E46 B3 front dampers

[hermes]

So, mine are leaking…..

BMW tell me replacement Alpina Sachs dampers are NLA. I emailed Alpina directly to confirm, but got no reply.

Therefore I think I have a couple of options:

1. Stick some boggo Sachs dampers on and hope OE replacements become available - M Sport II equivalent?

2. Just put some decent alternatives on Bilstein B8s or Koni FSDs maybe.

Thoughts?

Particularly interested in advice on part numbers for temporary Sachs replacements if anyone has gone that route.

[Fast3000]

Hi Hermes,

I wouldn't take BMW's word for it. Have you emailed classic@alpina.de? They usually take a couple of days to come back. You will need to supply your Alpina Vin, so they can match the right dampers for your car.
You should also aim to get a price from https://www.fmw-tuning.de and www.alloywheelsdirect.com.
Goodluck, it's bit of a process but not impossible.

[AG]

It wouldn't surprise me if they were NLA, this is the case for the e39 B10 V8.

[James_G]

10 years ago when I was sorting out my B3 I had this dilemma, although the previous owner had fitted a brand new Sachs damper to get it through the MOT shortly before I bought it.

https://thealpinaregister.com/forums/vi ... 0&start=24

I chose to match up what was on the car and so ended up with 4 new Sachs dampers in SE spec but still the original Alpina/Eibach springs. That felt great to me and my conclusion was that new standard Sachs dampers were infinitely better than knackered Alpina ones so if you go this route you will note a significant positive difference.

In my opinion I don't think our roads nor the B3's vibe suit firm suspension; it's more cruiser than bruiser so I would personally avoid the M Sport dampers or aftermarket "sport" options. It's a shame that genuine Alpina ones are NLA but they were ferociously expensive when available (£1,400 for a full set IIRC) and I remain dubious that the price was worth paying for the marginal benefit.

[jolls]

I believe that they are still available. As James_G alludes to they are expensive. https://www.fmw-tuning.de/bmw/3er-e46/e ... 3-e46.html.

[hermes]

Thanks for the replies. I've not had a reply from Alpina, hence my original post.

Frank at FMW doesn't have any information on availability either.

In the meantime I'll try and use a Sachs MSport II equivalent, and if I get news I shall update the thread.

[Aggie]

Hi Hermes

I'd be interested in what you find out regarding availability. Earlier this year, I replaced my rear springs with OEM. If the shocks are available, you may need to be patient. It took around 3 months for my springs to arrive. Additionally, I've ordered a set of decals for my front bumper through my local BMW dealership. Been waiting around 3 months now and nothing. I phoned the dealership and they said they were on back order and they would chase it up. That was a month ago and still nothing. Not sure what's going on over in Germany but I really hope I don't need a genuine part in a hurry or I fear my car will be off the road for some considerable time.

[jolls]

Thanks for the replies. I've not had a reply from Alpina, hence my original post.

Frank at FMW doesn't have any information on availability either.

In the meantime I'll try and use a Sachs MSport II equivalent, and if I get news I shall update the thread.

I’m sure that Bilstein do a shock that comes as near as possible to Alpina spec without infringing patent rights.

Edit: Have you seen here? https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/colle ... 2?sort_by=

[hermes]

I had a reply from Alpina:

“ thank you for your mail.
We are in contact with some supplieres for those shock absorber, but till now we don´t have some positive news.

Please inquire the needed part numbers in 6 months again.”

[hap]

Any good?
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