KYB or Bilstein Touring?

[lowd239]

Thanks to all but I was able to find a set of rear shocks on ebay for cheap and two fronts from summit racing so all in all it only cost me around $100. Hopefully theyll work out for me.

[StereoInstaller1]

If this thread keeps going this guy will be rolling on new springs AND shocks for less than he was looking to spend on Tourings in the first place!

Luke

[smooth]

I've got KYB all around sitting in a box in oregon at my dad's if you're interested.
I bought my car, had the owner install KYB because the struts and shocks were shot. He worked at an auto shop, so he did the labor for free.

I drove around for about a month, reading on the boards what I wanted to do with my vert, then I drove to oregon and put H&R with Bilsteins on my ride and left the KYB's there.

so basically they have less than 1000 miles on them and I don't think I'll ever need them if you'd like to make an offer. I thought the ride was pleasant and I didn't have any complaints. I was just new to BMW's and the various enthusiast forums where I can see now that a lot of specific things get hyped and bandwagoned although it may not be noticeable to a majority of drivers out there.

If you're interested in the KYB's, shoot me an offer before buying new. I don't expect to get more than half what I paid as they aren't in high demand on here--so they are definately good for replacing blown suspension inexpensively. I'm pretty sure I paid about $200, including cali tax. but you're saying you can get them on ebay for $160. so something like $110 shipped seems fair.

I also have the struts in the housing with the ABS sensors and a new wheel bearing on the driver's side. It just made it easier for me to swap those over for a spare set I picked up. Those are pretty heavy though, but they're available, too.

[1991 318is]

In the 80's KYB's were the first widely available gas shock and were hot stuff. I would rank Bilstein TC's first, then Boge/Sachs and KYB close seconds. HD and Sports for track.

[fporro]

nuthing wrong with KYB, i ran them for about 30K's without any issues.

as stiff as Bilstein Sports and HD's, only difference is if stiffness kicks in
on compression or rebound stroke., really.

took notes when compared them, I'll look for them.

make me an offer on this puppies, the pair to right of picture.

or the Turbo Boge and Bilsteins.

heck, the centered Sachs may still be here somewhere.

$ 25 shipping from 91360 ...

[AdironRider]

Im not sure specifically but knowing my pops, they were the generic cheapo ones. Probably explains it right there.

[StereoInstaller1]

Thats all well and good, but he said nothing about lowering his car. I just know my pops has been putting new KYB's on his honda every 30k it seems, but our roads here sucks royally, so they get beat on pretty good.

Exactly why I specifically mentioned "if" he is lowering his car.

On your Dad's honda, is he using the GR2 or the generic? I know the generic KYB is pretty weak...but GR2's generally rock for the money.

You are absolutely right about the NE having the worst roads in the US. Seems parts of HWY 1 were like a freaking minefield.

I think if I had any interst in a stock height car, I would seriously consider tourings. As it is, my KYB/B+G combo is gonna go on my sons car when I upgrade to coilovers...but I have always wanted Koni, so I will likely go with them there Konis.

Luke

[Dave]

The OE KYBs on my wife's van went 100k no issues. Replaced them with new GR-2s not long ago.

KYB is oe for Lexus and Toyota.

[AdironRider]

Horseshit.

I own the fucking things, and have had them on several cars. All lowered, all driven hard, all (except the E30) have had over 100,000 miles put on KYB GR2s. The E30 has about 25,000 miles on its GR-2s, and while I will agree that billysports are a far better shock, I would rather have GR-2s than tourings if the car is (or is going to be) lowered.

The Tourings aren't intended for a lowered car. Their stroke is centered on a stock ride heigth. If you lower them, the gas is too high in pressure and thus causes premature failure. Not by any means a bad shock, excellent in fact...but needs to be used within its designed parameters.

I would not say that KYB's are my first choice, or even 3rd...but if you are broke and need shocks, fear not on rocking the KYB's.

Mine feel terrific.

Especially if you intend to lower. Whatever you do, stay away from Monroe (especially the "SensaTrak") or Gabriel.

Luke

Thats all well and good, but he said nothing about lowering his car. I just know my pops has been putting new KYB's on his honda every 30k it seems, but our roads here sucks royally, so they get beat on pretty good.

[e30 gangsta]

Kyb Keep Your Blistens

[vpilarrt]

lowd 239 said

Theres a set of bilstein tourings on ebay for 189 with free shipping...

I installed a new set of Billy TC's and used M3 springs (with 75k miles on them) on my 318is to get a slightly lowered look. Well the ride is much nicer but the springs didn't lower my car one bit - in fact the front is close to 1" higher than stock. So I'm thinking of sell this stuff and going with H&Rs and Billy Sports. I'd be willing to let the whole package go for $250 shipped or $150 shipped for the shocks alone. Let me know.

[lowd239]

thanks for the info. Looks like I will be going with a set of KYBs.

Jeff

[JGood]

KYB is OEM for many car manufacturers, as stated in another thread.

There is nothing wrong with them.

[StereoInstaller1]

KYB's are crap from what Ive heard.

Horseshit.

I own the fucking things, and have had them on several cars. All lowered, all driven hard, all (except the E30) have had over 100,000 miles put on KYB GR2s. The E30 has about 25,000 miles on its GR-2s, and while I will agree that billysports are a far better shock, I would rather have GR-2s than tourings if the car is (or is going to be) lowered.

The Tourings aren't intended for a lowered car. Their stroke is centered on a stock ride heigth. If you lower them, the gas is too high in pressure and thus causes premature failure. Not by any means a bad shock, excellent in fact...but needs to be used within its designed parameters.

I would not say that KYB's are my first choice, or even 3rd...but if you are broke and need shocks, fear not on rocking the KYB's.

Mine feel terrific.

Especially if you intend to lower. Whatever you do, stay away from Monroe (especially the "SensaTrak") or Gabriel.

Luke

[Mike325]

I have the bilstein tourings on my car and they feel great. A nice improvement over my non blown stock ones for sure. I still get a great ride and still have good handeling.