Difference between Sachs and OEM struts?

RigsPGT · Post by **RigsPGT** » 03 May 2016, 00:48

Hi all!
I'm slowly buying suspension and steering parts for my S70 T5 and now I have a dilemma on struts. Coming from a car with adjustable settings of dampness I would go for performance but I'll save that for another time or a different S70 as this one is my family car at the moment and I don't want to rattle any teeth.
Now are Sachs the same as OEM but without the blue box or are there any differences between the two? I don't want to redo suspension within a year so are they going to suit me well as far as durability? The OEM units cost me over $300 for the front and Sachs would be under $180 for the set which would leave me some room for other parts as well. Are they worth saving that $120 or just go ahead and buy the OEMs?

Thanks, Rigs

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 03 May 2016, 04:41

Sachs is OEM from what I understand and that's what I changed my wife's V70 struts out with. I think it's a good choice. 30K miles now and no issues!

Post by **benpineapple** » 03 May 2016, 07:40

+1 MIJ, I was under the same impression, that Sachs is indeed OEM. What is you part source here? Are you comparing perhaps the Volvo Original brand to Sachs? Or is the "OEM" in this case, parts from your local dealership?

Sachs are great though.

Post by **850 LPT** » 03 May 2016, 07:49

Agreed on the Sachs, but you could also look at Bilstein Touring struts and shocks if you want to have a slightly firmer ride than OEM. I really like those for quality and performance.

Post by **shiloh51933** » 03 May 2016, 09:02

Sachs makes the Volvo shocks but when you buy Volvo original parts the Sachs shocks/struts come in a Volvo box instead of a Sachs box. On all the Volvo vehicles we have owned we have always bought Sachs to replace the the worn out shocks/struts parts. Sachs makes a bunch of the other suspension components to the strut assembly like spring seats that I purchased with the front Sachs struts and new front springs.

Post by **oragex** » 03 May 2016, 09:50

For the P2 model, I bough Sachs white sticker and Bodge also white sticker. These are terrible quality. I've read people who bought Sachs Super Touring which have a blue sticker were pleased with them. I also believe white sticker ones are cheaper than the blue sticker ones.

Several sellers display blue sticker struts/shocks but deliver white sticker ones. Look instead for the part number for Super Touring and ask explicitly what is the part number they are selling.

Post by **shiloh51933** » 03 May 2016, 09:58

oragex wrote:For the P2 model, I bough Sachs white sticker and Bodge also white sticker. These are terrible quality. I've read people who bought Sachs Super Touring which have a blue sticker were pleased with them. I also believe white sticker ones are cheaper than the blue sticker ones.

Several sellers display blue sticker struts/shocks but deliver white sticker ones. Look instead for the part number for Super Touring and ask explicitly what is the part number they are selling.

I've only received blue sticker for the 3 sets I've purchased and I've seen red but never had red ones or white ones.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 03 May 2016, 12:10

Sachs is OEM.

RigsPGT · Post by **RigsPGT** » 03 May 2016, 15:30

benpineapple wrote:+1 MIJ, I was under the same impression, that Sachs is indeed OEM. What is you part source here? Are you comparing perhaps the Volvo Original brand to Sachs? Or is the "OEM" in this case, parts from your local dealership?

Sachs are great though.

I use FCP for my parts and the OEM ones up front were $156 a pop vs Sachs at $86. They also have some OEM ones at $137 but my service plate code (K9) needed the more expensive one.

Anyway since I'm hearing good things about Sachs, I might pull the trigger but seems like I have to dig part numbers for the blue sticker ones.
Thanks guys

RigsPGT · Post by **RigsPGT** » 03 May 2016, 16:05

Just checked FCP and they have both, white and blue sticker Sachs. The only problem I'm having is that neither the blue nor the white sticker oem part #s match with my code in the service plate

Now what could be the difference between a K9 code (OEM part# 8612887) and part # 860091 with the corresponding codes 39, 49, 59, F3, R2, R9, T6, F5, H2, H5, H8, H9, N1, M7, M5, Y4, Y7, M7 Obviously there's something there because both struts have different prices but as far as design, maybe the piston rod might be difference I"m looking for.
Reason I'm saying this is because even the bump stops are different shape and the 8612887 requires a certain bump stop.

Am I drowning myself here or what?