Replacing struts

[compsyndrome]

I am tempted to replace my front struts. X5 diesel 2015 120K miles.

She drives fine. Is this a stupid idea? Will I be disappointed? I hope to regain some of the "new car drive" feel.

[tlow98]

I replaced mine at 76k miles and was shocked (pun intended) how much better the ride was.

Also, at that mileage your front tension struts and lower control arms are likely due, especially if you’re chasing a new car feel.

I did them all and drive like a different car. Also, stopped chewing through front tires

[compsyndrome]

Originally Posted by tlow98

I replaced mine at 76k miles and was shocked (pun intended) how much better the ride was.

Also, at that mileage your front tension struts and lower control arms are likely due, especially if you’re chasing a new car feel.

I did them all and drive like a different car. Also, stopped chewing through front tires

You convinced me.

[compsyndrome]

Originally Posted by tlow98

I replaced mine at 76k miles and was shocked (pun intended) how much better the ride was.

Also, at that mileage your front tension struts and lower control arms are likely due, especially if you’re chasing a new car feel.

I did them all and drive like a different car. Also, stopped chewing through front tires

May I ask you if you replaced the coils and if you have any recommendations regarding a brand? Also, did you have to unscrew the axle? Thanks.

[compsyndrome]

In case someone faces the same dilemma, this is what I replaced:

Rear shocks:
BILSTEIN 19240336 , 19240329 $ 95.79

Front struts/coil spring assembly:
FCS 3337073 $82

MOOG RK622956, RK622957 Complete Arm w/ Ball Joint
Front Left, right Lower Rearward $56

MOOG RK623279, RK623280 Complete Arm w/ Ball Joint Info
Front Left, Right Lower Forward; without Active Steering $68

X5 2015 35D with 3rd row, air suspension, 110K miles

I had a shop do my front; then I did the rear shocks myself. The front replacement probably improved the drive some but it wasn't a striking difference.
Changing the back shocks made a more significant difference.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by compsyndrome

In case someone faces the same dilemma, this is what I replaced:

Rear shocks:
BILSTEIN 19240336 , 19240329 $ 95.79

Front struts/coil spring assembly:
FCS 3337073 $82

MOOG RK622956, RK622957 Complete Arm w/ Ball Joint
Front Left, right Lower Rearward $56

MOOG RK623279, RK623280 Complete Arm w/ Ball Joint Info
Front Left, Right Lower Forward; without Active Steering $68

X5 2015 35D with 3rd row, air suspension, 110K miles

I had a shop do my front; then I did the rear shocks myself. The front replacement probably improved the drive some but it wasn't a striking difference.
Changing the back shocks made a more significant difference.

I’m surprised. Did you pick the car up used? Maybe the control arms were already done?

I noticed no more wandering in the lanes on the highway. Obviously the ride got better and the handling was much more precise everywhere.

[compsyndrome]

Originally Posted by tlow98

I’m surprised. Did you pick the car up used? Maybe the control arms were already done?

I noticed no more wandering in the lanes on the highway. Obviously the ride got better and the handling was much more precise everywhere.

No, I am the original owner. Did you do an alignment after?

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by compsyndrome

No, I am the original owner. Did you do an alignment after?

Yes, but if you’re not noticing any abnormal wear on the tires than the components you replaced shouldn’t have changed much other than to help get the geometry where it should have been.

[shimmy23]

always get an alignment after suspension work. You did you control arms! yes, get an alignment

[compsyndrome]

Originally Posted by tlow98

Yes, but if you’re not noticing any abnormal wear on the tires than the components you replaced shouldn’t have changed much other than to help get the geometry where it should have been.

I was wondering if some (most) of the benefits you saw were from the alignment. Especially the lane thing.

In any case, which helped more is very subjective. The bottom line is, after doing both front and rear, I have a much better drive.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by compsyndrome

I was wondering if some (most) of the benefits you saw were from the alignment. Especially the lane thing.

In any case, which helped more is very subjective. The bottom line is, after doing both front and rear, I have a much better drive.

That’s a good point, and one I hadn’t thought of!

I also found the rear to have a huge impact. Those rear shocks must be a bit over worked.

[musa]

Originally Posted by compsyndrome

In case someone faces the same dilemma, this is what I replaced:

Rear shocks:
BILSTEIN 19240336 , 19240329 $ 95.79

Front struts/coil spring assembly:
FCS 3337073 $82

MOOG RK622956, RK622957 Complete Arm w/ Ball Joint
Front Left, right Lower Rearward $56

MOOG RK623279, RK623280 Complete Arm w/ Ball Joint Info
Front Left, Right Lower Forward; without Active Steering $68

X5 2015 35D with 3rd row, air suspension, 110K miles

I had a shop do my front; then I did the rear shocks myself. The front replacement probably improved the drive some but it wasn't a striking difference.
Changing the back shocks made a more significant difference.

Where did you buy these parts?

[compsyndrome]

Originally Posted by musa

Where did you buy these parts?

Rockauto. All of them.