[mmm def]

Hey all-132k on my 06 E90 330 ZSP. The car feels a bit soft and not as stable in the corners (I owned a 2007 E90 335 ZSP a few yrs ago) so I took it to a reputable bmw indy shop in north nj today and the mechanic told me the shocks were fine and don't need to be replaced. I bought the car at 125k and I think most of its life was spent on the highway.

Fwiw I also have a 2011 Audi S4 with 102k all highway and it's rock solid and tight.

From researching here it seems most go around 60-80. Is there any way to really tell if they are worn? The car does not bounce if I push down on it.

Thanks!

[Meeni]

The loss of performance is gradual. They will continue to remain "fine" for a very long time, if the roads are good around you maybe "forever".

If you really care about top performance, you could replace them, they are well used by now. If all you care for is a comfortable commuter, you can keep using these until the ride becomes uncomfortable or they suffer a major failure.

[bender rodriguez]

The only thing that goes around 80 are control arm bushings. I would expect everything else will last 100k plus.

[Fundguy1]

I am in Florida. Not many potholes. Mine are still good but I'm sure I need bushings etc. I have 200k.

[mbanks21]

"Still good" is relative. That's like saying a 90 year old person can run a marathon because they're still technically alive. Your shocks at 100k+ are performing at probably less than half their abilities. Plus your shock mounts and other wear and tear items have to be almost toast.

[Hops128i]

kinda wish i didn't read this thread, i've been looking forward to upgrading my suspension on my mostly highway driven 128i next year thinking that the struts and shocks would be done at 60-70k.

[ethanjoon]

Which shop do you use in North Jersey? This is my first car that I've owned out-of-warranty, and I'm searching for a good shop around Bergen County. Thanks in advance.

[AceOnShake]

Depends on your style of driving and roads. I know you bought it second hand so you most probably do not know.

I've seen shocks blown at 50k and I've seen shocks at 200k pretty decent. Highway miles and good roads are key.

Originally Posted by mbanks21

"Still good" is relative. That's like saying a 90 year old person can run a marathon because they're still technically alive. Your shocks at 100k+ are performing at probably less than half their abilities. Plus your shock mounts and other wear and tear items have to be almost toast.

Agreed. Factory E9x shocks/struts are terrible brand new. I can only imagine what they feel like with over 100k miles on 'em.

[Fundguy1]

Well mine still feel factory. I test drove abother car with 30k and it felt the same. Wear is dependent on use and road conditions.95% of my miles are on flat highways on cruise control so little wear.

[mbanks21]

I guarantee if you swap out to even a basic aftermarket (Bilstein/Koni/etc) you will feel a world of difference for the better.

[mmm def]

Originally Posted by Arktis_Conviction

Which shop do you use in North Jersey? This is my first car that I've owned out-of-warranty, and I'm searching for a good shop around Bergen County. Thanks in advance.

Motor Works West in Wykoff. I have had a great experience with them and Dave the owner is a real cool guy.

http://www.motorworkswest.com/

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by mbanks21

I guarantee if you swap out to even a basic aftermarket (Bilstein/Koni/etc) you will feel a world of difference for the better.

I plan on it asap

[geost]

Well, I have a 2011 and I thought my factory sport shocks felt like crap. Like you I thought they were soft. Car didn't bounce either when pushed down. Shocks just didn't feel "sporty." I even drove another with same sport suspension and it felt better compared to mine (soft).

Even after fighting with the dealer (who said they were ok) I got fed up and bought some Bilstein HDs. Best decision made so far. They feel sooooo much better than factory sport suspension. Much stiffer and planted to the road (tight) IMO. And my car had about 30k miles...going on 39k now. If you don't want to spend a ton of money I'd opt for the Bilstein HDs (B6) or similar.

[cdgatti]

Originally Posted by geost

Well, I have a 2011 and I thought my factory sport shocks felt like crap. Like you I thought they were soft. Car didn't bounce either when pushed down. Shocks just didn't feel "sporty." I even drove another with same sport suspension and it felt better compared to mine (soft).

Even after fighting with the dealer (who said they were ok) I got fed up and bought some Bilstein HDs. Best decision made so far. They feel sooooo much better than factory sport suspension. Much stiffer and planted to the road (tight) IMO. And my car had about 30k miles...going on 39k now. If you don't want to spend a ton of money I'd opt for the Bilstein HDs (B6) or similar.

+1. The B6 option is great and can be used with both sport and non-sport oem springs.