Keeping it stock.

[SpeedDemon]

So where is the best place to buy need shocks and struts? I dont want to spend alot. But the car need suspension

Sent from S4 on tap talk

[jca]

The stock struts and shocks are Sachs. Buy them from a parts house, not a dealer, to save money. Good luck. John

[paul somlo]

I just purchased a set of Bilstein Touring Class struts and shocks from ajusa.com. These are supposed to retain OEM feel, here's the info from my email receipt:

BIL 22-044204 Item: Twintube Strut Assembly
Fits: 1996 BMW 318TI Base 1 $111.58 $111.58
BIL 22-044198 Item: Twintube Strut Assembly
Fits: 1996 BMW 318TI Base 1 $111.58 $111.58
BIL 19-027531 Item: Twintube Shock Absorber
Fits: 1996 BMW 318TI Base 2 $57.46 $114.92
Sub Total $338.08
CA Sales Tax $0.00
Shipping $0.00
Total $338.08

Paul
'96 318ti 205,000mi

[that_one_guy_with_plugs!]

fcpeuro.com has the bilstein touring shocks for like $120 a piece with free shipping

[R111S]

I got the following from TireRack:
Left Front Strut Bilstein Touring ($114 ea.) P/N: 22-044198
Right Front Strut Bilstein Touring ($114 ea.) P/N: 22-044204
Rear Shock Bilstein Touring ($96 for two) P/N: 19-019819
Front KYB Strut Boot Kit ($26 for two) P/N: SB101
Total cost: $350 + $32.71 UPS Shipping = $382.71

I "rented" a Spring Compressor tool from the local Advanced Auto Parts Store. The KYB Strut Boot Kits came with a hard foam Jounce Bumper too. But the Jounce Bumper was too long. This kept the Strut Hat from going on as it wouldn't allow the Nut to engage the Shaft threads. So, using a coping saw, I cut off ~3/4" from upper portion of the Jounce Bumper to make it fit while still holding the top of the accordion boot. BTW, the According Boot fully covers/protects the Strut Shaft. Neither of the old front Struts had an Accordion Boot in place...must have deteriorated and fell off?

The car rides and drives like new (it has 154K Miles). I knew the dampers were worn out but oh what a DIFFERENCE!!!

Lastly, the Bilstein Rear Shocks that TireRack specified for my 318ti "Active" is a part number that Bilstein specs for E30 Cars (P/N: 19-019819). The Bilstein Site specifies a different P/N: 19-027531 for my car. The 19-019819 Rear Shock went on just fine (and it should since the Ti has the E30 Rear Suspension).

[Tommy Samuels]

I bought Sensen struts for my Z3 from apxautoparts on ebay. About $80 for the pair delivered to my door. When the ti needs struts I'll go with Sensen and APX auto again.