5 Series BMW Shocks and Struts

Wondering if it's time for new 5 Series BMW shocks for your E39 chassis? Is it necessary to replace my 5 Series BMW shock mounts, stops, and boots too? This post also provides you with a basic description of front and rear 5 Series BMW shock suspension set-ups and explains the difference between Factory BMW 5 Series Comfort suspension verses Factory BMW 5 Series Sport suspension options.

The BMW shock replacement information on this page applies to the following BMW 5 Series models:

  • 2001-2003 BMW 525i Shock Absorber (US) E39 chassis.
  • 1997-2000 BMW 528i Shock Absorber (US) E39 chassis.
  • 2001-2003 BMW 530i Shock Absorber (US) E39 chassis.

Is It Time for New 5 Series BMW Shocks?

Warning Sign - Effect of rough roads on BMW shocksAccording to a 2009 AASHTO summary report, only 1/2 of US major roads are said to be in good condition with more than 60% of roads in major cities in poor condition. This translates into an estimated $335 in vehicle maintenance and operation costs each year and up to $746 in major cities.

Bad road conditions may be out of our control, but you can be more prepared for them by replacing your worn out 5 Series BMW Shocks. The importance of new shocks goes beyond mere comfort. Worn shocks can affect steering, tire wear and your BMW 5 Series responsiveness.  New 5 Series BMW Shocks and related suspension components (i.e. ball joints etc.) can improve your vehicle's ability to maintain traction, help it respond to quick turns, and emergency stops.

It's easy to tell when your brakes or wipers need replacing. Determining if your 5 Series BMW shocks need to be replaced isn't as simple. There is no "replace them every x amount of miles" service interval standards here. Customers in need of 5 Series BMW shock replacement often notice a soft spongy ride feeling around 90,000 miles. Although this soft feel may not seem that bad, it indicates that the 5 Series BMW shocks have already begun to lose their ability to dampen. In our own BMW service shop, experience has shown that between 90,000-130,000 miles you'll begin to see a considerable deterioration in ride quality. When going over a bump a good 5 Series BMW shock should compress and spring up / rebound only once. Whereas, a worn out 5 Series BMW shock compresses and rebounds several times, causing a bouncy springiness. Due to this loss in dampening performance a worn out 5 Series BMW shock begins to significantly increase the wear on the related suspension components (control arms, mounts etc.) quickly reducing their service life. Why? To reiterate... instead of 1 compression, the shock is compressing 3 or 4 times before it brings the wheel back into control. Customers seem to stretch their 5 Series BMW shock replacement out a little longer than other scheduled maintenance. Do you really want to run the risk of wearing out all these suspension components or your whole front end? As you can see, it's very important to install a fresh new pair of shocks in your Beetle when you reach this high mileage.

This spongy feeling and slow bump recovery time is one of the first signs that you're in need of new 5 Series BMW shocks. Other symptoms include bald patches on your tires, tire cupping, excessive shock oil seepage, vehicle pulling, poor steering response, or sharp knocks, such as when going over railroad tracks.

Is It Necessary to Replace the 5 Series BMW Shock Mounts, Stops, and Boots Too?

BMW Shock Labor CostThe importance of servicing your BMW 5 Series suspension the correct way cannot be overstated! In this economy many are trying to save wherever possible. However, think carefully before cutting corners in this department. When replacing 5 Series BMW Shocks in our own service facility, we've seen that other suspension parts (i.e. BMW shock mounts, stops, boots, and hardware) show significant signs of wear or have already begun to deteriorate and are not reusable. Many customers who've replaced only their 5 Series BMW Shocks, have found that they're still experiencing similar suspension problems as well as random front end suspension noises. This may be because other worn shock related components can simulate the same symptoms as bad shocks (see below section regarding the complexity of diagnosing BMW suspension system noises). Why go through the significant labor to replace the 5 Series BMW Shocks only to realize a failure in one or more of the related items, consequently needing to redo your suspension job again? Many wish they would have spent the extra money up front than face this labor intensive job again. Consider the following:

BMW 5 Series Bump Stops and Dust Boots

Usually when an 5 Series BMW shock begins to go bad the seals start to seep oil. This shock oil leaks onto the bump stop eating away at the rubber foam material, affecting its density and ability to perform its job properly. If the bump stop isn't replaced, your new shocks have the chance of bottoming out, causing internal shock damage and premature failure. Replacing the stops helps protect new 5 Series BMW shocks from bottoming out when hitting potholes and rough roads. Leaking shock oil can also get onto the dust boots. Over time this eats away at and weakens the rubber causing it to deteriorate and eventually rip. Ripped dust boots allow road grime and dirt to contaminate the shock causing scarring of the shock shaft and seals, resulting in premature shock failure. Replacing the boots protects new 5 Series BMW shocks (shock shaft and seal) from dirt and dust, ensuring their long lifespan.

5 Series BMW Shock Mounts

Nearly all BMW 5 Series models that we've had in our facility for shock replacement needed new shock mounts. 5 Series BMW shock mounts are made of a rubber material and with age, collapse and deteriorate. This is especially noticeable in the front of the car since it supports the engine and endures the brunt of road impact. Worn 5 Series BMW shock mounts often cause a conspicuous clunking noise when going over bumps. Play at the top of the spring perch while the suspension is loaded (not un-sprung) may also be evident.

Front and Rear BMW Series Shock Absorber Setup5 Series BMW Shock Suspension Set-up

The 5 Series BMW shock absorbers are a substantial part of the suspension system. 5 Series BMW shocks go beyond providing mere comfort. Shocks affect other related suspension components, along with steering, tire wear and responsiveness.

Front 5 Series BMW Shock Set-up:

The 5 Series BMW shock mounts, shock bump stops, shock dust boot / sleeves, upper strut bearings, and strut nuts/bolts make up the front suspension. 

Rear 5 Series BMW Shock Set-up:

BMW 5 Series models have rear shock mounts, shock bump stops, and shock dust boot / sleeves and strut nuts/bolts that make up the rear suspension.

5 Series Factory BMW Standard vs Factory BMW Sport Suspension

What do I have? How can I find out? Starting around 1999 it became common for BMW 5 Series models to be offered with two suspension options from the factory. A 'Standard' comfort suspension systems (stock ride height), or a 'Sport' suspension system (lowered ride height). Some customers have contacted their dealer with their VIN to find out what type of suspension corresponds with their vehicle. Only an authorized VW dealer can access the bill of material info, which reveals what suspension was used on your BMW 5 Series. Blauparts is an independent BMW parts specialist and doesn't have access to this bill of material info. Therefore, we cannot determine or confirm your BMW 5 Series suspension setup.

FACTORY BMW 5 Series Standard Suspension

(1) Vehicles with 'Standard' comfort suspension have a stock or normal looking ride height and are equipped with shock absorbers that are valved to yield a standard softer ride quality.

FACTORY BMW 5 Series Sport Suspension

(2) Vehicles with 'Sport' package from the FACTORY, have shorter springs that results in a slightly lowered vehicle stance of approximately 1” along with shock absorbers that have been valved to yield a slightly firmer ride.  NOTE: BLAU® BMW shocks are NOT intended or designed to be used on vehicles equipped with factory 'Sport' packages or Electronic Damper Control Systems, which are lowered more than 1" and dimensionally not compatible with BLAU® shocks.

BLAU® 5 Series BMW Shock Features:

1) BLAU BMW shock absorber kits make shock installation easier because they include the necessary related components (i.e. mounts, stops, boots) and assembly hardware that is commonly needed for successful BMW shock replacement.

BMW Shock Absorber Mount Boot Stop Kit

2) BLAU BMW shock absorber valving is designed specifically for each individual vehicle application.

3) BLAU BMW shock absorbers feature both Japanese mono tube and twin tube designs. These designs allow for a free floating shock shaft piston with chambers inside the shock separating the oil from a high-pressure gas charge. You can expect reduced body roll when cornering and excellent dampening characteristics while you conquer demanding road conditions.

4) BLAU BMW shock absorbers are filled with Nitrogen gas, delivering superior performance. Nitrogen gas lessens aeration of the shock's dampening fluid. This maintains continuous shock dampening performance, reducing shock fade, resulting in less tire wear and longer suspension component life.

BMW E39 5 Series Shocks

5) Unlike other popular name brand struts and shocks, BLAU BMW shock absorbers are filled with a long life, multi viscosity oil containing Mos2 moly lubricant. Mos2 helps resist fluid breakdown and maintains year round shock fluid performance under all weather driving conditions. Mos2 greatly reduces wear on all internal shock components, extending the shock life for years of great shock performance.

6) Advanced internal self-lubricating shock components from Japan result in less shock shaft friction combined with a Fluon banded shock shaft piston, increasing BMW shock life and improving dampening sensitivity.

7) BLAU BMW shocks meet/exceed the quality of original equipment.

Owners can expect a better ride quality when comparing our shocks to BMW Bilstein Touring Shocks, BMW Boge Shocks, and BMW KYB Shocks.

Proper Fitment Of BLAU® BMW Shocks on 5 Series Models

PLEASE NOTE: BLAU® 5 Series BMW shocks are NOT intended or designed to be used on vehicles equipped with factory 'Sport' packages or Electronic Damper Control Systems, which are lowered more than 1" and dimensionally not compatible with BLAU® shocks.  As well,  BLAU® 5 Series BMW Shocks are NOT intended to be used on vehicles equipped with AFTERMARKET lowering sport springs (i.e. H&R, Eibach or others). These spring kits tend to lower the vehicle too much which makes them dimensionally not compatible with BLAU's 5 Series BMW shocks.

We've received many telephone calls from customers who ask, “If my vehicle is lowered just a smidgen more than 1 inch will your shocks work?” Our answer is, “No.” Do not purchase our shock kit if your vehicle is lowered even a little over an inch.

BMW 5 Series models with 'Standard' suspension system have great over-all ride characteristics. Thus, BLAU® 5 Series BMW shocks have been engineered to provide similar stock OE type ride characteristics, only slightly stiffer. As a result of BLAU® shocks being gas charged, a firm ride is achieved without the harshness that is often associated with some sport suspension upgrades. BLAU® 5 Series BMW shocks supply the perfect amount of firmness to help you "Feel The Road".