I need to replace the front shocks on my 1995 325i Convertible, how much should I expect this to cost (parts and labor)? I plan on having it done with OEM parts as I am not changing the rears. Also, the car has the sport package, in 1995 did that include different shocks than an E36 w/o sport package? Thanks.
How much should front shocks cost?
- Thread starter My Toy 95
- Start date
Well, usually when the front shocks go bad, the rears are well on their way too (You figure the rears are SMALLER and do almost as much work...) Rears are also super easy to install... not even 10 minutes to do the rears.
If you buy the standard boge shocks (oil filled), they will be about $80 a piece for the front and about $60/piece for the rear - that's estimating, they will probably be more.
Just make sure you do not get munroe or something like that... get boge's or bilsteins (i highly reccomend bilstein!!)
If you buy the standard boge shocks (oil filled), they will be about $80 a piece for the front and about $60/piece for the rear - that's estimating, they will probably be more.
Just make sure you do not get munroe or something like that... get boge's or bilsteins (i highly reccomend bilstein!!)
Thanks. I have done some homework and I think I am going to go with Bilsteins all around, probably the heavy duty over the sport as I drive in and out of NYC and encounter a lot of rough pavement so I think the sport ones might give too stiff a ride. The e36's w/sport package did come with different shocks than a stock e36.
![[:D]](/images/smilies/biggrin.png "Big Grin [:D]")
Check out this DIY: http://www.logun.org/suspension.htm
Bilstein Touring class shocks, set of 4 (front and rear) - $289 at shox.com. These use stock springs, and the ride is somewhat refined compared to heavy duty ones. You will feel it with your butt very well, if you also have 17inch + wheens and low-profile tires. Also, these are much cheaper than sports.
For rear shocks, you will need to move some carpeting, so make sure you have an
extra set of plastic clips, if you rip off the carpet from the trunk side of the rear seat. Also replace rear shock mounts at the same time. Put a rear sway bar - for looks and if you wanna have an excuse of not picking someone up in the airport 'cause you don't have any space in the trunk![[;)]](/images/smilies/wink.png "Wink [;)]")
If you buy front struts separately (not the whole assembly), you will need a spring compressor - can't do it by hand really. I suggest you get a mechanic to do this job if you haven't done this before. Also have him check lower ball joints - they wear out as quickly as shocks. Put the full-metal balljoints (like from M3) - on Ebay $50 a pair. Total would be around $150 for all of the above labor.
For rear shocks, you will need to move some carpeting, so make sure you have an
extra set of plastic clips, if you rip off the carpet from the trunk side of the rear seat. Also replace rear shock mounts at the same time. Put a rear sway bar - for looks and if you wanna have an excuse of not picking someone up in the airport 'cause you don't have any space in the trunk
If you buy front struts separately (not the whole assembly), you will need a spring compressor - can't do it by hand really. I suggest you get a mechanic to do this job if you haven't done this before. Also have him check lower ball joints - they wear out as quickly as shocks. Put the full-metal balljoints (like from M3) - on Ebay $50 a pair. Total would be around $150 for all of the above labor.
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