Issue: My new to me 996 seems to have more impact harshness in the rear than in the front. I have a 2001 Boxster and it is more than I expect on the 996, especially with weight back there.

Facts:

- 2003 with 70,000 996
- Has Bilstein sport shocks of unknown age (not leaking)
- Was a lease car for 30k miles so I assume they were installed after that
- Standard springs (not sure why the sport shocks)
- I have 3 sets of tires (17” DWS, 18” Michelin AS3, Michelin PS2) and the comfort level tracks the the tires in that order
- Car handles well.


Question:

1. Any way to tell the age of the Bilsteins? Searched and there is a hologram on later models but that is all I could find.
2. Has anyone ever changed a set of say 40k mile Bilsteins and found the new ones were smoother/less harsh?

I recently changed shocks on a 90,000 mile Yukon and the difference was dramatic.

My plan is to install a set of Bilstein HDs (assuming the current ones are tired) but wanted a few opinions. I drive mainly street with a couple DE's a year. It seems new shocks have that extra little cushion that goes away before the damping really does. I found them for $220 each at the Tire Rack so not a huge investment.

 

Also paid attention to tire pressure and age...

 

In my world 40k miles is getting old for shocks that are athleticly used. Not that they are worn out but they no longer have the elasticity of their youth. People used to put stiffer shocks on their cars and leave the springs alone. It firmed up the ride without causing other issues. My 77 Alfa Sedan was a daily driver and a track car for the 8 years I owned it. Stock springs/torsion bars, Koni high performance shocks. 185/70 14s with Pirelli CN36. Now that is old school

My 996 also feels a little harsh on less than smooth roads. Alll this because of age not miles. 12 years old with 44000 miles. I'm guessing that at the next oil change (if not sooner) I will be putting on new shocks along with bushings all the way around. I see no reason to get more agressive than the factory stock set up. The clutch was done by the second owner at 26k. All else is original. Car is a pleasure to drive.

 

If you're looking for better ride quality and handling, why not consider the Koni FSD:

http://www.paragon-products.com/product-p/2100-4110.htm