Tilbo 0 Report post Posted June 9, 2014 So my 318i just failed it's wof on leaking front shocks. I'm currently weighing up the options of:1. Replace front shocks only2. Replace all four shocks3. Install CoiloversIs replacing the front shocks only a good idea? How much should a set cost? Do I really need coilovers? I like to have my car low (currently on Dobi springs) but I wouldn't like it much lower as I need to get it on/off my driveway. The car will not be taken to the track as it's only a 318i. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Adam Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ahmedsinc 414 Report post Posted June 9, 2014 Unless you plan on tracking your car regularly I wouldn't bother with coilovers. Add certification cost to the struts & springs price and you've spent the same as a new set of Bilsteins. Plus the E36 was never designed to take spring load in the rear arch so you're opening yourself up to more problems there if running a true coilover setup in the rear. Do all four at the same time unless you have proof that the rears are reasonably new. Sucks having to get an alignment twice in 6 months! Just had a look on Pelican Parts, full set of Bilstein heavy duty shocks is $1120 shipped. You'll probably need to factor in import duty of 15% (?) so call it $1200 round. You could find cheaper locally but the last I saw the going rate for fronts alone was $475 ea. Lesser shocks can be had for much cheaper but I've found you get what you pay for. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jom 98 Report post Posted June 9, 2014 Another option for overseas supply is Demon Tweeks - faster and cheaper shipping than from the US. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tilbo 0 Report post Posted June 10, 2014 Thankyou for the replies. So far, I have gathered quotes from three garages. Monroe Reflex Front $495 pair Rear $240 Pair Monroe GT Front $520 pair Monroe ?? Front $560 pair I would prefer to buy locally because I don't want to muck about with shipping and duty tax crap. Are Monroes really that bad? They seem reasonably priced. As I said before, the car will never see a track, only the occasional 'spirited' drive on a back road perhaps. Mostly it will just be driving to work. Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle 1661 Report post Posted June 10, 2014 From my experience Monroe's have inferior handling and a short life span. KYB's shouldn't be much if (more any) and are far better. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
_ethrty-Andy_ 2132 Report post Posted June 10, 2014 Munroe are good at doing their Commercial and 4x4 stuff etc, but not much good for road cars Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aja540i 1906 Report post Posted June 10, 2014 I put monroes on my 540i, totally ruined the handling!! First and last time i will buy them! It handled better on the original shocks and they had 270k on them and were totally knackered. Ring Stocks in Mt Wellington and price some KYBs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tilbo 0 Report post Posted June 12, 2014 KYB's seem to be the way to go Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tilbo 0 Report post Posted June 12, 2014 Unless you want to improve handling in which case go Koni, your choiceunnecessary really, not too fussed. Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tilbo 0 Report post Posted June 13, 2014 I gathered some more quotes today for KYBs rather than Monroes. There was only $35 in it between Stocks, Mag & Turbo, and Supercheap with Stocks and M&T @$349ea Front. But then Stocks said they have Konis for $313ea... Looks like I will be going ahead and buying some Konis! Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tilbo 0 Report post Posted June 14, 2014 Non adjustable dampening wise? Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tilbo 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2014 Bought the Koni STR.Ts. The rear shocks were fitted today along with new heavy duty mounts with the help of my boss. We used his hoist so it was a piece of piss. Fronts will be fitted tomorrow at a garage as they are beyond my skill set. Really happy with how the rear felt driving home. It will feel like a new car! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle 1661 Report post Posted July 3, 2014 They are decent shocks for the coin, i was lucky to get a whole set for $550 on my old E34. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites