[fefo25]

I recently installed H&R sport springs with Bilstein HD shocks up front on my E91 XI. It has the look I wanted and the ride is smooth for the most part but when I hit a pothole or anything like that it hits hard. Feels like the shocks are blown when this happens. I didnt think that this (Honda Civic) type of ride would happen with this shock and spring combo. I called Bilstein and asked them about lowering with HD's and they said it can be done and would ride fine but they recommend the sports because the spring would stay intact if the car somehow come off the ground while driving. Is it normal for this setup to take potholes this hard?? PS; Riding on 16 inch stocks right now..

[fefo25]

Anyone?

[CJ421]

It's possible you are hitting the bumpstops, e.g. there's not enough suspension travel. Can you look and see how much you have?

The shock bodies on the XI suspension are shorter than those on I suspension. If you didn't buy XI-specific struts, then not having enough travel could very well be the issue.

Edit: I did some reading and the Bilstein "Sport" is for lowering the car (shorter shock body, presumably) and the "HD" is a standard-length OEM shock. There is talk here about the Sport being the only usable shock with the XI:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=466502
Haven't had the time to confirm that using Bilstein's site however.

Originally Posted by fefo25

said it can be done and would ride fine but they recommend the sports because the spring would stay intact if the car somehow come off the ground while driving

Not sure what they are referring to there ... ?

[AWD Addict]

I thought the HD were for stock ride height springs, and the Sport were for pairing with a lowering spring like Eibach or H&R.

That would mean you are using too low a spring height, and that you're leaving the piston in compression all the time. So when you hit a decent bump, there's less travel distance for the shock to dampen and it bottoms out in the sleeve, which is harsh.

[fefo25]

Originally Posted by AWD Addict

I thought the HD were for stock ride height springs, and the Sport were for pairing with a lowering spring like Eibach or H&R.

That would mean you are using too low a spring height, and that you're leaving the piston in compression all the time. So when you hit a decent bump, there's less travel distance for the shock to dampen and it bottoms out in the sleeve, which is harsh.

I guess you are right. I just hope the sports will fix this problem.

[AWD Addict]

Me too. I just bought a set. . Based on reviews here, I think it will.