Bilstein HD or is touring good enough

[the bob]

Hello all,

I am a new member, I tried to search but it would not let me.

I have just bought a 87 325i with 182K on it . It has original shocks that are still ok but I would like to change them out. I am not that aggressive a driver but so I am leaning toward the touring. Are the HD that much better and will they be tolerable for a grandma driver like myself. They also cost alot more.

Thanks

Also has anyone ever run 100 watt bulbs in the fog lamps. I am considering that after driving in some bad rain last night.


bob

[e30Matt]

My 318 has tourings on it right now, and it seems more than adequate for my style of driving.

My friend had 100W bulbs in his fogs and the wiring went up in smoke about a month later.

[the bob]

Thanks for the quick response.

I am leaning toward the touring.
I am sure that it will suite my no impact style of driving.

I would run relays out to the lights which would hopefully aviod any meltdowns.

This is my first bimmer and even though I miss the MB size and security I am enjoying the ride and simplicity of the e30. It seems that this car may be one of the cheapest yet most enjoyable cars avialable for a daily driver.

I paid 2000 for it and it basically needs no work.

thanks


bob

[Rob]

whats the difference between touring and HD?

[KenC]

Are the tourings valved for lowering/sport springs?

I don't really drive/corner my car very hard. I just bought my lowering springs for aesthetics. I'm just looking for a shock that won't blow out with lowering springs.

[Rob]

the price difference is suprising

[m42technic]

Get the tourings. They will still make a world of difference compared to your original shocks.

[KenC]

If you're running stock springs, the tourings will work great.

According to Patrick at BavAuto, the Tourings aren't valved for use with lowering springs.

[parkerbink]

There is an auction for tourings for 239.00 buy it now.

[RCWells]

I have E30 M3 springs with Bilstein Tourings. Got to change them out. The tourings are way to soft for aggressive driving. If you like to drive fast and want something stable go with the HD or Sports. Just my opinion.

[Xmarksthespot21]

Yeah Ken,

The tourings are for stock springs. The HD are for stock springs, but they are as stiff as the bilstein sports. I have the tourings on my 325i, and they are fine. They are about 15% stiffer than stock and will make a big difference over your old tired shocks.

If you want to save money, just pick up the ones off of ebay. I bought off of that guy, and he sells quality stuff.

[the bob]

Thank you so much for such great responces.

I have been looking for a good forum for the e30 and I think that I have found it.

Thanks

bob

[e30Matt]

Shox.com has Tourings for $219, I believe.

[e304lyfe]

get the tourings if you dont want your ride to be harsher. HD's definitely stiffen up things.

[Den]

I am enjoying the ride and simplicity of the e30. It seems that this car may be one of the cheapest yet most enjoyable cars avialable for a daily driver.

You catch on quick for a Benz driver. ;)

This is my first bimmer and even though I miss the MB size and security . . .

Well, there are larger BMers. You might like an E32 735i . . . not nearly as light on its feet as an E30 though, and good luck finding a 5-speed.


HD's are very high pressure mono-tube shocks. The ride is very stiff. You probably would not like them if the road surfaces in your area are not pefect. The Sport is just a shorter version of this shock for use with shorter springs.

The Touring is Bilstein's version of the Boge Turbo Gas shock which is OE on the E30. Supposedly, it has 15% more pressure on the gas inside it, but I don't know if that translates into a 15% stiffer ride. I've been told that they are not much different from the stock Boge shocks.

Over the years, Bilstein has spent millions of dollars telling us that conventional twin-tube shocks suck, and now . . .
"Introducing Bilstein Touring Class O.E. replacement Twin Tube Gas Pressure Shocks and Struts." :) :D

http://www.bilstein.com/products/econotc.html