Hi All,
I need a front shock, should I get a pair or replace just the one that's leaking? I only have 60k on my car which is 7 yrs 2 months old. Can anyone please recommend a good brand for standard shocks? I am looking at Bilstein and Koni for now.

Thank you.

 

FYI,

On my 2009 MCS w/ 149K miles, I just replaced front struts and rear shocks with Bilstein-B6/HD's. OE struts & shocks, while not leaking, had almost zero dampening left. While I'm still at stock ride height with OE springs, the handling & ride quality is vastly improved over the old/tired OE struts and shocks. Much reduced rear squat on acceleration and front-end dive on braking. Also, highway expansion-joints in curves no longer upset the car.

Good luck,

W

 

Replace both shocks. Otherwise, you'll end up with an uneven ride..

 

Any opinion on the following sets:

SKU: BIL-22-170996
SKU: BIL-22-171009
or should I go for:
SKU: BIL-35-139362
SKU: BIL-35-139379

at https://www.ajusa.com/shop-by-brand/...75KzEaIryr&p=2

Thank you!

 

Depends on what your budget is. I see the B6's are more than twice the cost (this for 1 shock) than the B4's cost.
I also thought I read that the valving is the same between these two and its only a real upgrade if you get the sport shocks (B8's).
I'm assuming you have no plans to lower your car with aftermarket springs, if not, you should be fine with the B4's, as it will be much better than what you had.

 

I would only replace shock in pairs, and with 60k+ miles on the car, chances are all four need to be replaced. If you plan on keeping the OEM springs, get the Bilstein B4s. If you plan on getting aftermarket springs, give consideration to the B6 or B8s.

The B4 shocks are OEM replacements. The B6 and B8s are performance replacements, and are valves the same. The difference is the B8s are designed with a shorter shaft for full travel when used with lowering springs.

 

We always do them in pairs.
If you aren't going to lower the car I'd go with the KONI FSDs as they ride better than stock, but still give you performance.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/koni-s...7-r58-r59.html

also check that the mounts are in good shape and not cracked.

 

+1 njaremka has it correct, my statement was incorrect on the valving. everything posted here is dead on!

 

Thought the OP was only looking for fronts which is why B4's is the better choice due to be the same as the OEM rears.

 

Just hop on Rock Auto and grab a pair of Billies. If I recall the fronts come and go out of stock a lot, but you can just sign up for an alert when they come back in. Wont find them cheaper anywhere else.

 

I don't recommend the B4s as I don't like the fit as they always are loose on the springs or the perches are a little loose on the top. Plus the ride quality is only better than worn out stock shocks. We do sell them, but it's more for the person looking for the low price point rather than quality or performance.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/bilste...7-r58-r59.html

 

I don't want to hijack the thread, but would changing the shocks only fix the dreaded stiff suspension on these, or not really... shocks AND springs required?

Thanks

 

When we install the KONI FSDs the car rides so much better and gets rid of that stiff harsh feeling. But it will still perform when you throw it around. We reuse the stock springs with these Konis for this setup as you can't run lowering springs on FSDs.

 

Yes, I have ordered with Rock Auto in the past too. They're about the same price as AJUSA.com.

Thank you!

 

I would like to stick with original specifications / parts and would desist from any modifications for now. But, thank you for the advice.

 

I put the Koni FSDs on my 2013 R56 JCW. Couldn't be happier. Made a huge improvement!

 

Back after a break, need to take care of the car now. How does Sachs compare with Bilstein B4?
Thank you!