I've been looking into this at length and these are the best options I've found for a spring and shock combination, I'm not too bothered with coilovers.

Saches OE Shock & Eibach Pro Kit
Shocks @ €700 (£579.20) including VAT & Postage from C3 BMW
Eibach Pro Kit @ €250 ish
Total €950

From what I can tell this will give you the closest ride to stock, my concern is that shocks will suffer premature wear due to being 10mm lower than factory specification.


H&R Cup Kit
Total €730 from Keith in Alloy wheels
I can't really find any reviews with these fitted to an e39

Bilstein B12
€1050

Countless reviews for the b12's, monotube shocks are apparently better for longevity. Stiffer ride but also apparently able to soak up the bumps.

Would it be worth looking into a group buy? there must be quite a number of e39 owners on the forum now who are looking at replacing shocks and springs.