Sachs Strut Difference?

[TrentW]

Does anyone know what the difference between the Sachs "blue label" and Sachs 'Red Label" is? Tried checking the Sachs online catalog, but it's a total nightmare. I know Sachs bought Boge and am wondering if the more expensive "blue labels" are the same as the old Boge Turbo Gas struts?

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/198...ut_insert.html

[TrentW]

Okay, just realized the blues are for a cabrio. Can they be used on a sedan for a slightly sportier feel?

It's for the wife's car and trying to get just a sportier feel while still maintaining close to stock ride height and comfort.

[jlevie]

Have you asked the wife what she'd prefer? Might be a good idea...

[TrentW]

Have you asked the wife what she'd prefer? Might be a good idea...

Ha!--yes Jim, I always do! She thinks my car with H&R Sports and Bilsteins is too harsh, but would like a slightly sportier yet comfortable ride. How would the cabrio struts work for her?

[jlevie]

The springs are the biggest factor and sways are the second biggest factor in how the car rides and handles. The shocks are primarily to dampen spring response and as long as they aren't worn out or badly matched to the spring rates have little affect on handling.

If you aren't changing springs, new stock shocks will probably be as good as it gets. On stock or H&R Sport springs I like Koni SA shocks set for just enough rebound damping to prevent spring oscillation.

[TrentW]

Thanks for clarifying, as I had been reading that the shock damping (dampening?) is the greater part of the equation in the ride quality than the springs. If I'm gonna err on one side or the other, I know she'd rather be on the softer end of the spectrum.

As far as the Koni SA's, I'm finding it difficult to justify spending twice as much for a car that will never see a track or autocross event, but I also believe that you get what you pay for. I actually regret that I didn't choose Konis for my car now. I think I would've been happier with them.

[jlevie]

The spring rates are the major factor in ride ride quality. That is easy to see if you drive a car on H&R Sport springs and a car on H&R Race springs when both cars have Bilstein Sport shocks. The race springs will result in a much rougher ride but the handling will be far better.

The Koni shocks yield a more civilized ride on stock or sport springs but they are underdamped for race springs (or similar) unless re-valved. On a DD they are nice since as the shocks wear you can dial in a bit more rebound damping instead of having to replace the shocks.

In this case I'd go with OE equivalent shocks if I wasn't going to use Koni's. New shocks make a world of difference in how the car feels in most cases.

[TrentW]

Thanks much for the advice--I'm not ruling out the Konis after realizing what you said about being able to adjust the firmness as they wear. They'd probably be the last set of struts I'd have to buy, as the car doesn't get driven more than say 8k miles a year.

If I do decide to go with Konis, I'm curious about pairing them with the rear shocks--which seem to be fine--since they're Sachs M Technik Gas shocks, #81 4901 556 757, bottom #1 135 888. I can't find any info on these anywhere--are they the ones used on the M Tech cabrios?

[taiden]

Mixing and matching struts isn't the end of the world, but it isn't ideal either. The good thing about Konis is you should be able to adjust them to somewhat match the rears.

IIRC konis have very light dampening, and adjustable rebound. They use rebound to control spring movement, which means bumps are generally pretty soft on konis.

[jlevie]

How many miles on the rear shocks? If over 60k they are probably a lot more blown out than is apparent. The "bounce test" only works on a BMW when the shocks are totally blown out. Well before then a noticeable improvement in ride and handling will be realized from new shocks.

[TrentW]

Okay, what about E30 M3 springs with Bilstein Tourings all the way around? I've been reading good things from others. She's not happy with the cost of the Konis and this way I could get everything for about half the cost.

Should be just under a 1" drop on the 325 correct?

[bluedevils]

Okay, what about E30 M3 springs with Bilstein Tourings all the way around? I've been reading good things from others. She's not happy with the cost of the Konis and this way I could get everything for about half the cost.

Should be just under a 1" drop on the 325 correct?

FYI, I used H&R OE sports and Billy touring shocks+strut inserts, worked fine, close to factory ride but slightly firmer, drops about 1" around all 4 corners. a wife-happy set up, low cost. rears look to drop a little more so I will get the IE lifting bushings that go under the rear spring for about .30" lift.

[TrentW]

Good to know, but hoping someone can confirm the drop with M3 springs.

[110stx]

M3 springs on my car, with Koni SAs, made a 3/4-inch drop. :pimp:

d.hitchcock

[TrentW]

M3 springs on my car, with Koni SAs, made a 3/4-inch drop. :pimp:

d.hitchcock

Thanks Doug, that's exactly what I needed to know.