E90Post
 


 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > All-Wheel-Drive (Xi / xDrive) Talk > xi with Bilstein HD and stock springs review



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-07-2012, 10:01 AM   #1
ccraig13
Lieutenant
ccraig13's Avatar
54
Rep
485
Posts

Drives: '07 E92 328xi 6MT
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Thumbs up xi with Bilstein HD and stock springs review

The Bilstein HD ( Stock Springs ) are finally installed!

I've only driven 75 miles on them so far, so obviously, that's not enough time for a proper review. However, I'll give you my first impressions.

Original setup for my 2007 328xi:
- Tires : Hankook Ventus V12 (Non-RFT)
- Shocks: Original Sach with 84k miles

1. Comfort: Fantastic! These are far more comfortable than my stock shocks*. I was very nervous that they would be harsh, but it's completely the opposite. I was actually aiming at every pothole, manhole cover, etc. I could find just to test shocks and they handled them all great. Previously it sounded like the car was cracking in half or that I bent a rim. Not the case anymore!

*NOTE: It's possible that they're actually not more comfortable than brand new OEM Sach since I'm only comparing them to mine which had 84K miles on them. However, I've had plenty of seat time in the 328i loaners from the dealership, which has under 10k miles on them, and they where only marginally more comfortable than mine.

2. Handing: Night and day. At first I didn't notice any difference because I was just going over a lot of long highway stretches. However, when I finally found some twisties it was surreal. The car stayed completely flat through the corner! My car has never felt like this before. I'm used to getting thrown into my door and feeling like the car is about to flip. Very impressed with that. The other big complaint with xi suspension is that "floaty feeling", which I'm glad to report, is missing here too . I was able to weave back in forth in my lane at high speeds without body roll. Normally, doing that at 50mph is enough to upset the car's balance! Also, the nose doesn't dive when braking hard, which is always a plus.

3. Side effects: I heard that shocks might jack up my car a bit and I believe they did, but I can't tell by looking at it (Yes I know it looks like it in the pick but it looked like that before too) and it actually turned out to be a good thing. I'm used to constantly getting high-beamed by oncoming traffic at night due to my HID headlights. Now that should no longer be an issue because my headlights don't project straight out anymore. The stock rears must have been sagging quite a bit because now the car is noticeably higher in the rear, giving it a back to front, downward slope (Rake is still there). I even notice it while sitting in the car. I'm not sure if this will even out after a while, but for now it's kinda nice. Although, I do miss having the HID pointed straight out, I didn't even need to use high-beams before

Total cost after (including NJ sales tax): $1,058
Attached Images
  
__________________
2007 328xi E92 6MT Jet Black/Coral Red | Tracks: NJMP
Appreciate 0
      11-07-2012, 01:47 PM   #2
AWD Addict
Chief Executive
AWD Addict's Avatar
287
Rep
2,870
Posts

Drives: 2008 335xi 6spd Coupe
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Boston

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2008 335xi  [0.00]
Great review, congrats!
Appreciate 1
      11-07-2012, 03:41 PM   #3
klov335
Lieutenant
Canada
13
Rep
561
Posts

Drives: e90 lci n55 xdrive
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Yellowknife, NT

iTrader: (3)

Shoulda thrown eibachs..
Appreciate 0
      11-07-2012, 04:10 PM   #4
M BROK3
Major
M BROK3's Avatar
100
Rep
1,036
Posts

Drives: F95 , G80 M3, F80 M3, E92 M3
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: NY/NJ

iTrader: (13)

You do know you can adjust your headlights level right lol.
__________________
COBB |DINAN CAI|AA FMIC|VK|OSS| Arkym

COTM Pics Here
Appreciate 0
      11-08-2012, 05:22 PM   #5
AWD Addict
Chief Executive
AWD Addict's Avatar
287
Rep
2,870
Posts

Drives: 2008 335xi 6spd Coupe
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Boston

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2008 335xi  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by klov335 View Post
Shoulda thrown eibachs..
He got the HDs, not the sports. The HDs aren't valved for a lowering spring.
Appreciate 0
      11-08-2012, 07:22 PM   #6
klov335
Lieutenant
Canada
13
Rep
561
Posts

Drives: e90 lci n55 xdrive
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Yellowknife, NT

iTrader: (3)

I mean he shoulda just got the sports blistein and eibach that rake is awful
Appreciate 0
      11-09-2012, 06:40 AM   #7
ccraig13
Lieutenant
ccraig13's Avatar
54
Rep
485
Posts

Drives: '07 E92 328xi 6MT
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by x-ception View Post
You do know you can adjust your headlights level right lol.
that's what I thought. But I forgot to look that up haha. also until now I didn't realize it was a problem. I just figured my lights were really bright
__________________
2007 328xi E92 6MT Jet Black/Coral Red | Tracks: NJMP
Appreciate 0
      11-11-2012, 10:55 PM   #8
pifane
New Member
Canada
2
Rep
19
Posts

Drives: 330XI 2006
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Qc, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Thank you for your reviews. Just want to do that for my baby !
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 06:49 AM   #9
ccraig13
Lieutenant
ccraig13's Avatar
54
Rep
485
Posts

Drives: '07 E92 328xi 6MT
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Quick update about the headlights. after doing some more searching it appears the real issue is that my shop installed the auto leveling sensor incorrectly. I'm going to take it back there today and have them fix it. It should only take about 10 minutes. Right now the lights only the show about 15 feet in front of me!
__________________
2007 328xi E92 6MT Jet Black/Coral Red | Tracks: NJMP
Appreciate 0
      03-11-2013, 02:49 PM   #10
MARVL E91
New Member
0
Rep
9
Posts

Drives: 2006 BMW 325xi Sports Wagon
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Edgewater, NJ

iTrader: (0)

I'm about to get ready to install the same shocks on my 2006 E91 325xi wagon. I live in Northern NJ. Sounds like you got quite the deal, did your total cost of $1058 include installation? Did you change your shock mounts as well? Where'd you get the work done from?
Appreciate 0
      03-11-2013, 03:03 PM   #11
ccraig13
Lieutenant
ccraig13's Avatar
54
Rep
485
Posts

Drives: '07 E92 328xi 6MT
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MARVL E91 View Post
I'm about to get ready to install the same shocks on my 2006 E91 325xi wagon. I live in Northern NJ. Sounds like you got quite the deal, did your total cost of $1058 include installation? Did you change your shock mounts as well? Where'd you get the work done from?
Yes, the total included installation. The shocks were around $700 and $300 for the install. You can save on sales tax if you get them online from http://www.bavauto.com/. I didn't because my shop doesn't install stuff I bring in, but at least they matched Bav's price. I did not change the mounts. I got it done at http://ok4wd.com/. Not sure how far north you are, but I would imagine they'd be a bit far since I live more towards the middle of NJ. You can checkout the NJ BMW CCA's list of sponsors for a few reputable BMW mechanics http://www.njbmwcca.org/services/links/sponsors.php.
I've been a member for almost 3 years now and must say it's been a lot of fun. I definitely recommend joining. We have several driving events coming up that would be great for you to test out your new Bilsteins!
__________________
2007 328xi E92 6MT Jet Black/Coral Red | Tracks: NJMP
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2013, 10:26 AM   #12
pifane
New Member
Canada
2
Rep
19
Posts

Drives: 330XI 2006
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Qc, Canada

iTrader: (0)

So you not replaced the mounts? Everything alright for now?
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2013, 12:15 PM   #13
ccraig13
Lieutenant
ccraig13's Avatar
54
Rep
485
Posts

Drives: '07 E92 328xi 6MT
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Yeah, everything has been great. I've read a few people who said they wish they didn't waste their money on new mounts. Remember, I'm running everything stock, so these were direct replacements. Maybe if I had lowered the car with Eibachs it would have made sense, but that's just me speculating. I'm no suspension guru. Next up, I may go for the M3 rear sway bar!
__________________
2007 328xi E92 6MT Jet Black/Coral Red | Tracks: NJMP
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2013, 08:58 AM   #14
pifane
New Member
Canada
2
Rep
19
Posts

Drives: 330XI 2006
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Qc, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Thank you for your review. I got bilstein on my E46 as an upgrade. Car was not so soft but bilstein HD make your car feel like a tank. After driving my E90 330xi for the winter, I notice the car is undrivable with stock shock.

The fact is Im a little bit scared about bilstein. I experienced a lot of failing with bilstein HD on my E46. Is KONI are good shocks?
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2013, 10:19 AM   #15
ccraig13
Lieutenant
ccraig13's Avatar
54
Rep
485
Posts

Drives: '07 E92 328xi 6MT
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

That's interesting, because I've heard nothing but good things about Bilstein. Of course, there's always going to be lemons out there, as no one has 100% defect free manufacturing. As far as Koni is concerned, I'm told they make great suspension as well. I almost went with their FSD, but based on my research, it seems that they eventually loose that great ride after about 15K miles. I would imagine you'd be safe going with their sport model though, but that would require you to get lowering springs. With all that said, I would still recommend you go with the Bilstein HD models. My ride comfort has greatly increased, and handling has too ( Though now that I'm used to it, I'm hungry for more upgrades )
__________________
2007 328xi E92 6MT Jet Black/Coral Red | Tracks: NJMP
Appreciate 0
      03-27-2013, 03:10 PM   #16
pifane
New Member
Canada
2
Rep
19
Posts

Drives: 330XI 2006
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Qc, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ccraig13 View Post
That's interesting, because I've heard nothing but good things about Bilstein. Of course, there's always going to be lemons out there, as no one has 100% defect free manufacturing. As far as Koni is concerned, I'm told they make great suspension as well. I almost went with their FSD, but based on my research, it seems that they eventually loose that great ride after about 15K miles. I would imagine you'd be safe going with their sport model though, but that would require you to get lowering springs. With all that said, I would still recommend you go with the Bilstein HD models. My ride comfort has greatly increased, and handling has too ( Though now that I'm used to it, I'm hungry for more upgrades )
Appreciate 0
      03-30-2013, 06:49 AM   #17
robbs34
New Member
0
Rep
17
Posts

Drives: 2006 BMW 325XI
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

what do you have on the rears? Does Bilstein make a rear HD for the xi?
Appreciate 0
      03-30-2013, 08:51 AM   #18
RimasRS
Colonel
RimasRS's Avatar
85
Rep
2,438
Posts

Drives: BMW X3 SD
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

Great review can't wait till my will arrive
Appreciate 0
      03-30-2013, 09:29 AM   #19
ajsalida
Colonel
ajsalida's Avatar
226
Rep
2,387
Posts

Drives: 95 M3, 02 R1150GSA, 09 335xi
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SW USA

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by robbs34 View Post
what do you have on the rears? Does Bilstein make a rear HD for the xi?
Rear shocks & suspensions on Xi are same as corresponding non-Xi.
Appreciate 0
      03-30-2013, 09:52 AM   #20
ccraig13
Lieutenant
ccraig13's Avatar
54
Rep
485
Posts

Drives: '07 E92 328xi 6MT
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ajsalida View Post
Rear shocks & suspensions on Xi are same as corresponding non-Xi.
What he said
__________________
2007 328xi E92 6MT Jet Black/Coral Red | Tracks: NJMP
Appreciate 0
      03-31-2013, 10:10 PM   #21
robbs34
New Member
0
Rep
17
Posts

Drives: 2006 BMW 325XI
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Thanks - I just got the HD's for the front. Any suggestions for the rear? Maybe Konis...Also what non-rft tires are can you all suggest? I appreciate it
Appreciate 0
      04-01-2013, 08:21 AM   #22
ccraig13
Lieutenant
ccraig13's Avatar
54
Rep
485
Posts

Drives: '07 E92 328xi 6MT
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by robbs34 View Post
Thanks - I just got the HD's for the front. Any suggestions for the rear? Maybe Konis...Also what non-rft tires are can you all suggest? I appreciate it
If you got HDs for the front then get them for the rear as well. I don't think it's a good idea to mix and match suspension. Also, the HD's increase ride height, so if you have them on the front and get another brand/sport models on the back the "rake" look will be exacerbated.

I'm running Hankook Ventus V12 with 38psi all the way around ( I mention that because at first I was running them at the runflat spec but that brought nothing but pain, suffering and loss of money... ). Car and Driver has a good wright up on the best non-Pilot Super Sports ( link ). The Hankooks came in 2nd. I was planning on trying the Kumho Ecstas next time since they came in 3rd, but their performance in the rain was poor. The Hankooks are amazing in the rain. In fact, I often find myself thinking that they handle better in it!
__________________
2007 328xi E92 6MT Jet Black/Coral Red | Tracks: NJMP
Appreciate 1
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:45 PM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST