E46 BMW - Rear Shocks and RSMs

friendface

I recently started doing a bit of work on my '01 E46. Started off as a brake replacement and has ended up as a rear end overhaul Anyway, just have a quick question for anyone who has done rear shocks on this car. Any recommendations on brand or suppliers? I reckon the shock mounts require replacement also, haven't had a chance to get a good look at them yet.

Looking at either Bilstein B4's or Sachs

Both are around €55 ea. Heard that Bilstein would be the more reliable but may be a stiffer ride than the O.E.M sachs. Also, is there anything else I'd need to be purchasing for this job. There's a set of additional dampers on the O.E. shocks which are currently in an awful state (see part 4) Would these normally come with new shocks or do they need to be purchased separately, I haven't seen them listed on any of the suppliers websites.

With regard to RSM's - was looking at Lemforder top mounts

Thanks in advance.

Also need to replace the following for NCT:

• Rear control arm bushing
• Handbrake cable - looks like it requires exhaust removal

muckeyw

Myself is actually a BMW mechanic admin banned me for a week for trying to help people out hear firstly no the exhaust doesn't have to come off to do the handbrake cable secondly replace both wen doing your shocks what I mean is to mounts and shocks its a ten min job and lastly the control arm bushings are simple enough change and are a very common problem oh and the best shocks for your car are actully blizteen n cheap enough any other questions feel free to ask