Bilstein question
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Raleigh NC
Bilstein question
My new to me '92 968 has all original suspension (and not M030) including never replaced factory dampers. I'm planning to replace the shocks and struts. I saw threads that made me think that Bilstein front strut inserts are hard to find so I jumped on a set of HD's I found. Now I'm second guessing. I am happy with the stock suspension setup and am not looking for more performance, mostly I am trying to regain the factory feel. The car currently seems overly harsh on rough roads especially on expansion joints (I'm also getting new caster blocks) but I dont know what to expect from changing out to non-oe dampers.
My questions are: How can I expect the Bilstein HD front struts to compare to the never replaced originals? does Bilstein offer non-HD front inserts? The rear shocks I ordered are NON-HD Bilstein b6's. How will they compare? Should I be matching HD fronts with HD rears?
I know this is all subjective....Trying not to over think it but well, as you can tell I am probably over thinking.
My questions are: How can I expect the Bilstein HD front struts to compare to the never replaced originals? does Bilstein offer non-HD front inserts? The rear shocks I ordered are NON-HD Bilstein b6's. How will they compare? Should I be matching HD fronts with HD rears?
I know this is all subjective....Trying not to over think it but well, as you can tell I am probably over thinking.
Last edited by TTownThomas; Jun 1, 2025 at 09:37 AM.
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Joined: Jan 2018
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From: San Francisco, Ca
TTT,
I am in the same situation. Unfortunately, we have very few options. FWIW-OE boge/Sacks shocks are available for one end of our cars. I keep forgetting if it is the F or R.
Sadly, not both. From my perspective, the OE shock are just about perfect for what I do. Spirited driving and occasional track days.
-Yogii
AKA 968 Novice
I am in the same situation. Unfortunately, we have very few options. FWIW-OE boge/Sacks shocks are available for one end of our cars. I keep forgetting if it is the F or R.
Sadly, not both. From my perspective, the OE shock are just about perfect for what I do. Spirited driving and occasional track days.
-Yogii
AKA 968 Novice
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 160
Likes: 47
As Yogi noted, the rear OEM SACHS are no longer available. I wanted matching shocks all around when I recently replaced mine and went with the KONI cut-a-struts in the front and KONI sports in the rear: https://rennlist.com/forums/968-foru...-a-struts.html. I also installed new control arms.
I really like the KONIs, but I think any quality new shock will be better than 30+ year old originals. I also think it's difficult, if not impossible, to compare a new shock to a 30+ year old original SACHS (when the SACHS were new).
I'm not sure if the Bilstein's you mention are adjustable. I'd say just go with what you have already purchased and if they are adjustable, try to match them the best that you can. I set my KONIs to the softest setting and I think they are perfect for daily driving.
I really like the KONIs, but I think any quality new shock will be better than 30+ year old originals. I also think it's difficult, if not impossible, to compare a new shock to a 30+ year old original SACHS (when the SACHS were new).
I'm not sure if the Bilstein's you mention are adjustable. I'd say just go with what you have already purchased and if they are adjustable, try to match them the best that you can. I set my KONIs to the softest setting and I think they are perfect for daily driving.
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Joined: Apr 2016
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I still would like a group buy for KW V2 "Comfort" shocks and springs. The BMW folks rave about them, ride quality quite nice plus better roll control/cornering limits.
Mine is on replacement Boge Sachs on the front and Koni on the rear.
I do not think the Bilsteins that are available for 968's are the "Touring" variety, they are Heavy Duty which don't ride that great although they are digressive valved.
Mine is on replacement Boge Sachs on the front and Koni on the rear.
I do not think the Bilsteins that are available for 968's are the "Touring" variety, they are Heavy Duty which don't ride that great although they are digressive valved.
Last edited by LTDzak; Jun 2, 2025 at 11:47 AM.
