The rear shocks are totally crappy now. What's the story with the warranty? How can I get them replaced? They were on the car, so I have no paperwork on them or anything. Anybody have any experience with this?

Thanks

Well if you can afford to live without them, you can send them into one of their two US distribution points. The one out west is here in San Diego.

I lost a strut and it took me 5 minutes to exchange it. no receipt, no questions. But then they know me. YMMV

jsp98m3 <== Must have picture up in post office :)

I haven't noticed it too bad, but my commute is only 7 miles and I am always alone.

With my wife and some groceries in the car and some different road conditions I now know...

Do you think if I go to an autorized dealer they would exchange them for me?

Perhaps. Can you contact the original owner and find out where he got them? That would increase your odds.

So not alot of help. I'll call around. Must be some BMW sympathetic dealer around here!

I'm not sure about how Bilstein handles their RMA's but Koni has a pretty convenient system. They send you out 2 new shocks/struts (they recommend only replacing in pairs) then you ship your old ones back once they have been replaced. No hassle. See if Bilstein will do that for you.

Wait a sec! You guys are telling me that Bilstein will replace your shocks if they crap out on you? Is there a lifetime warranty or something? What kinda shocks come on a stock e36 M3?

To clarify things, I'm saying Koni has a lifetime warranty. I'm not sure whether or not Bilstein does. I would imagine they would though. :95

Bilsteins are lifetime warranty. Boge are stock and so not have a lifetime warranty.

Got it, Thanks!

Anyone know where I can get a good set of Bilsteins?
How much? How long for labor?
I gotta take it to stealer since I cant do sh**.

I gotta take it to stealer since I cant do sh**.

No, for the love of all that's holy, don't! We have some excellent independent repair places here in San Francisco (where we're both located).

Top of the list must be "Fema" at Europa Motor Works.

Bottom of the list would be BMW of San Francisco, based on what I've heard (and what little interaction I've had with them).

Well I usually take it to Phaedrus and they are pretty good, they specialize in BMW's.
But the prices are not much different than Sonnen BMW in San Rafael.

Any other recommendations?

Bilsteins do have a lifetime but I think it must be with the same owner. I replaced my Bil. Sports 2-3 times before I went to PSS9's. I have yet to have a problem!!! Got to love the PSS9s.
I bought the Sports from Bav Auto and they handled the return. They would charge the card, send me one and put the cash back on when I returned them. They were good about putting the cash back on too. But you must suppos. show proof of purchase, or so I was told?? It's allways worth a shot. I have had good luck with companies where I shouldn't have been able to return but they allowed it.

Good Luck!:)