[Jules59]

Anyone got any experience of the Bilstein B12 Pro suspension kit on their E91 ?
Fitted it yourself ?

http://bilstein.suspensiondirect.co....3_176_1122.jsp

I have an M Sport so I dont think it would be lowered much - which is good from my point of view.

Which dampers does the kit use ? Are they B8?

[parapaul]

Yes, it's B8 dampers with Eibach springs. Have a look back through my previous threads, I lowered my E91 MSport with Eibachs, very happy with the results. All done on the driveway.

However...

The B8 are a shorter version of the B6, designed to use with shorter springs. I've had the B6 dampers in the past, and they are (IMO) way, way too stiff for normal road use. I used the B4 sport dampers, which are just superb - I'd recommend them to anyone

Edit: In fact, I'm in Walsall most of the time these days, so possibly not too far away (depending on exactly where in Warks you are... Southam and Shipston aren't close to ANYWHERE! ), if you wanted to try before you buy, I'm sure we could sort something out.

[Jules59]

Parapaul: Are the B4 simply Bilstein equivalent replacements for the OEM setup ?

[Icekube]

i had the B12 kit on my Audi S4, and it was excellent, many people over on AudiSRS are running the setup and its a perfect for a daily driver. no where near what could be construed as "stiff".

[Jules59]

Parapaul:

Did more research. The B4 shocks may well be what Im after.
http://web1.carparts-cat.com/default...A018004&12=130

(There are different B4 for Msport and SE.)

Where did get your B4 shocks ? Im having difficulty finding a stockist.

[danb21t]

I'm going to be ordering a B12 kit this week or next. Should provide a nice refresh from the worn standard msport setup.

[Icekube]

I'm in the pickle where I want to fit a b12 kit, but I also want(need) to re-bush the entire car as well, so am just saving up and will do it all at the same time, early summer job I think!

[Icekube]

Originally Posted by parapaul

The B8 are a shorter version of the B6, designed to use with shorter springs. I've had the B6 dampers in the past, and they are (IMO) way, way too stiff for normal road use

what springs were you using them with? as that flies contrary to Bilstiens usual trait of being lovely and compliant (OEM+)

[Jules59]

Originally Posted by Icekube

what springs were you using them with? as that flies contrary to Bilstiens usual trait of being lovely and compliant (OEM+)

Quote from the Motorsportworld website

It should be noted that B6 and B8 shocks are highly uprated and may be too hard for some people's tastes in road applications, so there are also black B4 shocks available. Bilstein list their B4 shocks as OE (Original Equipment) but they will appear slightly uprated over the standard items on your vehicle. They are a popular choice combined with quality uprated springs such as Eibach where ride comfort is as important as handling. This is certainly a combination that we highly recommend.

Its a minefield - this suspension lark

[parapaul]

Originally Posted by Jules59

Parapaul:

Did more research. The B4 shocks may well be what Im after.
http://web1.carparts-cat.com/default...A018004&12=130

(There are different B4 for Msport and SE.)

Where did get your B4 shocks ? Im having difficulty finding a stockist.

I went for the B4 Sport dampers. They're shorter and slightly stiffer than the standard B4, designed to be used with optional sport (read lowered) suspension. If you use the Bilstein website, navigate through the catalogue and you'll find them listed against your car model. I just noted the part numbers and googled them, ended up buying from a seller on ebay as that was cheapest at the time.

Originally Posted by Icekube

what springs were you using them with? as that flies contrary to Bilstiens usual trait of being lovely and compliant (OEM+)

They were with Eibach pro-kit springs, springs I'd used happily before, and using happily again now.

[parapaul]

Originally Posted by Jules59

Parapaul:

Did more research. The B4 shocks may well be what Im after.
http://web1.carparts-cat.com/default...A018004&12=130

(There are different B4 for Msport and SE.)

Where did get your B4 shocks ? Im having difficulty finding a stockist.

That link doesn't work, but I know where you were looking They're actually not for SE/MSport as you'd think - the B4 sport dampers are a good inch too short to use with the MSport springs. They're designed for the BMW Performance (ZSP) setup.

[parapaul]

A couple of threads from last year you might find useful

Shorter bump stops

Lowering

[Jules59]

Originally Posted by parapaul

A couple of threads from last year you might find useful

Shorter bump stops

Lowering

Many thanks Parapaul

Im going down the Eibach/ B4S route - just a question of finding the time to get it sorted - probably nearer March.

[Jules59]

Going with the Eibach Pro springs and Bilstein B4S shocks; is there anything else that will need replacing at the same time or does everything I'll need to replace the OEM MSport springs & shocks come in the boxes ?

[mob17]

Originally Posted by Jules59

Going with the Eibach Pro springs and Bilstein B4S shocks; is there anything else that will need replacing at the same time or does everything I'll need to replace the OEM MSport springs & shocks come in the boxes ?

Depends, whats your mileage?

[parapaul]

All you get in the boxes are 4 springs and 4 dampers. Everything else is reusable, whether you choose to replace the bump stops is up to you - mine were fucked at 5 years and 100k miles. I've seen people suggest replacing the top mount and bearings too, but unless you have a specific reason to, I don't see it's necessary at all.

[Jules59]

Originally Posted by mob17

Depends, whats your mileage?

41K miles

[Jules59]

Just to finish off this thread.
I installed Eibach Pro springs and Bilstein B4S dampers myself last weekend. Alignment booked for next week.
Will load up some pics when weather is a bit nicer.
The rear springs are really awkward to get at with usual spring compressors. BMW use internal spring compressor and I suggest if you can get one it will make the job so much easier if you dont want to unbolt the lower arm at the outer end. Getting the front strut out of the hub was easy and so was getting it out from under the wheel arch once I worked out how much to compress the spring. Getting the original spring off the strut was another matter though as the spring compressors were not long enough to allow full expansion of the springs. Had to do it in stages using multiple sets of compressors.
The Eibach being a bit shorter (not much than MSport springs though) were easier to install.
The strut top mount is held on by a nut which is recessed preventing the use of a spanner and the threaded rod rotates. The rod is fixed with an Allen key but that prevents the use of a socket. BMW use a special tool. I welded a big nut to an old socket - allowing a spanner to turn the top mount nut and an Allen key to pass through nut & socket to hold the rod still.