I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Using standard Bilstein shocks with aftermarket springs vs. aftermarket coil over packages
I took my ND out of my garage yesterday and discovered a large patch of fluid on the floor near where the rear nearside wheel would have been. On closer inspection, the factory Bilstein shock absorber seems to have deposited a lot of its fluid and presumably failed. I assume that it’s the original part fitted to the car when new. I have been running BBR’s ND high performance springs for about 2,500 miles. I have some questions:
Has anyone else experienced shock failure on their ND? What springs were you running, which corner(s), and what was the mileage?
Would the BBR springs have increased the wear and tear on the shock due to the different spring rate?
I’m either going to replace both rear Bilsteins (looks like the parts are around £210 per corner, but correct me if I’m wrong) or all four corners with a coil over package. I was thinking perhaps MeisterR but am keen to hear recommendations and experiences, please. The car is driven enthusiastically on the road and hasn’t seen a track yet. It might one day, but the majority of use will be fast road.
Lowering springs on a factory shock does reduce service life. Often a shredded shock boot will kill a Bilstein. Won’t kill a Koni though.
I only have limited experience with MeisterRs; the springs quickly rusted and fractured.
I like the idea of some of the Teins; reasonable price, and present the option of adding in EDFC; essentially changing rebound settings from the driver’s seat (basically a stepper motor replacing the top adjuster knob). Baller is the EDFC pro that automates it.
Thanks for your input - it’s given me a few things to think about.
I’m surprised that nobody else has confirmed that they’ve had a shock absorber fail on an ND yet. The ND has been with us for about 8 years at this point and there must have been some failures on higher mileage cars due to simple wear and tear.
I replaced the bilsteins with Koni dampers which made for a far superior ride and they are adjustable. The Meister suspension in my view would be too stiff if you want some comfort over our ■■■■ roads unless you like some track action.
I’ve got some Eibach Pro-line springs on my 124 Spider Abarth which is basically an MX5 ND with the sports suspension. My Bilstein shocks sound awful and are very crashy and the car skips about a bit on fast corners. I was looking at replacing with Bilstein B6 shocks which is near to OEM standard. Includes the bump stops so just acase of transfering springs and top mounts. I looked at Bilstein B8 shocks which are shorter shock bodies for lowering springs but not sure if they would lower the car to much.
Interested in the Koni dampers. What version did you use and did you need new bumpstops?
My car has Eibach anti roll bars and BBR’s alignment. The suspension upgrades made the car feel more planted and eliminated any unexpected waywardness. Have you already had a specialist look at your alignment?
I’m mulling over MeisterR ZetaCRD but intend to do a bit of research on BC Racing as well as the BC Racing BR Series would be a similar price.
Had the alignments done by Rodders in Sheffield. I think the OEM Bilsteins are just passed their sell by date. Pretty much all the imperfections in the road result in a thumping noise from the back end. Going to look at the Koni Sports as they are matched with the Eibach Pro line springs and height adjustable on install. I don’t need to spend so much on coilovers which from previous experience with BC coilovers were quite hard.
Interesting that they refer to origin as China Taiwan.
Most Taiwanese would probably beg to differ.
I’ve had meisters on my mk3 for 6 years without issue.
Standard shocks may bottom out with reduced length lowering springs which may cause accelerated wear on bump stops and damper cylinder.
Agreed.
Also - if the lowered car regularly keeps pushing the bump stops in to the shock body it can eventually damage the seals.
Correctly lowered cars should have the appropriate length bump stops fitted.
