Ok, so you know I've been constantly hearing clunking sounds coming from the driver's side rear after installing Bilstein HDs. Well today finally figured out the problem and should have done this a long time ago before replacing bushings, trailing arms, etc. The actual shock is faulty. First, had the rears switch sides. Result: Clunk now on the passenger-rear. Second: Had the Bilstein's swapped for OEM Boge. Result: No noise, no clunks.

I'd like to keep the Bilstein setup, so should I contact Bilstein directly for a replacement or first try the place where I bought them (Turner Motorsports, Amesbury, MA). It's been a year, but they have a lifetime warantee right? With the recent rumors of valving differences I'm wondering if I should have both replaced...

Thanks!
-Adam
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'92 244GL silver-metallic, 146k, Bilstein HDs, IPD sways, upper+lower chassis braces, Cherry-Turbo strut brace, 240 OEM rear wing, 15" Draco Rims, Full E-code lighting w/side repeaters, Magnaflow 2.5" mandrel SS exhaust w/Unitek header (Jethot coated)

Turner Motorsport is a class act, I don't think you'll have problems dealing with them. They're extremely well respected in the BMW community. Just give them a call and see what they offer.

Cheers,
Nick

Thanks gang for all the help and support! Hot damn it's taken a long time to figure this b*tch out. Calling Bilstein tomorrow and hopefully they will replace/repair the shock. I'll try to see if they will replace/fix both as I'm worried that the dampening rates are now different (although I was reassured that they are still the same part#) but I don't want one side stiffer or softer than the other. I spoke with the place where I bought the shocks and since it was a special order they said to contact Bilstein directly but would support my side if they gave me problems. I'll post once things are straightened out and resolved!!
Peace,
-Adam
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'92 244GL silver-metallic, 146k, Bilstein HDs, IPD sways, upper+lower chassis braces, Cherry-Turbo strut brace, 240 OEM rear wing, 15" Draco Rims, Full E-code lighting w/side repeaters, Magnaflow 2.5" mandrel SS exhaust w/Unitek header (Jethot coated)

They are guaranteed for life; have Bilstein replace the pair. I would have them tested on their dyno as well to make sure the dampening pressures are to your liking. Check out Dave Barton's website for more info on that.

Roguls
New York, USA

Sterndogg,

Glad to here that you finally found the cause of that clunk. It must have been anoying. I don't think Bilstein would change the valving without changing part numbers. The other shock is probably fine.

Yama
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1990 240 Sdn 277K,tach,strut brace,turbo sway 1990 240 Wgn M47II 157K,tach,strut brace,poly bushings,IPD sways

D-A-W-G,

I am seriously aghast...

It is a total shame that the quality for which Bilstein is noted seems to be declining in an age of cut backs, global profit, and mass production. With all that I have been reading about Bily issues on this message board, and T-Bricks too, I am begining to realize what I only simply suspected in the past... things ain't the way they used to be (and I am only 30yrs old). They will never build anything like they did when my Dad was a kid... cars and car parts especially. Things seem to get cheaper and shitier every year!

Personally, I would demand that they replace both shocks! Or, at least, give you a serious pro-rate on some freshies... especially when you explain what we know to be TRUE about the new strut/shock valving differences. You can not just replace the one, as I always look at those components like spark plugs -all or none. Shit, I would explain it from this perspective: my local pick & pull probably has better quality shocks in some rusted out bomb... than what I received from Bilstein. And, to top it off, that was driving you mad for months.

Glad to hear you solved the problem... thanks for the insight as well... as always... you da man.

Peace Bro', Jon

if you have the original receipt.

Lifetime warranty for the original purchaser. Did you keep the receipt?
Check the Bilstein website for more info and how to contact them.

http://www.bilstein.com/

I'd be interested to here how it goes.
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'80 DL 2 dr