e39 M5 Damping

[Patrick Bateman]

The damping is often cited as the strongest point of this and I've just come across this video I've never seen before that illustrates it quite well. Thought I'd share for the fellow fanbois...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2DfXK79NmQ#t=370

[Depthhoar]

Was surprised the Jag did less well than the M5 on the Belgian pave (cobblestone) test.

Funny this was posted now as I'm considering changing the ageing dampers on my E39 M5 and was wondering which way to go whilst retaining the OE springs...

OE (Sachs) at great expense from the dealer.
Koni Sport (yellow) adjustable...well..maybe, or
Bilstein (sharp intake of breath...) B6, though strictly speaking not an official fitment.

Really keen to maintain the ride/body control balance of the OE set up and OE ride height. Tending to favour the Bilstein B6 as I think they may give me what I want without the punitive price tag of the OE Sachs. (Also, Sachs reputed, out there in internet-land, to be not as long-lived as the Bilsteins). The Konis are only notionally adjustable (everyday & practically-speaking) on the front axle.

Decisions......

Edited by Depthhoar on Tuesday 23 September 22:21

[nonuts]

Depthhoar said:

Was surprised the Jag did less well than the M5 on the Belgian pave (cobblestone) test.

Funny this was posted now as I'm considering changing the ageing dampers on my E39 M5 and was wondering which way to go whilst retaining the OE springs...

OE (Sachs) at great expense from the dealer.
Koni Sport (yellow) adjustable...well..maybe, or
Bilstein (sharp intake of breath...) B6, though strictly speaking not an official fitment.

Really keen to maintain the ride/body control balance of the OE set up and OE ride height. Tending to favour the Bilstein B6 as I think they may give me what I want without the punitive price tag of the OE Sachs. (Also, Sachs reputed, out their in internet-land, to be not as long-lived as the Bilsteins). The Konis are only notionally adjustable (everyday & practically-speaking) on the front axle.

Decisions......

I have the same issue with mine, I think all the springs / dampers need doing and I don't want the car to be any lower as it's great not having to worry about any speed bumps etc. I was thinking OE everything but I'm aware it's going to be hugely expensive. If the B6 option work properly with the OE springs that could be a great choice.

[Hereward]

I've just had brand new OEM shocks and top mounts fitted to the front of my E39. 700 quid a corner, ouch.

[cosworth330]

I renewed the front shocks/top mounts on my E39 M5 at 110,000 made a big improvement,used the original springs as nothing wrong with them. Bought oem from BMW dealer, wasn't too bad. Fitted myself which kept the cost down.

Simon

[tjlazer]

I went with b8 and intrax springs and they are a very good combo, really tightens the ride up. Phil Crouch did not recommend b6 as these aren't rated for the M5. Might work but try the b8 intrax setup if you want a very compliant but sport ride .

[Stinkfoot]

I decided to go with Bilstein PSS9 coil overs on my M5 ( with up rated front and rear anti roll bars) and new bushes all round. Done 20k on them now and the car is as tight as a drum.

[Stinkfoot]

I decided to go with Bilstein PSS9 coil overs on my M5 ( with up rated front and rear anti roll bars) and new bushes all round. Done 20k on them now and the car is as tight as a drum.

[plenty]

I've had Konis fitted for over a year and am happy with them. Adjustability is a moot point - stick to the recommended settings, fit and forget. Cheaper than OEM Sachs and come with lifetime warranty. PSS9s and B8/Intrax are proven solutions however are not comparable to OEM.

[M5Docklands]

I've had B8s and intrax springs installed. The rear wheels rubbed so had to have the arches rolled. I've recently had the following replaced by Raikku @Evolve Luton. As Raikku would say, "do it once and be done with it". This now my approach with my M.

-anti roll bar links front+rear
-control and thrust arms front
-center and outer tie rods,idler arm bushing
-ball joints and integral links rear axle
-all control arms(minus H-wishbone lower)
-differential and subframe bushes
-Re-inforcement of the subframe
- Top mounts front+rear for dampers
- Power flex bushes for thrust and control arms front

[tjlazer]

Do you have aftermarket wheels? There's no rubbing with the stock wheels with intrax/b8...it's barely different to the stock setup?