Ideas for replacing shocks and struts

[randrews15]

Hey everyone,
I'm in the process of trying to decide which shock and struts to go with for replacing my factory worn ones. I see Bilstein makes a set and was wondering if anyone has any experience of how good they are in comparison to the factory ones.

[mitch808]

B4, B6, or B8? B4 is just like stock (not sure if they make this one for the e70 x5?). B6, is a performance improvement, and B8 is meant for lowered vehicles. B6/B8 are valved the same.

Bilstein is awful in keeping up with manufacturing and inventory. They have inventory issues worldwide on various makes/model of shock/struts. which I think is the case here with the X5 fitment. You can't go wrong with them though in many cases for a simple bolt in application.

I also know of a Koni red application, but those AFAIK, ride like stock, vs the yellows which offer adjustable rebound.

[randrews15]

Originally Posted by mitch808

B4, B6, or B8? B4 is just like stock (not sure if they make this one for the e70 x5?). B6, is a performance improvement, and B8 is meant for lowered vehicles. B6/B8 are valved the same.

Bilstein is awful in keeping up with manufacturing and inventory. They have inventory issues worldwide on various makes/model of shock/struts. which I think is the case here with the X5 fitment. You can't go wrong with them though in many cases for a simple bolt in application.

I also know of a Koni red application, but those AFAIK, ride like stock, vs the yellows which offer adjustable rebound.

Thanks for the input. I spoke with ECS and they are having a special on Koni's adaptive ride shocks, and they were described as being better than stock or the base line Bilsteins. I'm leaning towards the Konis just for slightly better than stock ride and handling.