Bilstein Shocks better than KYB?..

[Stingray90]

'Sup fellas,

Im currently running H&R spings on KYB AGX's.
Well, over time my AGX's blew out. So now comes the time to replace them.

So I checked for possible alternatives to the AGX line:

KYB GR2= no thanks, I want to go up, not down

Monroe Sensa Trac, Monromatic, etc....= probably not, but my friend with a lowered camaro swears by them.

KYB AGX= A little too stiff as many know, but still an option again.

Konis= I hear they ride and handle nicely, but wont work for me since I no longer have the OEM struts... D@mn!

SO,
I recently found out that Bilstein is now making a "Touring Class" shock for the 1G!

From Bilstein's website:
Touring Class - an economical factory replacement model. These shocks provide premium ride comfort and control characteristics, and meet or exceed original equipment specifications.

Everthing I've heard about this company has been nothing but good ride quality and performance handling. BUT, all the reviews are for OTHER cars and different shock lines (not touring class). So I'm wondering if this 'touring class" will hold up to the name and be able to handle lowering springs (~ 1 1/4" drop). Might these be the equivalent to Konis without the hassle? However there non-adjustable.
Any takes??

 

[Stingray90]

Heres some feedback taken from the UnofficialBMW.com:


"Ok guys, I got them on, actually we finished kinda late Saturday night but I was too tired and too dirty to do much driving.
However, Today I went up in the mountains close by where I live and WOW, WOW, WOW,
I took it kinda easy the first few miles to be sure everything was settled where it was supposed to be, and then cut loose a little,
and then some more and WOW, WOW, WOW, the difference is like night and day.

Anyway the new Bilstein Touring shocks and struts and the Bavarian Autosport springs did indeed turn out to be a very good combination.
If I were to do it again I would search out and find these parts for my car anytime.

The superior engineering of these cars and good quality parts are the only way to keep
the best car on the road as we all know BMW.

I think this is a great setup for street, it is slightly more rigid than stock but to me it isn't a harsh ride and the cornering is incredible.
I had to make an emergency lane change on the freeway, practically had to yank the car from one lane to another at about 70 MPH and the car did not sway or rock, in complete control..........
Sorry it took so long to get these on.
Thanks to everyone who responds to my questions !


Thanks to all of you again !
Steve (TN325I) "


This guy seems happy. Humhmmm....

 

[Mike1992]

HD: Heavy Duty - Recommended shock for most applications, designed to work with the springs that came with your car.
SP: Sport - Firmer ride quality than HD, designed for lowered vehicles and sport applications.
C: Comfort - If your vehicle originally came with Bilsteins, these are direct replacements.
TC: Twin Tube - Touring Class, an economical factory replacement model.

I pulled that from a Bilstein add, according to that the "SP" struts would be the better choice for a lowered car.

 

[suicidal2af]

'Sup fellas,

Im currently running H&R spings on KYB AGX's.
Well, over time my AGX's blew out. So now comes the time to replace them.

So I checked for possible alternatives to the AGX line:

KYB GR2= no thanks, I want to go up, not down

Monroe Sensa Trac, Monromatic, etc....= probably not, but my friend with a lowered camaro swears by them.

KYB AGX= A little too stiff as many know, but still an option again.

Konis= I hear they ride and handle nicely, but wont work for me since I no longer have the OEM struts... D@mn!

SO,
I recently found out that Bilstein is now making a "Touring Class" shock for the 1G!

From Bilstein's website:
Touring Class - an economical factory replacement model. These shocks provide premium ride comfort and control characteristics, and meet or exceed original equipment specifications.

Everthing I've heard about this company has been nothing but good ride quality and performance handling. BUT, all the reviews are for OTHER cars and different shock lines (not touring class). So I'm wondering if this 'touring class" will hold up to the name and be able to handle lowering springs (~ 1 1/4" drop). Might these be the equivalent to Konis without the hassle? However there non-adjustable.
Any takes??

The key word here is "factory replacement". Think OE shock at less than OE price.

For a lowered car, look elsewhere.

 

[Stingray90]

Yep, that's pretty much the conclusion I came to. I was just hoping for an alternative. Too bad they dont make the other shock lines for our cars. But hey, the touring class could be a great alternative for the guys looking at KYB GR2 shocks. There only a little more..
Well I bought some konis last night. Cant wait till they get here.
Time to see how they compare to the AGXs.
peace.

 

[1LE]

Obviously not a direct comparison, but I do have to mention that I have Bilstein HD's on my Toyota. Incredible. They may not have any adjustment, but they don't ever need it. The car always feels perfect. They must be full of magic pixie dust or something Not to mention that they have taken a lot more abuse than my stockers and lasted a lot longer (stock ones blew out on 2nd rally I did, with only 80k miles on the car. Bilsteins have dozens of rallys and 120k miles and are still going strong!)!

 

[Stingray90]

Yeah, I dont know why Blistein wont get their stuff together and make us some Real shocks. Maybe oneday hunh...

 

[c5chris]

I have Bilsteins Sports on the Vette and they are absolutely awesome. I would buy them for the GSX if they ever made it for them.

 

[Stingray90]

Yeah too bad they dont have the sports Blisteins. I put Konis on instead up front and so far I like them. Haven't taken the time to do any adustments though.