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Re: Bilstien shocks changeover ques.

Jon,

I just had my 535i equipped with a Dinan Stage-I suspension which
includes 4 Bilstein struts and 4 "matched" springs. Prior to this 
mod I put on a set of AC Schnitzer Type-Is (17x8.5) mounted on Dunlop 
D40M2s. After driving it for the past 2 days, I too feel that I'm 
riding in a Japanese pocket-rocket that had the springs cut. Sure 
it stays flatter on the curves and steers quicker, but I'm about 
ready to call them up and get an explanation. I actually miss the 
smoothness of the stock suspension. On top of that, the rear tires 
are slightly covered by the lip of the rear wheel wells. In the front 
it has about 1.5 - 2 inches of clearance. Overall it looks as if the 
car has some heavy people in the back seat. All I was looking to do 
was to reduce the leaning and improve the appearance. 

Maybe this setup takes awhile to break in?? They did recommend that
I return after 1000 miles for any adjustments. Heck I'm ready to go 
back there now. Supposedly the Bilsteins that I had installed are HD 
for heavy-duty and are adjustable. 

Anyone else out there have a similar setup/experience?


Dennis
'92 535i
BMW CCA
Golden Gate Chapter


>From: jon@domain.elided (Jon Posner)
>Date: Wed, 18 Sep 1996 23:22:11 -0400 (EDT)
>Subject: Bilstien shocks changeover ques.
>
>I just had Bilstein (<-sp?) comfort ride shocks installed on my e34 1991
>535i.  Actually, just the rears were replaced as the fronts of this model
>are very out of stock.
>
>My question is as follows;  I find the ride, as currently configured i.e.
>New bilst. rears, worn and possible slightly damaged oem fronts, very
>annoying!   I live in NYC where cornering obviously has to take a back seat
>to some concession to ride comfort.  However, I do enjoy a very firmly
>sprung ride-- pretty much loving the oem set-up as I have grown to know it.
>But, a mechanic whom I like and trust, reccommended the bilstiens.
>
>All of a sudden I find the ride very "jiggily" with every imperfection in
>the pavement (yes, we have those) causing a seemingly complex series of
>adjustments-- it's literally making me motion-sick!
>
>My question is does this sound like some off-shoot of the mismatch between
>fronts and rears not being matched (that will be fixed next week) or should
>I assume that I am simply not ready for this kind of ride.  The way it is
>now... I really don't like it.  Any input would be most appreciated, please
>e-mail as well.  Thanks in advance.
>
>Jon Posner
>'91 e34 535ia
>
>ps-- shock bushings were replaced on all four with this change.