Owner reviews for shock absorbers

Replace or upgrade shock absorbers / dampers. These are doing the hard work on rougher roads to keep everything under control. KYB seems a reasonable OEM+ style option

Rancho RS5000X shocks are a great affordable replacement that ride well, just paint the shock bodies to make them last longer and remove the sleeve they put over the shaft.

I recently did all 4 shocks in my 2002. I got the KYB Gas-a-just shocks from rockauto.com for like $40 per. They’re OEM fit and do what they’re supposed to.

I put KYB on my 07 Corolla and 2-3 months in they feel great, car rides very smooth.

This may not be super helpful, as Idk if there is a significant difference in how these shocks play due to the V8 suspension geometry and weight, but b8's on intrax springs on my m5 are just about perfect for a daily driver in my experience. My understanding is that the b6 is valved exactly the same as the b8 but has a different shaft length meant for use with standard/non-lowering springs.

I did KYB … They made a huge change to my 99 Corolla.

Don’t get the cheapest- Brands like KYB and Monroe are ones to consider. Bilstein if you’re feeling fancy and want to spend the extra.

Do not go OEM. At a minimum, put on Bilstein 5100 shocks at stock height and improve ride and lessen nose dive on braking. I got a set of 4 last year for my son's 1999 3rd gen and paid $300 for install $400 for parts. We used the stock 99 tall springs. I put 5100 shocks on my 2011 and lifted the front 2" and put trd springs on the back to level. Way better off road and firmer on road.

I put B4's on our 2008 535xi a few years ago. I first thought they were stiff but I decided the old ones were really soft. B4 was listed as the OEM equivalent.

Those factory Ranchos are terrible. They are stiff as heck.