Firstfives.org

I contacted Bilstein Australia www.bilstein.com.autoday asking about reconditioning of my front bilstein HD's . They said the workshop in Sydney is the only place that can do it, and its $440 for a pair.

Are they serious!

I picked up a pair of new HD's (for e28) last weekend for $250

Best price I found here in the States was $270 for a pair of the B6 (HD) fronts for the E12, including shipping. That's about $350 Strine. Of course I'm sitting through a 60 day backorder.

As you’ve noticed, it’s more expensive to have rebuilt than to buy new. The only reason to send a used shock in to be rebuilt is because you’re also having it revalved for competition use.
The unpublished reality is it’s less to have a leaking or blown out shock rebuilt as long as it’s relatively young with low miles. Once the center rod shows any wear whatsoever, that must be replaced as part of the rebuild and that rod alone costs almost as much as a new shock. So take that cost, plus the base rebuild fee, plus shipping, and you’re way over suggested retail. So look at your shock’s rods where the wear surface is, and if there is even a hint of scoring, or any rainbow effect (side pressure wear), put them directly in the dumpster, because if you send them to Bilstein with either of these issues, you will get a high rebuild quote, you’ll say screw it (told you so), and you’ll pay shipping both ways for nothing.