KYBs - whats the real story

Why don't you just go with Sachs? Bavauto is the largest distributor of Sachs, and they seem to get better feedback about them then any other brand that they sell. I have the newly designed ones (on for about 3 months or something) and I'm crazy about them. Not that they are better than KYBs or anything, but the suspension package includes springs for about the same price and Sachs are the only shocks designed for the springs included in the package. They are road and track tested for added performace and a little more softness than the other guys. Bills and Konis are great too, but they are more expensive and are not specialy designed to work with H&R springs or whatever. JMHO:)

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Originally Posted by s_ribbens

...Roads are not great around here but I'm not concerned about it even with the 18" wheels on the car.

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I have been running with KYB's for about 3 months now. Much better ride than what I had (no shocks :-P) however, I do remember when I first picked up the car, the ride was a bit smoother, and not as harsh. But then again, it was on stock 15's, and regular springs. Now with 18's, Eibach's, I feel a bit more of the road, but in regards to handling gain vs comfort, I'd give 50% more comfort away for the handling received. The roads here in Philly are TERRIBLE! I must say out of all confidence, the WORST in the road. They have huge sink holes, were walking, one may shorten themselves by 2 feet if they stepped in one. I've, unfortunately, ran into a few of these, not so deep, but came out fine. Hit the hole, kept rolling. I believe that they are definitely worth the money.

Which ever way way you go, try sports dampers with standard springs. The dampers will give a slower return(rebound) rate ( slightly more controled feel) but the springs will give the same smoothness. Boge, Sachs Bils all do them for the E34 and E28's. Euro Car Parts and German and Swedish do them here in the UK. They export too.

About 3-1/2 years and 30,000 miles ago, I put M-Technic springs and standard Boge gas struts on my 1991 535i. I've been very pleased with them. I also run 17" style 5 wheels with Bridgestone Turanza LS-Z's. Overall, the ride is firm, but not punishing. I think a lot of it depends on what size wheels/tires you run. The larger diameter wheels you run, the softer you might want to go on your struts.

Grace and peace,

Robert K
1991 535i

from the KYB website KYB's only comes in GR-2 type inserts and struts. I thought GR-2 are stock like calibrations. Yet www.bmwe34.net stated that the KYB's are stiffer than the springs..

Anyone have a comment on Bilstein TC or aka Bilstein Econo Touring Class struts?

This thread is making me want to go with the KYB's with my H&R's, instead of the Bilstein Sports I had planned on buying. The Koni's are just too expensive for me to justify.

I contacted BMA and was told that Bilstein Sports are best for lowered springs whereas touring (TC) are for standard springs. I'm going for a 'factory' ride and don't intend buying sports springs so I'm looking at TC.

I have KYB in my Liberty(Legacy) RX wagon. Sorry to say but on Great Ocean road it will easily outrun my 525. In fact i tailed (not too close) a GSXR600 enough that he pulled over..

I have Bilstein TC with King lows in the 5. I find they are about 10mm too low in the front for me. It does look good tho! The ride is very good with 17's, but is a little too fast on rebound over bumpy ground. I dont have a lot of road like that, so im happy to have the car drive nice for the 99%.

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Originally Posted by SC David

This thread is making me want to go with the KYB's with my H&R's, instead of the Bilstein Sports I had planned on buying. The Koni's are just too expensive for me to justify.

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How much were you quoted for Koni's in the US?
Here in Oz I got mine for around $1,000.00 AUD ($750.00 USD) for a set of Koni Sports plus another $400.00 AUD ($300.00 USD) for a set of Eibach Pro Kit springs.
I was originally going to bring the Koni's in from the US but by the time I paid freight (and possibly import tax) I would have been worse off!

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Originally Posted by pundit

How much were you quoted for Koni's in the US?
Here in Oz I got mine for around $1,000.00 AUD ($750.00 USD) for a set of Koni Sports plus another $400.00 AUD ($300.00 USD) for a set of Eibach Pro Kit springs.
I was originally going to bring the Koni's in from the US but by the time I paid freight (and possibly import tax) I would have been worse off!

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$655.20 shipped, on shox.com. So not too much different from what you paid. I'd love to have them for the adjustability, but I'm impatient and don't want to save up extra to have this car lowered. Bilsteins or KYBs...........I'm still not sure what I'm going to do.