[Swish]

My '06 330xi has 153,800 on the odometer and I just found out the right front strut is blown, and I had a suspicion that both were pretty bad anyway. I've never replaced them and I'm the original owner of this car. Most of my driving is gentle highway miles, so I'm not surprised they lasted this long.

The car has been great and I want to keep it that way, but I don't need to break the bank either.

If you were in my shoes, what would you buy and who has fair prices on them? I believe I should also replace the top mounting plates and the silencers too, or is that over-kill?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[mbanks21]

A few companies make "stock" replacement shocks. Bilstein Touring or HD (I think they're call B4 and B6 now?) or Koni FSD or get some stock OE shocks. It's always a good idea to refresh and bushings or mounts especially at 150k+ miles. Should feel like a new car.

[reppin513]

Im definately no pro, but always change out the mount with struts and shocks. I just got bistein front struts from turner motorsport for 229.95 a piece, they are 20% firmer than stock(HD B6). I purchased bilstein rear shocks a few weeks ago. You can find the rear shocks online for under 100, though I didn't do my do diligence and paid 150 each for mine. I believe OEM replacement bilstein struts are under 200 from Turner.. But I have a 325xi, if you have a sport suspension on your 330 they may be a little more. When you look, keep in mind sport struts and sport shocks lower ride height and I bet they require sport springs. Someone else more knowledgeable is bound to comment on this. GL

[Swish]

Originally Posted by reppin513

Im definately no pro, but always change out the mount with struts and shocks. I just got bistein front struts from turner motorsport for 229.95 a piece, they are 20% firmer than stock(HD B6). I purchased bilstein rear shocks a few weeks ago. You can find the rear shocks online for under 100, though I didn't do my do diligence and paid 150 each for mine. I believe OEM replacement bilstein struts are under 200 from Turner.. But I have a 325xi, if you have a sport suspension on your 330 they may be a little more. When you look, keep in mind sport struts and sport shocks lower ride height and I bet they require sport springs. Someone else more knowledgeable is bound to comment on this. GL

I don't have the sports package on this one, so I'll probably check out the Bilsteins at Turner. I am aware that the mounts need to be replaced too. How about the insulators?

[cdgatti]

With that kind of mileage I would replace all the shock mounts. Turner sells a kit for that to save some money. Also check Bav Auto for pricing. When you say insulators if you mean the rubber spring pads, by all means, they are like $2 a pop.