My '10 -5 is past due for new shocks and struts (tires, too but that's another thread). This is my wife's daily driver and Koni's are a little out of budget (and I no longer autocross, alas!) so I am looking for OE replacement that will keep the excellent ride/handling balance. I'm not looking for a lowered, rock-hard race-track refugee, just good durable parts that the wife won't divorce me over the price...
So Monroe OE Spectrum or KYB Gas a Just for the rear? I've heard good things about the KYB's and are leaning that way but the OE's are nearly half-price... just don't tell the wife.
I can buy Bilstein B4 front struts for a little over $100 each which sounds like a good deal. Anybody have experience with these? I have read that they are OE spec for most vehicles and are very long lasting. KYB GR2 and Monroe OE Spectrum are a bit cheaper but how do they all compare?
Thanks for your time!
MazDin for shocking results
Bilsteins are famous for their monotube design. The B4 are twin tubes, which are perfectly good and better than OE replacements but not worth the cost in this case @ $100 each (btw, is this for front or rear?). I would also recommend double checking if matching B4’s are avail for the Mz5’s REAR. Last I looked, it was not an option but they did offer the B4 for the Mz3/MS3.
To Sac02’s point, not only do you want the same brand of shocks but you also want the same series.
Valving is very important, there’s also the lengthy of physical travel build into series “X” shock. The B4 will offer the most suspension travel as it is meant to be used with stock springs which are soft and tall. Their B6 (HD) and B8 (Sport) mono tubes are identical with the exception that the Sports have a ~1” (or 1.5) shorting shaft which is meant to pair with lowering springs. For example, you would not want to use B6 up front and B8 in the rear –unless you know exactly what you are doing.
I personally do not like KYBs but their stock replacements are perfectly good, esp for the value (rear GR2 came with the car). In the long run, the Koni FSD sound like the better solution (lifetime warranty to org owner). The KYBs are the financially responsible solution. I have no experience with Monroe.
Two alternatives:
A few years back Koni launched the budget SRT line but only for the Mz3 (maybe MS3 too?). Rumor is that their Sport (Yellow) set to the softer/softest setting. The front’s shouldn’t be an issue as they are the same parts but the rears will likely blow out on your in shorter time (or may not since these are advertised for mild lowering and if your local roads are not harsh) and “may” not ride as nice. You might be able to get away with the rears if paired with a taller set of high density (but progressive) bump stops to make up some of the weight. This would be a band aid if it even works. I think they also come with lifetime too
This will cost more than the Knois but you get a almost custom solution. Get the B6 for the MS3 and submit a service request ($40-60?) when ordering to have them re-valve the rears to match the Mz5's rear end.
