tire sealant. :D

 

Yep I second that.

 

Which Bilsteins did you install? We've not had good luck with them for ride improvement or even for performance. Their Coilovers have been good, but that is a differen ballpark.

 

I bought the B4s. I just went and changed the run flat tires to something different and ride is much better now. By the way you have any coupons available? I want to order a ATI damper but wow expensive..

 

The B4s get better over time.

Initial 500-1000 miles are a bit harsh, but then smooths out as the struts break in.

 

Great! thanks!

 

Yep, the b4 are a good for daily but the ride is not as smooth as the KONI REds /FSD