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When to replace shocks.....

Specific discussion about the E89 2009 Z4 (sDrive35is, sDrive35i, sDrive30i, sDrive23i)
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Z4Rick
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When to replace shocks.....

Post by Z4Rick » Sat Dec 02, 2017 9:01 pm

My 35i has 40,000 miles on it. It had 11,000 when I bought it 2 years ago. I have noticed the ride is a little harsher as the miles have added up, but am unsure what is a reasonable life span for a set of shocks. 40,000 seems early for a vehicle of this class, but I am about to install a set of Eibach springs and am wondering if I should do the shocks as well......

What do you all think??

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sunnydays
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When to replace shocks.....

Post by sunnydays » Sat Dec 02, 2017 9:03 pm

Do you have adaptive suspension?

Z4Rick
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When to replace shocks.....

Post by Z4Rick » Sat Dec 02, 2017 9:07 pm

NO I do not......Good question though! (I should have mentioned that.)

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Silverzedtom
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When to replace shocks.....

Post by Silverzedtom » Sat Dec 02, 2017 9:19 pm

I’d be looking at bushes over shocks, cheaper place to start too :)
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Maniac
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When to replace shocks.....

Post by Maniac » Sat Dec 02, 2017 9:56 pm

As shocks age they usually make handling and ride softer not harsher.

In any event I’d be waiting for failure to replace.

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Gaffa22
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When to replace shocks.....

Post by Gaffa22 » Sat Dec 02, 2017 10:29 pm

If you were considering springs and shocks surly you'd get both together and go for coil overs
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Silverzedtom
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When to replace shocks.....

Post by Silverzedtom » Sat Dec 02, 2017 10:57 pm

Any advisories on previous mot’s? If it’s due soon I’d wait it out before pulling the trigger on anything too expensive.
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flybobbie
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When to replace shocks.....

Post by flybobbie » Sat Dec 02, 2017 11:58 pm

I replaced my 23i shocks at 45k and noted the tyres grip better as the traction light came on less frequently on gravel.
The shocks that came off seemed a bit cheap made compared to the Bilsteins i fitted. Bilsteins have larger piston rod diameter, so look more robust.
Originals made some strange sqiggy noises when pushed down, Bilsteins were firm, smooth noiseless.
I compared the force required to push down on some bathroom scales and the Bilstein took more load, but on the road feel great.

Z4Rick
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When to replace shocks.....

Post by Z4Rick » Mon Dec 04, 2017 5:19 pm

All good thoughts. Thanks.

The Eibachs were a raffle prize, so I think I'll install them and see how the stock shocks feel. At this point, I think sway bars might happen first, but Bilstiens are on my radar.
Thanks again guys...

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