Did you check rockauto for strut prices? I am pretty sure they are the cheapest around.

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It's probably not a direct answer to your question but I would never wanted to loose 4C functionality. I switch between modes all the time based on road conditions and my mood. I'm surprised to hear you use Comfort on highway, I usually 50/50 between sport/advance driving on highways. Well I use Comfort too but very rare, when I'm not alone.

My V has about 95k on it now and I'm planning to refresh most of suspension components including all 4 struts. One is busted for sure. Not sure about the rest.. BTW I had Bilstein in my S70 and it was OK, probably close to Sport mode on R, if I remember correctly.

 

Pricing I used to come up with the $1940 is using Rock Auto Struts and Shocks, then IPD Bushings (8 total), top bearings, IPD springs, alignment and Sum Calibration/Software update.

I use sport now for my daily commute, comfort mode for when my wife and kids are with me on the interstate. I would be ok spending the extra $400 if I could be assured that the 4C system would satisfy my needs, I am just concerned reading so many "problems" with "crashy-ness" with 4C that I am leary to further invest in that system when I have devised what I think is a good alternate system and hence my question as to others experiences with 4C or Bilstien.

 

Take it from a man who recently replaced every suspension component with OEM parts, spending almost $3K

....get KW coilovers

 

I did follow your thread (nice!) so am I correct in saying that you are still not happy with the 4C system in your S60R?

Yes, the IPD springs will lower the car a bit, but frankly, my car sits a bit low already and appears to be comparable to the photographs I see - I am assuming that the springs are getting a bit tired.

 

I use comfort mode on the freeway and around town a lot as well. In fact, I'd say comfort mode is my most-used mode right now. The ability to switch is really pretty addicting...

 

...Can the 4C system be made, though new bushings and springs and software updates, to perform very well?

The problem you run into here is that suspension feel is very judgemental. What feels good to one driver will be like garbage to another; especially in the company of car enthusiasts. Having said that, YES 4C can be made to work quite well. IMO

... The ability to switch is really pretty addicting...

+1
I switch modes steadily. Can't do that in most cars.

 

The problem you run into here is that suspension feel is very judgemental. What feels good to one driver will be like garbage to another; especially in the company of car enthusiasts. Having said that, YES 4C can be made to work quite well. IMO

+1
I switch modes steadily. Can't do that in most cars.

My perform very well means anywhere near the ride and handling blend of my past cars: G8 GT and 335 - reasonably quite, yet taught, yet compliant... Not the crashing and giggling that I am getting now. The giggling I am certain is a strut that is nearly completely worn. The crashing I would imagine is from worn bushings, but have read so many negative postings on the 4C system I get worried. At least I have one (yours) vote that 4C can be a "good" system.

Any others willing to stand in and have experience with good cars...like any recent BMW 3 or 5 series, Pontiac G8, VW CC...trying to think of other cars that had a good blend of nice ride, controlled handling and reasonable impact noise control.

 

I like 4c and don't think I could live with out it, but the Bilsetins are nice because they have a lifetime warranty. That means that If you drive a crap load and wear em out Bilstein will rebuild them.

 

can you go into more depth ?

I am looking to refresh my suspension at the end of the summer and have been in the debate between replacing the OEM parts (monroe struts) vs. going with KW coilovers

 

More depth...I thought I was killing this already with detail.

I basically priced out rebuilding my suspension with all of the common bushings that wear, then looked at 4C, Bilstiens, KW, and Koni. The KW system adds a lot of cost and I just can't justify spending the extra cash, I am already between $1500 and $1900 - going with the KW would put me $2100, dare you say it is only another $600 for the KW's, but I have my eye on the IPD engine tune.....

Not sure how much more specific you want me to be in the details of my problem and possible solutions.

 

Just an update on this thread, as it looks like I am going to move forward with the Bilstien setup.

1) I have sucessfully deleted the front 4C struts from the computer by placing a 8 ohm 50w cooled resistor in place of the strut coil - so far no warning light.
2) I contacted Bilstien US - their service people and they will cut into the bottom of the rear shock a snap ring groove so I can fit in a Bilstien rear spring perch : http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bsn-b4boa0000117

We'll see how it goes....

 

Please don't tell me you are the guy that races to get ahead of everybody then goes slower then what everyone else wants to go. If so your a dip**** and need to trade your R in for a BMW

 

Really? You're going going to go there?

It sounds to me like I'm not the one here that is a poser. Because I don't drive around on the street like a boy racer every where I go in my 4000 lb station wagon?

My username isn't Spin All 4 because I though it would be "ironic"...

I just think it's stupid to go all out on the street where you never know whats going to happen. I take it to the track when I need to.

:thumbdown:

 

Whoa buddy not saying your a poser just saying that I hate the people that try to race to get in front and then go slower then everybody wants to go. How about get in line just like everyone else. The BMW comment is because that's how most BMW drivers are.

 

Hey - lets all settle down and focus on finding a solution to the 4C conundrum...driving styles aside.

If I could be assured that new 4C struts/shocks and bushing could solve my issues, I'd jump at it, but I have read about way too many problems and if one did blow out in even 30K miles, the replacement cost, even at Rock Auto, is ridiculous...

 

^ This LOL!!!

 

Stoker, you mentioned in a PM that you were going KONI, yet you specify Bilstein in this thread.

How do you go about solving the issue to the shock vs strut conundrum?

Id love to replace my rears with items other than sachs or monroe 2.5T AWD rears. Perhaps something tighter while being able to retain my Eibach rear springs.

 

......meep

 

Comfort 1%, Sport 90%, Advanced 9%

 

This has absolutely nothing to do with the proposed thread.

 

If you have doubts about the factory setup, confirmation bias will make you regret returning to stock. Going with aftermarket will save you money and you don't sound like the kind of enthusiast who cares about 4C anyway. For you, delete and forget.
My $0.02


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If you have doubts about the factory setup, confirmation bias will make you regret returning to stock. Going with aftermarket will save you money and you don't sound like the kind of enthusiast who cares about 4C anyway. For you, delete and forget.
My $0.02

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Or it very well could be that the overall construction of an OEM strut that fits the R platform is indeed a better alternative than the needle dick shaft of the 4C struts....

 

In europe if we would like to keep 4C :

- Monroe C2501 for front : 317$ each
- Monroe C1501 for rear : 317$ each

Then you need to recalibrate them...don't know if in sweden these cost less than this price.