anyone have any recommendations of what struts I should get for my '88 244? I put bilstien touring shocks in the back and they are very responsive, almost a bit too much. I think they I notice their responsiveness more because the front struts are pretty much gone. Should I go with biltsien in the front too? or boge?

I need a comfy ride, this car is not for racing.

Thank
chuck
'88 244 170K
'87 BMW 325e 171K

chuck, funny you should inquire because I just posted news about my new shocks and struts about one week ago. I ordered Bilstein touring class (full set) from ProAm auto and had them put in. Parts totaled about $190, including shipping! I thought that was a real good deal. I am very happy with them so far. It's been about one month. These came highly recommended by another volvo buff.

sajane
93/240 classic limited edition wagon/ 143K

There are several quality shocks that make good candidates. Personally I feel the Sachs Advantage (gas) I put on all four corners gave a very good result, with a good balance between handling and comfort. Street racers might find this setup too soft, but I'm happy with it (family car). Sachs Advantage are the equivalents to Boge Turbo Gas, but made in Germany. I have standard springs, turbo swaybars F/R, and 195/60/15 on Virgo rims like Rob does.

Erling.
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My 240 Page

I can tell you what ones NOT to use. I have Gabriel VST strut carts on mine. Granted they work great, but the never fit right and rattle inside the housings. The shop that installed them ended up stripping out the gland nuts just trying to get them to seat. I retightened them but they kept popping off. I resorted to welding the nut on. Now they are in there forever!!! This is probably the last set of struts this car will have. Rust has gotton too far and my 245 may only have a few winters left in it's body. Maybe I'll find a rust free 242 that needs a motor by then.
Ben

With Bilstein tourings in the front and turbo sway bars, my 87 is quite comfortable. The improvement in cornering ability adds a confidence to driving the car that is impressive.
I don't like a boneshaking ride, and our local roads are anything but smooth- with 195/60-15's on Virgos, I think this car offers a ride similar to many smaller new cars I've been in.
I think a stock 240 feels more like a Buick than anything, though they don't bounce and wallow as much. I think you'll like the Tourings as a whole package.
I have to say, though it was one of the most difficult jobs I've attempted at home, and I don't think I'll do it again- certainly not on the car I need to take to work the next morning.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 225K, 88 744GLE- 209K, 91 244 183K. Also responsible for the care and feeding of: 88 745GLE, 229K, 88 244GL, 146K, 87 244DL, 235K, 88 245DL, 236K

What problems did you run into that made this such a pain? It looks easy ehough in print. I have an inate fear of the energy stored in springs, actually I fear more that it will release right in my face.

Dan

There is a great story here, with details of possible problems:
http://www.cabinnaise.com/vpage/242dl.htm
Scroll down to The Bilstein and Brakes story.

Erling.
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My 240 Page

Hi - I live in Arlington, and I'm wondering about the location of the junkyard mentioned in the Bilstein strut / shock saga on your web page. I've had limited luck with the junkyards off Jefferson & Loop 12.
Also, how's your database coming? I'm developing mostly in Access right now, but I've done a little SQL Server.
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Michelle -'85 244 DL auto 128K / '86 240 auto 144K & holding with broken odometer gear

Michelle,
Sorry if I caused any confusion. The web page I referred to is not mine, and consequently neither is the strut/shock saga. I would recommend you to email the guy from the address on his page.

Regards,
Erling.
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My 240 Page

I had a similar experience with brakes on a 240. I thought I was going to replace the dust boots, when I found that both fronts were leaking. In the process I ended up draining the MC. This lead to much bleeding heartbrake, and I replaced the MC. Tried the eexybleed but could never get firm pedal. I went back to the pump-and-hold method. I also noticed that the pedal firmed up, but lower than before. Still working fine after several months.

Dan

a great story indeed...an education for sure. i'm sure there are people on this board who make this job much easier, but for the first timer like myself, it's an interesting read. for the experienced, well, probably humorous. i think i'll pay for this job.

steve
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'90 245 DL 247K

a great story indeed...an education for sure. i'm sure there are people on this board who make this job much easier, but for the first timer like myself, it's an interesting read. for the experienced, well, probably humorous. i think i'll pay for this job.

steve
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'90 245 DL 247K