 New guy needs basic strut/shock help
So I have inherited a 1996 318ti California with 5-speed transmission, 168K miles. This is a daily driver, not a track, autocross, etc. Cost is a big concern. I will be doing most/all work myself & have very little experience doing suspension work.
The front strut assemblies are BADLY worn out - car just bounces up & down. I assume rears are also shot. I have two sets of questions. The first ones are basic - what parts (besides the shocks & strut assemblies) will I need need to do the replacement? What other parts should I do at the same time?
Second questions are the basic "What to buy". Searching here & parts places, it looks like the choices break down as follows:
A. Gabriel, Munroe, etc. Cheap. As best I can tell, admitting I buy these will get me tarred, feathered, and run out of the forum. Is this because they do a bad job, don't last, or both?
B. KYB, etc. As above but slightly more money and slightly better reputation. Popular on other brands of cars, don't see much about them on BMW's.
C. Sachs. OEM supplier, are the ones I see the OEM part?
D. Bilstein. Twin tube is priced about the same as Sachs, is performance similar? The Heavy Duty obviously more money. What are the advantages for a daily driver other than longevity? Since I don't have sport suspension I assume that the sport is not relevant. Also see that there are several part number listed as Bilstein Heavy Duty for this car (besides the right/left difference) - what would I look for?
Not even considering adjustable, coil-over, etc. due to price.
Any other suggestions? | 
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