E90 Saving Money with Aftermarket (like Bilstein) vs BMW OEM Shocks (for Comfort Ride)

[JamesBlack_E30_Z3]

BMW 320d 2007 E90
Standard Suspension

My question is which parts are critical and should I RATHER purchase from BMW OEM and which parts are less critical that I can get from aftermarket like Bilstein / Sachs? I already asked ChatGPT and he said Bilstein for everything except BMW OEM for Strut mounts.

Please understand my needs before replying... I don't care about performance I only care about ride comfort, potholes and speed bumps because the roads where I live are trash. I wish to prioritize critical suspension components that directly affect safety, durability, and ride quality WHILE TRYING TO SAVE MONEY.

These parts from the BMW OEM (Sachs) Cost R18000 - I can get all the parts from Bilstein / Sachs aftermarket for R6000. Sachs aftermarket is slight more expensive then Bilstein.

BMW OEM 31306775098 Front Shock Strut Mount x 2
BMW OEM 31316786001 Front Left Shock
BMW OEM 31316786002 Front Right Shock
BMW OEM 31331094749 Front Shock Dust Cover x 2
BMW OEM 31336771352 Bump Stop x 2
BMW OEM 31356765933 Front Stabilizer Link - Left
BMW OEM 31356765934 Front Stabilizer Link - Right

 

[VinceM]

After my sad issue with Febi shock mounts, I now prefer original BMW shock mounts.

Buying shocks from BMW for a 2007 vehicle does not make sense, I would opt for Bilstein as it had the OEM replacement.

Control arms, stabiliser links, BMW, especially if keeping the car for long periods.


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[M3boi]

After my sad issue with Febi shock mounts, I now prefer original BMW shock mounts.

Buying shocks from BMW for a 2007 vehicle does not make sense, I would opt for Bilstein as it had the OEM replacement.

Control arms, stabiliser links, BMW, especially if keeping the car for long periods.


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The Meyle HD shock mounts are really good, I have them in the rear of the E36 and they've held up really well.

 

[JamesBlack_E30_Z3]

After my sad issue with Febi shock mounts, I now prefer original BMW shock mounts.

Buying shocks from BMW for a 2007 vehicle does not make sense, I would opt for Bilstein as it had the OEM replacement.

Control arms, stabiliser links, BMW, especially if keeping the car for long periods.

Thank You VinceM
~ Very useful I was considering Febi Shock Mounts but was scared or puzzled at the cost difference - I won't buy them - Yes I buy a car and then keep it forever so I don't skip on maintenance and repair every small little things that breaks

Thank you M3boi - I think I will buy Meyle HD (Shock Mounts + Stabilizer Links) + Bilstein (Shocks + Dust Cover + Bump Stops).

 

[Benji]

Try installing the M-sport bump stops if you have the normal suspension - this will give you more wheel travel and therefor more comfort.

I would stick to OE or OEM parts, Bilstein or Sachs will be fine, Bilstein preferable. With suspension parts, I would recommend you find the OE Lemforder parts or buy directly from BMW. I have had terrible experience with TRS, Febi, Meyle etc etc

Your list doesnt include the control arms, but you have "useless" things like dustcovers which shouldn't need replacing unless they damaged. I would also prioritize the control arms which will be easier to change while the shock is out. The stabilizer links are really easy to change down the line should they require

If you want ultimate comfort, run 16" wheels with normal non-RFT tyres. It will feel like a Rolls Royce and potholes will be much less of a stress generator

 

[JamesBlack_E30_Z3]

Brilliant Tip - thanks for that Benji - I will definitely buy the M Sports Bump Stops - I see that they are shorter and that is PERFECT for me.

If I was rich of course I would buy all BMW OEM parts and not look back - but unfortunately I need to watch the budget.
To be honest I don't know what parts I need - my front OEM shocks are finished after 200k - so I need new ones. My mechanic said DEFINATELY get new strut mounts and stabilizer links - but to be honest I don't know for 100% - I don't have the money to replace everything. I assume the dust cover are finished and they are cheap so that is why I wanted to replace. My mechanic said don't bother - he thinks dust covers are useless.

No Idea if I need control arms, but prices are high enough and I haven't even included labour yet. - Just replaced the clutch for 20k so really trying to be careful on what I spend on the front shocks which are soooo much more expensive then my E30.

I am sad to hear you had bad experience with Meyle - because two other people recommended them to me so far - so I almost bought Meyle Strut mounts and Stabilizer Links today - and Bilstein shocks. - I will look for Lemforder suspension parts

I hate my 17 inch wheels they suck, my brother also has the e90 and his 16" are a much softer ride then my 17". As for the run flat tyres I don't have any option because there is nowhere to put a spare tyre in the boot. And I have blow tyres on potholes and nails too often to risk driving without a spare or RFT's.

 

[JamesBlack_E30_Z3]

I have a new update - I called 3-4 people at ZF Aftermarket in South Africa - the distributor / importer for Sachs and Lemforder - after a few days a senior regional manager called me back and told me this - BMW OEM Sachs shocks parts from Germany are EXACTLY the same as the ZF Aftermarket parts - there is ZERO difference in grade or specification... just one goes in a blue box and one goes in a brown box - one is labelled BMW OEM one is labelled Sachs aftermarket.... so therefore I decided to rather buy Sachs Shocks, Mounts and Bump stops and Lemforder Stabilizer links Aftermarket for a 66% cheaper then BMW OEM for exactly the same parts except the Lemforder.

Once installed I will update again to say what the car drives like and if I am happy.

And thanks again Benji - I ordered the sports suspension shorter Bump Stops

 

[nabeelm07]

I have a new update - I called 3-4 people at ZF Aftermarket in South Africa - the distributor / importer for Sachs and Lemforder - after a few days a senior regional manager called me back and told me this - BMW OEM Sachs shocks parts from Germany are EXACTLY the same as the ZF Aftermarket parts - there is ZERO difference in grade or specification... just one goes in a blue box and one goes in a brown box - one is labelled BMW OEM one is labelled Sachs aftermarket.... so therefore I decided to rather buy Sachs Shocks, Mounts and Bump stops and Lemforder Stabilizer links Aftermarket for a 66% cheaper then BMW OEM for exactly the same parts except the Lemforder.

Once installed I will update again to say what the car drives like and if I am happy.

And thanks again Benji - I ordered the sports suspension shorter Bump Stops

Hi hope you're well, I'm also now in the process of replacing all 4 of my struts and wanted to ask you where you buy your parts from? Also is it possible to purchase directly from zf aftermarket and how do I go about doing this? Kind regards

 

[Clint@MMS AUTO]

Hi hope you're well, I'm also now in the process of replacing all 4 of my struts and wanted to ask you where you buy your parts from? Also is it possible to purchase directly from zf aftermarket and how do I go about doing this? Kind regards

You can get Bilstein/sachs shocks, Meyle HD or Febi mounts from Goldwagen. they often keep the dust covers and bump stops as well.

 

[nabeelm07]

You can get Bilstein/sachs shocks, Meyle HD or Febi mounts from Goldwagen. they often keep the dust covers and bump stops as well.

yes I plan on getting a set of bilstein b4s from Goldwagen to replace the shocks but want to replace the mounts with sachs parts as they're oe and I've heard mixed reviews on febi shock mounts

 

[Mytfine]

So lets break this down,

You get OE thats parts supplied by thr factory on your car, so if you shop aroun you can find low milegae OE parts.

OEM is what you buy from your dealer.

OES is parts manufactured by the supplier that send OE parts to BMW but also supplies the aftermarket industry with the same part just not bmw branded or sometime even under another company name.

Then you get patent car parts that are of a high quality and often remedy design flaws that plague some OE parts. These parts are generally made by brands that have been around for decades, ate, feredo, etc.

Lastly you get pirate parts, this is a hit or miss on quality but are often a fraction of the price so in a financial pinch they are a viable alternative provided you dont expect OE life out of them.

Myself , I have long used patent and OES and a mix of pirate and have had n big issues but have had wrong parts supplied so best to have your sample on hand.