Bilstein TC's (touring class) - need your thoughts..........

[scott535i]

I've heard nothing but great things about the Bilstein's HD and SP shocks, but nothing really about the TC's. Any thoughts? Pros/Cons? Times are tough, money tight.......but need to upgrade and save money. The TC's seem to be their inexpensive model.

I want to install them on my '85 535i, front and rear.

Much appreciated.

[Rich in Tupelo]

I had tourings on my euro 535i. I had boge TG on my former 535is and will be putting them on my 535i soon. For the money I like the Boge TG better and they are just as cheap or cheaper. Check with Steve Haygood for the best price.

Rich

[booker]

Don't use tourings with lowering springs. You will blow them in short oder.

BTDT

[John]

I'd look for a used pair of HDs if $ were at issue. Ebay or these boards have them pretty often.

[rodpaine]

[QUOTE="scott535i"]I've heard nothing but great things about the Bilstein's HD and SP shocks, but nothing really about the TC's. Any thoughts? Pros/Cons? Times are tough, money tight.......[/QUOTE]
I put TC's on my '83 528e, but couldn't really tell any difference. Replaced them with HD's and got the firmer, but not harsh control I was looking for. Added bigger anti-sway bars and I finally have the ride I like for the long distance driving I do with this 528e. For me, the TC's simply weren't firm enough... but many prefer them. Hard to know without trying them and seeing how they feel to you.

FWIW.
-Rod

[John in VA]

"Lotus" termed the Tourings "junk" after putting some on an e30 - smaller diameter tube/rod vs. Sports or HD. Steve H. suggests Boge based on $$, performance and warranty combination.

[Rich in WI]

I will have a set of used Bilstein Tourings shortly, if youare interested. They aren't bad shocks. If I were to buy new, I'd go with Boges.

If you are interested in the set of Tourings, I will sell the entire setup intact to you with strut tubes and springs for a reasonable cost. The front strut mounts are cracking a bit and would probably benefit from being replaced. Let me know if you are interested.

Rich