[mlifxs]

I'm on BMW Performance dampers and Dinan springs. Best I can tell (from measuring and using standard formulas), the Dinan spring rates: Eibach Pro <= Dinan <= BMW Performance yellow springs.

I jumped at the BMW Perf dampers because I got a super deal on a lightly used set.

I also have the m3 control arms front and rear, an oversized sway bar up front, as well as go-flat tires.

It's a great ride on smooth to decent roads but the ride can be a bit punishing on bad pavement. The front end sometimes feels brittle going over ruts.

Anyway, if I had a do-over (or next time), it would be to have adjustable dampers (Koni) either with my current springs or stock sport springs.

My car feels great at the autocross and for spirited driving, but other times where I wish the ride could be softer. My favorite passenger is beginning to speak up: "on your next car, don't...." . Some of this could be due to the other mods; it would be nice to turn down the volume from time to time.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by mlifxs

I'm on BMW Performance dampers and Dinan springs. Best I can tell (from measuring and using standard formulas), the Dinan spring rates: Eibach Pro <= Dinan <= BMW Performance yellow springs.

I jumped at the BMW Perf dampers because I got a super deal on a lightly used set.

I also have the m3 control arms front and rear, an oversized sway bar up front, as well as go-flat tires.

It's a great ride on smooth to decent roads but the ride can be a bit punishing on bad pavement. The front end sometimes feels brittle going over ruts.

Anyway, if I had a do-over (or next time), it would be to have adjustable dampers (Koni) either with my current springs or stock sport springs.

My car feels great at the autocross and for spirited driving, but other times where I wish the ride could be softer. My favorite passenger is beginning to speak up: "on your next car, don't...." . Some of this could be due to the other mods; it would be nice to turn down the volume from time to time.

What tired are you using?

Appreciate the input and your experience...adds to the knowledge base.

[mlifxs]

Originally Posted by tlow98

What tired are you using?

Appreciate the input and your experience...adds to the knowledge base.

Michelin PSS, 245/35, which is a shorter sidewall for 18s. Could be another contributor to ride harshness.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by mlifxs

Michelin PSS, 245/35, which is a shorter sidewall for 18s. Could be another contributor to ride harshness.

Absolutely, is a consideration. Also, when I owned PSS there was a very discernible difference in ride quality between 28-34 psi. I pretty much always kept them just below 30 cold, then raised them for auto cross fun.

Might wanna try dropping the psi.

[mlifxs]

previously had Conti DW same size. when I switched to PSS, more grip, tread was less rounded when new, more steering response and firmer ride.

agree tire pressure is a thing.

I run 32 DD and 40 autox.

Tires are 1/2 done, may consider 245/40 next time around, assuming I'm convinced they won't rub.

[jwebb335xi]

Originally Posted by mlifxs

previously had Conti DW same size. when I switched to PSS, more grip, tread was less rounded when new, more steering response and firmer ride.

agree tire pressure is a thing.

I run 32 DD and 40 autox.

Tires are 1/2 done, may consider 245/40 next time around, assuming I'm convinced they won't rub.

For what it's worth, I have 255/35/18 PSS on Apex EC-7, with the 31 off-set.... No rubbing!!

[w1lq]

Cheers for the replies guys, much appreciated.

However, I got a tad confused now. As I live in the Europe, I've got only the euro linear B12 spec avialable. Will those springs deteriorate my ride quite a bit compared to the progressive ones?

[N54Society]

Man my rear shocks were good as gone after taking them off and inspecting. The right one is the rear passenger...it won't even undo itself lol.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by vbp6us

I have sport suspension on my car. Anyone know of any aftermarket shocks that perform similarly to the stock sport shocks or do most people just replace the stock ones with the same stock shocks? I like the feel of the sport suspension so I'm not really interested in coilovers or a suspension overhaul. I'm looking for a something economical as my first criteria.

Thanks

I think the B4 sport version would probably be the most economical and quality based decision.

If you are looking for a step up from your current suspension, Bilstein B6. If you are looking for a suspension similar to an M3, then go with (Bilstein B12).

Bilstein B4 sport version for a Sedan

http://cart.bilsteinus.com/search/mm.../drivetype=RWD

Front Left -

http://www.amazon.com/Bilstein-22-13...tein+22-135032

Your probably looking at $400.00 in shocks and struts. If you plan on replacing the peripheral hardware around the shocks and struts like strut bearings and bump stops etc, plan on adding another $200-250.

[N54Society]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

I think the B4 sport version would probably be the most economical and quality based decision.

If you are looking for a step up from your current suspension, Bilstein B6. If you are looking for a suspension similar to an M3, then go with (Bilstein B12).

Bilstein B4 sport version for a Sedan

http://cart.bilsteinus.com/search/mm.../drivetype=RWD

Front Left -

http://www.amazon.com/Bilstein-22-13...tein+22-135032

Your probably looking at $400.00 in shocks and struts. If you plan on replacing the peripheral hardware around the shocks and struts like strut bearings and bump stops etc, plan on adding another $200-250.

Thank you! That's what I ended up going with and just got the rears installed yesterday. Now time to do the fronts when I get a chance.

[mxchris727]

I just installed Bilsein B4 sport shocks and Continental DWS06 tires. I Love the shocks! They seem to be just a little stiffer than the OEM Sachs sport shocks, yet are super smooth. I have always installed the B6 HD line on my cars, but hated how harsh they were. My E39 has the Sport (B8) shocks because of the OEM M5 suspension; they are very stiff.

B4s are the way to go if you want OEM handling.

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by mlifxs

I'm on BMW Performance dampers and Dinan springs. Best I can tell (from measuring and using standard formulas), the Dinan spring rates: Eibach Pro <= Dinan <= BMW Performance yellow springs.

I jumped at the BMW Perf dampers because I got a super deal on a lightly used set.

I also have the m3 control arms front and rear, an oversized sway bar up front, as well as go-flat tires.

It's a great ride on smooth to decent roads but the ride can be a bit punishing on bad pavement. The front end sometimes feels brittle going over ruts.

Anyway, if I had a do-over (or next time), it would be to have adjustable dampers (Koni) either with my current springs or stock sport springs.

My car feels great at the autocross and for spirited driving, but other times where I wish the ride could be softer. My favorite passenger is beginning to speak up: "on your next car, don't...." . Some of this could be due to the other mods; it would be nice to turn down the volume from time to time.

So eibach are the softest of the 3?

[mlifxs]

Originally Posted by gunnerxq

So eibach are the softest of the 3?

judging strictly by what is published by Eibach for prokit, estimated on our spring rate sticky for the BMW Perf yellows, and my measurements of the Dinans, yes.

I have no personal experience with Eibach or BMW Perf springs.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by w1lq

Hi Guys,

I think I am a bit forced to to hijack this thread, but I have a similar issue as the OP.

I've recently bought a sweet e92 335d that has around 100k km on it. I've got no idea about the maintenance done on the car, but I doubt that anyone has replaced any suspension elements since it drove off from the dealership. The car has the M-sport/performance suspension and Hartman progressive springs which make the car ridiculously low for my DD standards.

What are the options for shock + spring combo upgrade if I do not want to go stock? I've done some reading, though I got confused if the 'performance' shock is a bilstein b8? Or is it a b6?

Currently, I've been thinking about Bilstein B8 + Eibach Pro Kit (as I've been very fond of this setup in my other cars) or Koni Yellows + Eibach Pro Kit. Would it be an improvement over the oem performance kit?

Bilstein B12

[w1lq]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

Bilstein B12

Also I got a very good price on KW v1. So KW v1 vs B12 would be a valid question. Which one?

[Ricapar]

I was going to make my own thread, but I might as well piggyback on this one.

I'm also in need of a suspension overhaul. I'm currently looking at the Bilstein B8's:
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...=Sport+Package

Not the cheapest, but I figure if I'm doing this work I might as well get something that'll add some extra value to me...

What I'm mostly curious about is: Given that I'm going to be all up in the suspension anyways - what else is worth replacing while I'm there? My local shop noted to me that the lower control arms need replacing, so those are on the list.

Is it worth it to do the upper control arms as well? What about the rear mounts?

Ideally I'd like to not have to take apart the suspension again in a long time

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by w1lq

Also I got a very good price on KW v1. So KW v1 vs B12 would be a valid question. Which one?

It depends what sort of ride your looking for and quality of the product. I don't know much about KW's.

Bilstein B12 Kit will give you a ride similar to an M3. Also, Bilstein is more cost effective from the standpoint that they give you the bump stops. 4 bump stops add up $. Last, there should be no question in regards to the quality of a Bilstein shock.

If you get them from FCP Euro, they will have a lifetime warranty on them.

[Wolf 335]

Originally Posted by mxchris727

I just installed Bilsein B4 sport shocks and Continental DWS06 tires. I Love the shocks! They seem to be just a little stiffer than the OEM Sachs sport shocks, yet are super smooth. I have always installed the B6 HD line on my cars, but hated how harsh they were. My E39 has the Sport (B8) shocks because of the OEM M5 suspension; they are very stiff.

B4s are the way to go if you want OEM handling.

How do they compare in regards to the car hight, do you sit higher now with B4s?

[PrematureApex]

Originally Posted by Wolf 335

How do they compare in regards to the car hight, do you sit higher now with B4s?

There would be absolutely no reason they would. Springs dictate ride height, generally speaking.

Now, a high pressure gas shock, e.g. a Bilstein B6 or B8, you tend to see a slight increase in ride height due to the effective spring rate increase (on 3 of my cars, about a 1/4"), as Bilstein mentions in their FAQs.

But the B4s are twin tube, like OEM...so they should have no effect.

[jwebb335xi]

Originally Posted by PrematureApex

There would be absolutely no reason they would. Springs dictate ride height, generally speaking.

Now, a high pressure gas shock, e.g. a Bilstein B6 or B8, you tend to see a slight increase in ride height due to the effective spring rate increase (on 3 of my cars, about a 1/4"), as Bilstein mentions in their FAQs.

But the B4s are twin tube, like OEM...so they should have no effect.

I did HDs on my XI. Day of install, car sat about 1/8 higher..

[swagon]

B12 Pro Kit raised my E91 M Sport about 10 mm. Fucking angry!

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by vbp6us

I went with the B4 Sport shocks/struts, anyone know if I can replace the bump stops with the OEM ones if I'm maintaining the stock sport ride height? Sorry I'm such a noob when it comes to suspension.

I've read that some Bilstein shocks come with builtin bump stops? Do the B4 sports come with that?

Thanks

No, you'll have to buy new bump stops. I think the B4's are the only set of shocks in the Bilstein line that don't come with them either built into the front strut or already in place on the rear shock.