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Tokico Illumina vs. Bilstein Sport Shocks

     On a BMW with modified suspension, don't even waist your time 
     with the Tokico Illumina (5-way adjustable) shocks.  In the 
     summer of 1994, I spent two months researching whether I should 
     replace my 2 year old Bilstein Sport shocks on my E30 325.  My 
     car has Eibach Sport springs (20% stiffer, 1.5 inch lower).  I 
     called Tokico Tech Support and asked for comparisons between 
     their shocks and the Bilstein Sports.  My goal was to find the 
     stiffest compression and rebound rated shocks that was 
     commercially available.
     
     The Tokico representative said that "he thinks that the Bilsteins 
     are stiffer even when the Tokicos are on position #5 (stiffest)." 
      I called Bilstein, and of course they said that their shocks 
     were the best.
     
     Next, I obtained a set of brand new Tokico front shocks 
     (specified for my make/model) and created a "crude" test 
     consisting of dropping a 200 lb. weight from 12 inches.  My used 
     Bilstein were significantly stiffer than the brand new Tokico's 
     at their stiffest position.  I also noticed that the Tokico's had 
     1" of free play before any resistance was noticed.  The rebound 
     rate was tested by pulling the shock using the same 200 lb. 
     weight dropped from a table.  Again the Bilstein had stiffer and 
     more consistent resistance.
     
     This test was repeated several time for several of my Bimmer 
     friends, and all were surprised that they indeed had the best 
     shocks on their cars.  We also observed that Bilsteins were self 
     adjusting.  When the compression and the rebound test were 
     repeated, the Bilstein stiffened by the  third compression so 
     hard, it barely moved.  This feature is great if you have an 
     oversize (over-weight) wheel and your car travels over rippled 
     pavement.
     
     The dealer who loaned the Tokico's also sells Bilsteins.  He was 
     delighted that he can better advise his customers.
     
     We never tested the Tokico's on the car like we planned because 
     we were disappointed with the preliminary results.
     
     In conclusion, for a BMW which usually have stiffer, tighter 
     suspension, the Bilstein Sports are the way to go hands down.  I 
     only recommend the Bilstein for performance driving.  "Luxury 
     people" said the  Bilstein Sports ride too hard.  The Tokico on 
     position 5 felt like a pair of stock shocks.  Several of my 
     friends who have Japanese cars that also Autocross swear by their 
     Tokicos.  Probably other Tokico models for other car make/models 
     perform better, but Tokico did not valve this shock right for the 
     E30 BMW.  Especially when they had the Bilstein as a comparison.  
     I was expecting position 3 to be equal to the Bilstein Sports and 
     Position 1 equal to a Stock shock.
     
     BTW, the Tokico's in position #1 was ridiculously loose.  Felt 
     like a broken pair of Monroe shocks.  The Boge Turbo-Gas are also 
     getting good reviews.  I am not interested, I am satisfied with 
     the Bilsteins.  Until an after-market Active Suspension is 
     available, I will continue to use my Bilsteins.
     
     88 325i 4 door "Peppy"
     
     >From: Bisham Singh <singh_bisham@domain.elided> Date: Thu, 12 Jan 
     >1995 12:09:55 -0500
     >Subject: Adjustable Tokico Shocks
     
     >I'm looking for adjustable shocks for my 89 M3 with 16 x 8.5 ACT 
     >wheels with 225/45-16 P-Zero tires. Tokico makes 5-way manually 
     >ajustable and also cockpit adjustable ones.
     
     >Has anyone used tried doing this ?
     
     >Thanks,
     >Bisham
     >(singh_bisham@domain.elided)