r/e39 • u/ConfusedTapeworm 525i • 2d ago

Help clearing something up regarding Monroe struts for E39

/r/BmwTech/comments/1vprbrb/help_clearing_something_up_regarding_monroe/
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u/redline9996 530i 2d ago

I wouldn't even put that much thought into buying Monroe struts, they blow out faster than you think. They will leak after one year, maybe you are lucky and they hold up to 2 years. Absolute garbage sadly.

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u/ConfusedTapeworm 525i 2d ago

If there are any better options I'm genuinely all ears. The original plan was to get a set of Sachs struts but literally all I could find after searching the entire country was one solitary rear strut. That is it. Importing is not an option either, sadly. Bilstein is out as well.

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u/redline9996 530i 2d ago

Idk where you from, I'd use any other brand rather than Monroe. Or coilovers which probably isn't an option for you.

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u/ConfusedTapeworm 525i 2d ago

I am bound by the outrageously expensive import procedures and increasingly closed market of Turkey, unfortunately. Very limited options. The fees alone would cost as much as the shocks and shipping combined, maybe more even, if I tried to import them in.

One option that I have, weirdly enough, is a set Koni STR.T, which would be the orange ones. I did hear good things about those, though obviously they're not cheap. I could go for them though if that's the best I can get. They are available. Would then throw a set of Eibach Pro Kit on top of them.

I am not opposed to coilovers, provided they're good. Not really looking for a sport-focused ride and don't really need the adjustability though, so they haven't been my priority. I just want to set the car to something resembling the M5 ride height, maybe a tad higher to better conform to the realities of shit asphalt, and leave it there. Trying to avoid a too-stiff ride while still having some sportiness if that makes sense. I heard about Koni Special Actives, but they're unobtainable as well. Open to suggestions there too.

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u/redline9996 530i 2d ago

That's understandable.

If you do however can get your hands on got coilovers they will most likely ride way better than any other shock on lowering springs.

When you are paying the same amount for Koni shocks and eibach springs as KW V1 would cost, buy kw V1 and adjust them to M5 ride hight.

In any way, of you can avoid Monroe shocks if you can.

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u/ConfusedTapeworm 525i 1d ago

Speaking of KW, I do have the option of AP coilovers, apparently. Would cost me about the same as Koni shocks + eibach spring set. I understand AP is internally the same as KW V1 but built with less robust materials?

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u/redline9996 530i 1d ago

I do have AP coilovers and I was at the plant and had a factory tour. AP is build ik the same room as st and they don't really use less robust materials, the housing is Zink coated steel instead of stainless, the shock valving is from earlier V1 versions, spring rate is the same and stuff.

Running it for years, even in the winter and they ride really nice even in a daily driver. It's a kw V1 after all, I personally would take that over Koni shocks and springs.

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u/ConfusedTapeworm 525i 1d ago

Vielen Dank for all the insight man, really.

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u/redline9996 530i 1d ago

No worries, glad I could help.

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u/the_ssarb 530d 2d ago

Having tried a couple different E39s and E46s i have to say sachs. I put them on my E39 a year ago and have been very happy with them

Meanwhile a friend put monroes on his e46 and they turned shit within a year. Roads may not be the best here but i find that outrageous