Renew Shocks after 100,000 Miles?

[niggly]

Wondering if I should change the shocks on my 2011 C30 1.6D2 SE Lux.
It's just clocked 100,000 miles. I bought it at 95,000 from original buyer of the car new. He kept all the history and I know therefore that the shocks haven't been replaced during it's life.
I don't want to lower it or make it more 'sporty'. I have a 2005 BMW Mini Cooper S for that.
It handles OK currently but I'm sure the shocks must be a long way off the preformance they should have after all those miles. Do folk think replacing them will make much difference to how the car feels and handles?
Thinking of a set of Bilstein B4s. Found a set for £165 which seems very reasonable. The set of OEM ones from a main dealer look to be about £590. Don't think that is fitted, just to buy.
Thoughts and opinions welcomed.

[iainmd]

I would only replace them if they are leaking or if you're replacing the springs. If you're replacing springs you might as well change the shocks as there's no more effort involved really. Only other reason would be if it feels stodgy to drive.

I've done 125k miles and still on the original shocks. When they do go I'll be going down the Bilstein B4 route though.

[Austin160]

Of course, there could be good sense in changing shock absorbers after a certain mileage as a policy change, but I would be rather careful about what alternatives I would use to genuine Volvo replacements - you may find they won't last as long as the originals will from here on! 100K would not seem to be in itself a reason to change.
One simple test I have found for shock absorbers is to drive the car on a dual carriageway and get someone to follow you and overtake, and when alongside, observe whether the wheels are "tramping/ bouncing" at all. Then do the same with the near side by overtaking the observing vehicle. Basic, but a pretty good assessment of serviceability.

[dme123]

I replaced all four of mine with Bilstein B4 (OEM equivalent damping specs) last year at 95k miles and the difference was marked.

Dampers degrade gradually over time, the MOT test of "is it so utterly buggered that the oil has leaked out" is totally inadequate. I've changed the dampers on pretty much ever car I've owned at around 100k and without exception it has transformed them. You don't realise how much they've degraded over time until you replace them!

For example in my C70 the slip road from the M4 West onto the M5 North felt decidedly dicey at 60mph, now I breeze round it at 80+ with total confidence. The car behaves better under braking, and is far more relaxing to drive as it is more settled.

[niggly]

Thanks for the replies folks. Billy B4s get an all round good shout which is encouraging.
As the car had 95,000 miles on it when I bought it, I have no idea what it is supposed to feel like/perform/handle when the shocks are new. By 95,000 I reckon they'll be knackered anyway!
dme123 - toally agree about the way the MOT deals with shocks. Idiotic. Shocks are consummables, like filters, brakes, oil. They just have a longer replacement cycle. Which is not specified by the manufacturer.
The valving and plunger seals must be very worn after 100k miles. Only reason they leak oil is if the top seal has gone. Doesn't mean all the other seals inside aren't buggered.
Austin160 - OEM shocks are made/procured to a budget. It does not mean they are better or longer lasting than after market Shocks. Bilstein are fitted OEM to numbers of high end and performance cars. Because they are bloody good. So are KONIs. And I'm not planning on doing another 100,000 miles in the C30. It or I will be long dead.
Good idea about the dual carriageway check. Thanks for that. Yup, I've seen many cars on the motorway that you can see immediately have knackered shocks. Wheels bouncing like good 'uns. Probably passed their MOT last week!!
I think I'll go for the B4s and change them.
Maybe get KONI FSDs on the Mini. The ride is like a bleeding rock.
Don't tell the tuney, tuney, moddy moddy, coilie, coilie dudes on Minitorque. They'd crucify me.
Going to get rid of the dreaded run-flats on that as well. They are made of wood.

[LizardOfBodom]

I am a supporter of "change it BEFORE it breaks" attitude so I would change them without hesitation. Shocks dont have 0/1 characteristics (either work or not work) - they just gradually becomes less efficient and more bouncy so If you want to appreciate the suspension and your car's handling - change them. I actually did it recently to mine (110k miles), all 4 shocks and springs (within half a year) and every change made the car feel much better. Especially rear shocks that were just wobbly and made the car almost touching the bumpstops.
If you wanna keep the car and enjoy driving it - go for it :]

[TLPower]

An excellent price, please may I be rude enough to ask where from?

[BOBAD]

Originally Posted by niggly

Thinking of a set of Bilstein B4s. Found a set for £165 which seems very reasonable. ........

I'm currently considering replacing the shocks on my BMW R1200GS motorcycle. The cost of 2 Ohlins shocks (fitted) is close to £2000.

You have no idea just how reasonable a set of Bilsteins at £165 is.... !










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[niggly]

TLP. Balance Motorsport. Bit loathe to post this. Don't want all yopu C30 dudes wiping out his stock!! I agree, they are a bargain. I bought from him before when I had a Golf VR6. Good place. Rang to check he hadn't made a mistake.
https://balancemotorsport.co.uk/susp...icle_model=478

[TLPower]

Many thanks. You've made my day, I'm 55 AND A DUDE.