After lengthy searching it seems that there was not a good simple replacement for factory shocks (Koni yellows don’t fit into this category imo and would never put a set on my car). I did some research and picked up a set of the bilstein HD shocks from turner for the 540i. If they fit the 540i they fit the M5. Also the valving is the same as they are for factory shocks (part number is the same for both cars). Why bilstein doesn't list this as a direct replacement for the M5 is beyond me but they fit perfectly as expected.
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My goal was for a factory quality ride since this is my DD. No coilovers. Over the weekend I installed them with new oem hardware, GC camber plates & bg lowering springs, eibach rear sway and the ride is night and day better as expected. My car currently has 70k miles. No more rattling or jarring just nice quiet
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Also you do not have to get the bilstein sport shocks with lowering springs as many say. The Hd's are fine and they don't bottom out or ride on the bump stops. The sports will have harsher ride than the HD's (advice from another enthusiast that has installed both)<o></o>
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If you want a true replacement for factory shocks I highly recommend these. I paid $550 from turner for the shocks, $200 for the springs, $150 for the rear sway, $250 ish for the oem hardware, $400 for the camber plates and installed it all myself. I'll address the control arms in the spring but for now $1,200-$1300 the car is back to stock comfort levels with much improved turn in with a reduction of understeer. The lowered stance with B&G springs looks great too (with 15mm front and 10mm rear spacers)<o></o>
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Hope this helps anyone that just wants to replace the stock shocks and doesn’t want to put in factory again.
Note: The shocks don't come with boots like the pictures. Picked up some proline boots in light blue from summit for $5
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></o>My goal was for a factory quality ride since this is my DD. No coilovers. Over the weekend I installed them with new oem hardware, GC camber plates & bg lowering springs, eibach rear sway and the ride is night and day better as expected. My car currently has 70k miles. No more rattling or jarring just nice quiet
<o
></o>Also you do not have to get the bilstein sport shocks with lowering springs as many say. The Hd's are fine and they don't bottom out or ride on the bump stops. The sports will have harsher ride than the HD's (advice from another enthusiast that has installed both)<o
></o><o
></o>If you want a true replacement for factory shocks I highly recommend these. I paid $550 from turner for the shocks, $200 for the springs, $150 for the rear sway, $250 ish for the oem hardware, $400 for the camber plates and installed it all myself. I'll address the control arms in the spring but for now $1,200-$1300 the car is back to stock comfort levels with much improved turn in with a reduction of understeer. The lowered stance with B&G springs looks great too (with 15mm front and 10mm rear spacers)<o
></o><o
></o>Hope this helps anyone that just wants to replace the stock shocks and doesn’t want to put in factory again.
Note: The shocks don't come with boots like the pictures. Picked up some proline boots in light blue from summit for $5
