If you haven't been abusing the car and it's led an easy life you are better served just start with changing the shocks and the easy to access / cheap stuff - even then visually verify the condition of things.

Get the car evaluated from a dedicated suspension shop (without telling them your plans of course) and if they think the vehicle is OK (as in it will hold an alignment) then get an alignment done and enjoy the car.

The car may have 225K miles but these are tanks we drive and if it hasn't been abused save the money for when it really starts going downhill or if you get some sort of exceptional pricing from a trusted mechanic.

At $2500 (which is entirely possible) I'd take your damn sweet time waiting until the car really needed it- you can get price anytime you want, it's not like an exceptional deal.

Save the money it doesn't sound like your car really needs anything but shocks and a few minor things.

PS- my W202 just got it's lower control arm bushings done- you could see the rears were wasted. Car has 158K on it, and so far has ONLY had those bushings done and shocks at 140K. Car is still tight as a drum, and I'm lowered on 17" low profile wheels and I am abusive.

rjp

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03 540I (GAK!!)
81 280E (W123)
70 LeMans Sport with pissed off Poncho 462"
1989 Silverado Step Side (under the knife- complete restomod)