Question on Different Shocks from Pelican

Tidybuoy · 03-08-2004, 09:30 AM

This is not related to my 914. I posted this on the BMW forum but there is so little activity on that board that I haven't received any posts. I'm hoping someone on this board can answer my question:

I'm planning on replacing the Rear Shocks, Springs, & Bushings in the next couple of weeks on my 1988 528e

I looked on the Pelican site & I notice several different models of shocks. Bilstein Sport, Bilstein Heavy Duty, Bilstein Comfort, & then there is a low price "touring Strut Insert",

Can anybody tell me the difference between these shocks & do some 528e's come with rear struts?

I'm very curious because when I re-did my old 320i with all new factory parts & boge shocks.....although there was massive improvement, in the long-run, I was not happy with the mushy feeling of the Boge shocks. I'm looking for a firmer, sportier ride, but not rock hard like an M5. I still want some comfort.

So, I could use some advice from the experts here.

Thanks in advance................................Vern

DuckRyder · 03-09-2004, 03:27 AM

Valving differs by model of car but it should shake out like this.

The TC or touring is a stock replacement type of shock with a conventional design. You should find it slightly stiffer than OEM.
(Remember when there are BOGE automatic and BOGE turbo gas; I actually like the turbo gas.)

Comfort should be a mono tube design, with the next step up in stiffness.

HD is a monotube with firm valving.

Sport is a monotube with firm valving for lowered cars.

You can't use sport with stock height springs, and for BMW applications the HD and Sport are either identically valved or very very close, the distinction being whether the car is on short springs or not.

I find that Bilstien mono tube shocks can be harsh over sharp bumps. From your description sounds like The TC or Comfort would be what you are after.

If money is not an object, you might look into KONI (yellow) sport with external adjustment.

Tidybuoy · 03-09-2004, 09:00 AM

I only wish money was not an object - but it is. However, when it comes to replacing my suspension - I want to do it right. I'll probably go with the Bilstein HD.

I don't mind the firm ride as long as it's not "914 like". But, I definately don't want a mushy cadilac type ride.