I've looked around a bit, and these seem to be the more affordable replacement options:

KYB GR-2 - OEM replacement that's slightly stiffer to compensate for worn suspension components

Tokico blue - stiffer than the KYBs, which isn't something I'm interested in

When it comes to the OEM shocks, is there anything particularly unique about them, or are they just a little stiffer than the non-sport shocks? When it comes to the KYB or Tokico replacements, they are the same for the base and S cars. I'd like to replicate the factory ride of my '07 RWD S.

Looking at OEM replacements (which would be over 2x the cost of the KYBs), there's a different part number for cars with active headlights. My car has those, but KYB does not list a different part for cars with this option. Any insight there?

I don't really like the idea of throwing $1000 in OE suspension (shocks/mounts) into a $10k car with 116k miles, but if it's a lot nicer than the $400 KYB option, it might be worth it. With that said, if anybody has a low-mile used set of OE sport shocks, I'd be interested.

Thanks

 

Use Rock-Auto's breakdown for some good choices for your car. You would want original ride quality. That might help you get what you want.

Be aware, it maybe time to replace some bushings and ball joints at this time also, so lift the wheel, and inspect with a flashlight!

 

Thanks. I've looked on Rock Auto, and they do have the GR-2 and all of the associated mounts. There's no play in the suspension components, so I assume that's all still good enough.

Does anybody know much about the factory sport shocks or the adaptive headlight difference?

 

For the cost and quality you can't do much better than KYB's, factory ride and they'll last a very long time...Gary

 

Yeah, that's where I'm leaning. Rock Auto with their 5% discount and the KYB rebate makes it all well under $400 delivered. Tempting. These won't change ride height, will they? I know that's typically a function of the springs, but if the spring perch is in a different position, it will change the height. We put some Bilstein HDs on a 3-series recently, and it raised it by about .5". I'm not looking for something like that.

I'm guessing the adaptive headlight thing may be a bracket that needs to be moved over or similar, hopefully. If they have a note about not working with 4WS, I'd assume they'd also have one if the AFS mattered.

 

So I'm not familiar with the AFS on the 2nd gen sedans, are they horizontal steer projectors with the turn of the steering wheel? If so you would still do a vertical adjustment on your own.

 

I'm in the exact situation, although this 60 year old wouldn't mind an extra inch of lift. In my experience, springs sag at least that much after 11 years/ 100k+ miles (I'm at 107k). Most non-OE solutions aren't sport specific, so I am afraid of downgrading my situation with new parts, and have wondered if low mileage Q50 take off parts would be a solution. Please let us (me) know what you decide.

 

Yes, they swivel horizontally in varying amounts. It's like a modern version of a 1948 Tucker.

It doesn't look like mine has any noticeable suspension sag, but I'm sure there's some small amount. I didn't think to check for low-mile Q50S suspension. That's a good idea, assuming they're compatible.

What I've decided to do right now is just leave it alone, because to be honest, it drives and rides just fine. Nothing is blown or leaking, and there isn't any excessive body movement. My ultimate plan is to replace this car with a Q50S 3.7, but I hope that doesn't need to happen for a few more years. With how little I drive (less than 7k/year), I'm not sure that new suspension is necessary anyway. I just like to work on cars, and figured it would be fun. But when the best solution seems to be not-cheap or hard-to-find-used OEM, it's a bit less appealing. Good luck with yours.

 

I don't know if you are near NE Ohio but I have a set of RWD G35S shocks/struts with about 15k miles that you could have. It's just not worthwhile for me to ship.

...nevermind. just noticed the NC plates.

HELD FOR ERICF

 

^ PM sent.

 

do you still have those? I'll pay shipping plus give you extra!