[Doctortraveller]

I have been an avid follower of Team-BHP for upwards of a decade now - albeit a new member. The purpose of this post is to ask the members on this forum if they have any information or experience on having the suspension (front and back) in the BMW 3-GT changed or upgraded with OEM Sachs or Bilstein suspension (not at the official BMW service center).

My BMW 3-GT is a 2014 model, purchased preowned by me in 2016. For the past few months, I have been hearing a hollow drum-like noise from the rear boot. At my usual car service this was brought up and I was informed that the suspension hydraulics were leaking oil (I don't have photos sent to me since my phone whatsapp had some issues and all data was lost). I was told that the front suspension hydraulics would need to be original BMW and the rear could be Sachs or OEM - the cost of this whole exercise was exorbitant (upwards of 3L). Upon a parallel search online, I compared the original part numbers from BMW cross-referenced to my VIN number and compared this to Sach's website. Based on that I was led to believe that Sachs is OEM for BMW and that replacement of the front need not be from BMW original but could be Sachs. I talked to Shetty Motors in Mumbai and they said it was possible to do this. Another store I spoke to in Mumbai based on a reference from my cousin, in their whatapp conversation with him, said it was possible to use Sachs - but when I went to their store at Opera House, his sons managing the store at the front, said I would need original BMW.

I am not sure what to do, since I keep getting these conflicting responses. I don't want to purchase these parts and then be told they cannot be installed (as they are non-returnable). And the cost of the original is prohibitive - such that the service center owner told me to use the car as is, and replacing it was not going to increase the sale value of the car etc etc.

Any suggestions on the same would be greatly appreciated.

[PapaBravo]

I am not sure why you are being suggested to use 'original' BMW shocks when the 'original' are most probably from Sachs itself since they are OE suppliers to BMW.

I recently changed all 4 shocks on my X1 & put in 'Sachs' sourced from a bhpian in Delhi. There was no issue in fitment or driving dynamics except that the dynamics improved compared to the older one which had leaked.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Pawan

[anainar]

Hi,

My BMW X3 shocks are leaking as well and need to be replaced. I have been suggested to use VMO / Kaxton shocks. Has any one had experience with them? If Sachs is a OEM would like to know how to source it in Bangalore.

[varunsonu]

Originally Posted by PapaBravo

I am not sure why you are being suggested to use 'original' BMW shocks when the 'original' are most probably from Sachs itself since they are OE suppliers to BMW.

I recently changed all 4 shocks on my X1 & put in 'Sachs' sourced from a bhpian in Delhi. There was no issue in fitment or driving dynamics except that the dynamics improved compared to the older one which had leaked.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Pawan

Hey! I need to replace my X1 fronts shocks. Can you share the cost and number of the Bphian from whom you have got them replaced. Also your experience if you are happy with Sachs.