[slimon]

Hi All,

I've done a lot of reading and the requisite searches, still have a question:

I have a 2008 328xi wagon with 6MT. I use staggered 17s with summer tires and 16s with winter tires. Overall, I love the car.

It's biggest glaring fault is the suspension. To be specific, the ride is a bit soft, but the huge issue is constantly hitting the bumpstops and general pitch/roll/dive. I know this is a common complaint and there are good solutions, but here is where I get specific...

I have a AWD wagon because I need it's utility factor. I take the car everywhere, haul tons of stuff, drive in snow, live in NYC with terrible roads, etc. So, I really dont think I want to lower my car at all. I want to stiffen it up, have the suspension be better controlled and not constantly be blowing through it's travel and hitting the bumpstops.

So, am I crazy to consider bilstein HDs and the stock springs? Am I going to spend a ton of money for no performance gain? Bad idea to mix stock springs and aftermarket shocks? Have a better recommendation?

Any advice would be great.

Thanks!
Simon