How Long Do Shocks Last? (Under Daily-Driver Conditions)?

[FrustratedMunky]

I know that it's not the best idea to buy used shocks, but I was just wondering when they are expected to go? Obviously, some will last longer than others, but I was just wondering the average lifelength of...

Bilstein Sports
H&R Cup Kit Shocks/Struts
KYB

For example, I saw an H&R Cup Kit for sale with 25k miles on them, and as long as the shocks/struts aren't blown, would they still be worth purchasing (Considering if they have been tracked or driven under harsh conditions)?

Also, if there are Bilsteins or any sort of shocks/struts with like say, around 5k miles, should I still worry about those since they're "used" or should I still take the same precautions as if I were to buy ones with 25k miles on then? (Of course I would check if they were blown, but should I be less skeptical about it?)

Thanks in advance.

[KenC]

5k on Bilsteins is nothing. Also, if you have all of the documentation for the purchase of them they have a lifetime warranty.

[Jordan]

5k on Bilsteins is nothing. Also, if you have all of the documentation for the purchase of them they have a lifetime warranty.

The warranty applies to the original purchaser only.

[FrustratedMunky]

5k on Bilsteins is nothing. Also, if you have all of the documentation for the purchase of them they have a lifetime warranty.

The warranty applies to the original purchaser only.

But considering they are so confident as to give a lifetime warranty, should I not worry about them possibly blowing on me in the near future?

How about the H&R Cup kit? Should I trust one with 25k miles if they check out to be not blown and haven't been tracked? (I don't think I'd buy any shocks/struts that have been tracked that are used)

[Jordan]

Does the track magicily blow shocks or am I missing something?

H&R cupkit shocks/struts are revalved Bilstiens.

[FrustratedMunky]

Does the track magicily blow shocks or am I missing something?

H&R cupkit shocks/struts are revalved Bilstiens.

Oh okay, I didn't know that. So I should be pretty confident buying them?

Well, my thoughts were that it would put more wear on them in a shorter period of time, but I guess I'm wrong.

[Bill 84 318i]

H&R cupkit shocks/struts are revalved Bilstiens.

You sure about that? The only front Bilsteins I've ever seen that weren't the HD/Sport upside down design were Tourings. So they're revalved tourings?

[Jordan]

This is what I have read in multipe places...

e30 Cupkit:

[royalflush313]

jordan, do you know the spring rates of the Cup Kit springs?

[FrustratedMunky]

Thanks for the replies.

Last question: Should I just, completely stay away from the 25k miles H&R Cup Kit? Or should I see if they're blown and then if they're not and seem to be in good condition, I should get them? (Note: He's asking $300 for it, maybe can get a little cheaper. Also, I think he's located in Seattle so I can do a drive down to pick them up and... work something out with bringing it back over to Canada, LOL) Does this sound like an OK deal?

[royalflush313]

Chad, is he asking $300 US? Because the Cup Kit is like a hair over $500 new... if you are settling with the cup kit, why don't you just save up a little bit more ?

You should keep in mind that 25k is approx. 40,000km. And the seller could very well be exaggerating (meaning, rounding down) the mileage of the set.

To me, 40,000km is quite a bit of use, and I personally would save up a little bit more and buy brand new where you also have the assurance of warranty.

[Jordan]

Chad, is he asking $300 US? Because the Cup Kit is like a hair over $500 new... if you are settling with the cup kit, why don't you just save up a little bit more ?

You should keep in mind that 250k is approx. 400,000 km. And the seller could very well be exaggerating (meaning, rounding down) the mileage of the set.

To me, 400,000km is quite a bit of use, and I personally would save up a little bit more and buy brand new where you also have the assurance of warranty.

25k not 250k

25k is like 1.5yrs of use.

[royalflush313]

Chad, is he asking $300 US? Because the Cup Kit is like a hair over $500 new... if you are settling with the cup kit, why don't you just save up a little bit more ?

You should keep in mind that 250k is approx. 400,000 km. And the seller could very well be exaggerating (meaning, rounding down) the mileage of the set.

To me, 400,000km is quite a bit of use, and I personally would save up a little bit more and buy brand new where you also have the assurance of warranty.

25k not 250k

25k is like 1.5yrs of use.

haha yah, i added an extra 0 by accident.

I guess I just dont drive a lot. I drive at the most 10,000 km a year. To add 25k miles it would take me like 5 years :shock:

[Schniddy]

Chad, is he asking $300 US? Because the Cup Kit is like a hair over $500 new... if you are settling with the cup kit, why don't you just save up a little bit more ?

You should keep in mind that 250k is approx. 400,000 km. And the seller could very well be exaggerating (meaning, rounding down) the mileage of the set.

To me, 400,000km is quite a bit of use, and I personally would save up a little bit more and buy brand new where you also have the assurance of warranty.

25k not 250k

25k is like 1.5yrs of use.

haha yah, i added an extra 0 by accident.

I guess I just dont drive a lot. I drive at the most 10,000 km a year. To add 25k miles it would take me like 5 years :shock:

In the long run isn't that bad for your car?

[nando]

I guess I just dont drive a lot. I drive at the most 10,000 km a year. To add 25k miles it would take me like 5 years :shock:

wow, I drive more than that in 6 months. :P