new shocks for the clubsport.
 

keeping the OE springs, but I am looking at replace the OE shocks with Bilsteins. Should I get Sports(600$ a set) or will HDs(300 set shipped) work well with the stock height.

I had HDs on my 97 with lowering springs, and they lasted about 50k miles.

right now think I am going with the mono-tube sports. but just want to see what the opinions are of everyone here.

I think their sport shocks are slight shorter to accomodate lowered springs. So it may make more sense to go with the hd shocks if you are keeping the oe springs. Someone correct me if I'm wrong

The Bilstein sport shocks are specifically designed to be used with lowering springs.

The Mtech on the clubsport are lower than the OE on the Base.

Call Bilstein?

I am in the middle of the same decision and I have learned that the Bilstein HD and the Sport are identical in their valving with the Sports being 1 inch shorter to accomodate lowered springs. The cost of either is the same - ouch ! can't believe 4 shocks are going to run me $600 ...

These are a little cheaper>>>http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW

Nick
Are these the HD models? Thanks

I actually have no idea if they are sport or hd. Maybe the seller might know. I remember about a month after I spent about 600 bucks on new Sport shocks I saw the same brand new shocks on ebay for the same 299 price and I was kinda ticked.

^those are tourings/which IIRC are HDs? I got them in the past and used them on the 97 TI

i can get HD set ft/rr for 299 shipped

PM and I'll hook you up with the vendor.

HD/Tourings are twin tube and black

Sports are mono-tube and yellow.

From the Bilstein application guide
(http://www.bilstein.com/PassengerCars.pdf)

318ti
94-00 E36 Chassis; From 3/94

Touring Class:
TC VNE-4419-BE(L)
VNE-4420-BE(R)
BNE-2753-BE (Rear)

Heavy Duty: (mine are YELLOW!! w/baby blue boots on the fronts!)
HD VVEE33-4444001/0(R/L)
B36-20284 (Rear)

Sports:
SP VVEE33-4444003/2(R/L)
B36-202724 (Rear)

I just installed the HD's all around with stock springs. At 109k miles my old oem shocks were totally gone. What a difference! About 4-5 hours total labor with no help. Air tools are a must - the lower bolts have Loctite applied at the factory!! I also had an alignment done afterwards to ensure everything was good.

I tried to get the part numbers from the guy on ebay but he never replied. I just wanted to know what he was selling, if the part numbers matched the Bilstein list. I guess he did not care enough about the sale to reply so I went elsewhere. I purchased from www.eshocks.com ($503 total w/shipping - fast service), but www.shox.com also had them for a few bucks less.

If you can get them for $300 and they're the right parts go for it!

One thing I did notice: the car now sits about 15mm higher in front and 9mm higher in back. Might be that the old shocks allowed the car to sit lower due to wear but the new height is surely noticeable. No problems that I can see/feel with handling though.

I'd gladly answer any questions about the install. Sorry, did not do a worklog or take pictures.

Don S.

Thanks Don,
My '95 is at 99K and I know the stock shocks are gone - probably the springs too. I was OK with the HD models but I really don't want to raise the car up in the process. How is the ride with the new HD installed?

actaully HD are mono-tubes. and look to be the same as sports minus the the fact the sports are 1" shorter. With OE springs I am told HDs will work best.

I researched this not too long ago. I e-mailed a couple places, Turner and BavAuto I believe. For the OEM sport springs, one place said to use the HD's, and the other place said that you could use either the HD's or the Sports.

So... I'd say go for the HD's. I'm gonna get 'em soon.