Hello,

I was wondering if anyone out there has installed Monroe Sensatrac struts and shocks on their S70? If so I'd appreciate any input.

Thanks,

I never tried the Sensatrac, but previous experinces with Monroe were that they are overpriced and not very good. I'd go with Bilstein or Boge myself.

I have them on my Ford Explorer. They are bouncy/jarring shocks and don't last more than 4 years. Not comfortable at all. I got replacement shocks for free due to their lifetime warranty. I have Bilsteins on my 98 V70-T5 and it is worth every penny I paid. A lot smoother/more comfortable ride yet gives that tight ride like a BMW. Great performance and handling shock. I didn't believe a shock could be more comfortable and handle at the same time until I tried them. I wish I bought Bilsteins for my truck but since replacement sensatracs were free, I stuck with them.

98V70-T5A Bilsteins, Swaybars.

Thanks for the input Ben. That's interesting about your experience with the Bilstein upgrade on your V70. I too upgraded to Bilsteins on my S70 and after about 25,000 miles I had the stock Boges re-installed. I agree with you in that the handling was everything that one could expect- great stability on the freeway, no more wandering within the lane, much crisper initiation into turns, just an overall improvement in handling. The reason I took them off was I was starting to develop a flinch whenever I spotted an expansion joint or moderate pothole coming up. The suspension would respond with a sharp, jarring jolt which was unacceptable after a while. The Bilsteins gave me a very unsophisticated ride in terms of ride compliance. It's interesting because I've talked to other people who have installed Bilsteins and it seems as if its about 50:50 in terms of your experience and mine.

Anyway it sounds as if the Monroes are not the answer. I was wondering if you had also upgraded to the IPD sway bars which might make a difference in terms of how the Bilsteins would perform with the 70 suspension and chasis. Also, where did you purchase your Bilsteins? I'm wondering if the Bilsteins from different sources are different. I bought mine from an outfit in San Diego called R & D Enterprises.

Thanks again,

I did buy the Bilsteins from R&D for $399 mailorder and got the swaybars from IPD. Since I had them installed

at the same time, I couldn't tell you if they made a difference. If I had to do it over again, I think I would of forgone

the sway bars. I'm thinking the Bilsteins made most of the difference in ride and handling. I'm sure the bars help too

but not as much as the shocks. I spent about $500 for the bars and installation. And maybe the bars attributed to a little

rougher ride over the bumps. I do agree that it can get a somewhat jarring over the railroad tracks and expansion joints.

But the car does rides smoother and more comfortably over good pavement and you can't beat the performance and

confidence and "fun factor" that the Bilsteins provide.

98V70T-5A Bilsteins, Swaybars

Thanks again for your input. I guess what it boils down to is compromise. For every improvement in handling there's a tradeoff in ride compliance. I plan to install the IPD swaybars and will be interested in the results.