[BenMN]

Hi All,

I recently moved from MN to FL and brought my 2018 440i X coupe (53k miles) in for oil/break fuild change to an independant shop reccomended by a co-worker near me in West Palm, FL. They called out a few minor problems like underbody surface rust and the origional battery which do not concern me at the moment. Most importantly, they flagged the rear shocks.

They sent a picture to me of the rear shocks which just looked rusted (picture 1 and 2, on their lift, picture 4 is my own from the ground). Initially, I didn't think the shocks needed done because when I do the bounce test, the return is normal. My first thought was the mechanic wasn't use to rust given they called out minor surface rust earlier. However, when I compare them to the front struts (picture 3) they look pretty bad in comparison. It's hard to get my hand in their and see if they feel greasy, but I am wondering if the orange-ish discoloration on the label came from leaking fluid or the rust itself? Does a rusty shock mean they are blown? Any thoughts?

The quote to replace them all in was $1320+tax. I'm going to try to get a breakdown on parts/labor. Does this seem reasonable? The oil change and break service labor was slightly more than what I was use to paying up north.

Thanks!

[alohasurftoad]

not sure of your skill level, but the rears are easy to DIY if you have the means.

if not have the shop change both rears to the appropriate Bilstein B4 OEM replacements. along with rear strutmounts (for it's bearing) and bumpstops as they are probably starting to disintegrate.

[kmarei]

i'm in a similar situation, rear shocks are leaking
but i heard the OEM shocks are made by Sachs
found those for about $90 each

that $1320 estimate sounds very high, unless you are EDC
it's max an hour per side for install labor
and the strut mounts (Lemforder is OEM) are about $35 each) and bump stops are about $30 each
so if you get the Sachs one you should be around $300 in parts and 2 hours labor or about $700

[cfm56d7b]

BenMN, suggest to get parts and labor details before making a decision. At 53K miles as alohasurftoad mentioned, bumpstops should also be replaced.

Since your vehicle doesn't have M Adaptive suspension, there are more choices to consider. One of them - Koni Special Active shocks. Since the labor is practically the same, I would replace springs as well.

[BenMN]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

not sure of your skill level, but the rears are easy to DIY if you have the means.

if not have the shop change both rears to the appropriate Bilstein B4 OEM replacements. along with rear strutmounts (for it's bearing) and bumpstops as they are probably starting to disintegrate.

Thanks everyone for your input. No, it doesn't have EDC. I inquired further and the quote includes OEM shocks (I assume that means they buy them from BMW rather than from Bilstein as you mention), bump stops, and new hardware. The labor was quoted at $487.

[BenMN]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

BenMN, suggest to get parts and labor details before making a decision. At 53K miles as alohasurftoad mentioned, bumpstops should also be replaced.

Since your vehicle doesn't have M Adaptive suspension, there are more choices to consider. One of them - Koni Special Active shocks. Since the labor is practically the same, I would replace springs as well.

Thanks for the suggestion. Is there any discussion/post about the advantages of the Koni shocks?

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by BenMN

Thanks for the suggestion. Is there any discussion/post about the advantages of the Koni shocks?

Just search the Suspension sub forum. There many threads about Koni Special Active shocks.

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by BenMN

Thanks everyone for your input. No, it doesn't have EDC. I inquired further and the quote includes OEM shocks (I assume that means they buy them from BMW rather than from Bilstein as you mention), bump stops, and new hardware. The labor was quoted at $487.

Bilstein B4 cost less and are better(imo) than the OEM(Sachs). $487 labor for the rears is a bit high but business's need to make money somehow with the rate of inflation increasing. since you are unable to DIY, then you have no choice but to "pay to play".
.

[TurboWeasel]

BMW dampers are unbranded, so trusting the internet that they are made by SACHS could be a risky move, especially if they are dirt cheap.

Mine were like that at a similar mileage, but I plodded on with them until 76K, by which time I'd had enough of the jarring ride and clonks. 100% of the gas had left the chat on all 4, plus bonus "Phsssssshht" noises over speed humps (oil cavitation).

So I took it as a sign from the Gods to refresh the whole lot. I went with new genuine control & thrust arms, all new top mounts blah blah, Eibach Pro springs (shifts the rake perfectly), F80 bump stops, Evolve Automotive B4 dampers and a pair of -0.5 degree front repair knuckles.

That lot has absolutely transformed the car. Better ride quality than stock M sport, and better handling than Stock M sport. Win win.

It's very rare you get a zero compromise suspension upgrade, but that is one of them.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by TurboWeasel

BMW dampers are unbranded, so trusting the internet that they are made by SACHS could be a risky move, especially if they are dirt cheap.

Mine were like that at a similar mileage, but I plodded on with them until 76K, by which time I'd had enough of the jarring ride and clonks. 100% of the gas had left the chat on all 4, plus bonus "Phsssssshht" noises over speed humps (oil cavitation).

So I took it as a sign from the Gods to refresh the whole lot. I went with new genuine control & thrust arms, all new top mounts blah blah, Eibach Pro springs (shifts the rake perfectly), F80 bump stops, Evolve Automotive B4 dampers and a pair of -0.5 degree front repair knuckles.

That lot has absolutely transformed the car. Better ride quality than stock M sport, and better handling than Stock M sport. Win win.

It's very rare you get a zero compromise suspension upgrade, but that is one of them.

Practically perfect suspension refresh plan and results. Nice!

[BenMN]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

Bilstein B4 cost less and are better(imo) than the OEM(Sachs). $487 labor for the rears is a bit high but business's need to make money somehow with the rate of inflation increasing. since you are unable to DIY, then you have no choice but to "pay to play".
.

Yes, I can't do shocks right now; I live in a condo and HOA wouldn't allow something like that in the parking lot.

I asked about B4's and they said it would bring down the price by about $400 so I think that will be the route I will be going.