[sav_e92]

Before I go further... I have done a thorough search and have found a variety of opinions on the questions I'm about to ask. I'm creating this new thread so that I can specifically target my use-cases with my questions in mind...

So - I'd like to replace the shocks/struts on my sport-packaged e92 328xi that I recently purchased with 88k miles on stock suspension. I understand that the sport-packaged xi models have non-sport springs.

With that said - I also intend to autocross my car and want to stay within the spec for street class (not street touring or street prepared) which would prevent me from using lowering springs. I also am not particularly interested in lowering my ride height as I'm in VT where it will be snowy in the winter and dirt roads, potholes, etc. prevail.

I've narrowed down my options to:

Bilsteins - it sounds like B6 would be the correct application. However, the drawback I see here is that most experience an increase in ride height which I find undesirable from a visual perspective. I can live with it if this really is the best choice - but would rather avoid if possible.

Koni - I would prefer the Yellow dampers if appropriate to use with stock xi springs. The adjustability would be nice for autox and from what I've read, the ride at lower speeds (e.g., driving around town) is more comfortable.

My questions are:
Can I use my stock xi springs on Koni Yellows without adverse effect? And/or, is that setup worthwhile given the spring rates of the stock xi springs?

And, if Bilstein is the indicated choice - is there a way to avoid raising ride height? I read of some people removing part of the upper shock mount but I'm not sure I exactly grasped the pros/cons of doing so.

Any e92 xi autocrossers out there with an opinion on the above?

Input is much appreciated!

[relative4]

Are you certain B8s aren't correct for your application? I would expect them to be.

[sav_e92]

Well, fairly certain IF I am correct in my statement that the sport-packaged e92 xi models use the non-sport springs and are at the standard e90 ride height.

However - it would seem that the B8s would eliminate the ride height increase...

[relative4]

Well, I have an xi with B8s, and the height is pretty much the same as stock. Oh and yeah, the xi sport package has no suspension changes from non-sport, so yeah.

[sav_e92]

How do you like the setup? Are you on stock springs?

[relative4]

Dinan springs, and I love it. After changing the suspension, I had to track the car; it does pretty well.

[Torgus]

As long as you are not super low and the springs are black like stock will anyone notice? Almost anything is going to perform better than stock when you actually try and throw it around.


street class
street touring
street prepared

What is the difference?

I am guessing I would be street prepared...

[sav_e92]

relative4 - which Dinan springs do you have? I don't see a package on their website for the e92 xDrive but am thinking that others must fit.

Torgus - if you're still driving the e92 in your signature then I believe you're actually in an even higher class than those three... if you want to find out, there's an autox event at Fort Devens in Ayer, MA on 4/5 that I'll be at and we can see what the tech inspector says ;-)

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by SAVAGE_VT_E92

Torgus - if you're still driving the e92 in your signature then I believe you're actually in an even higher class than those three... if you want to find out, there's an autox event at Fort Devens in Ayer, MA on 4/5 that I'll be at and we can see what the tech inspector says ;-)

I will be telling him my car is stock, I bought it this way.

Is that through BMWCCA? I wonder if it get's canceled.

[tlow98]

Bilstein’s are great but between the rowdy low-speed valving and the tendency to raise the height why not just go Konis?

There’s a reason Dinan and TCK use them in extremely street friendly dual purpose cars. They don’t have the high-speed control that bilstein does, but they do everything else better. IMO, they’re the best stepping stone to real coilovers as they offer some control/adjustability yet are docile everywhere else.

Bilsteins b6/8 will be better at high speed pot holes, but 90% of the time the koni’s fit the bill. You have to decide what you’re comfortable with from a ride perspective.

[sav_e92]

Yeah tlow I’m leaning that way. I just wonder whether the Koni’s are worthwhile on stock springs.

Won’t be surprised if autox gets cancelled, Torgus - it’s through SCCA. For real tho... if you’re inclined to join we can talk BMWs on the sidelines

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by SAVAGE_VT_E92

Yeah tlow I’m leaning that way. I just wonder whether the Koni’s are worthwhile on stock springs.

Won’t be surprised if autox gets cancelled, Torgus - it’s through SCCA. For real tho... if you’re inclined to join we can talk BMWs on the sidelines

They are designed to work on stock springs and lightly upgraded springs. I had them on my E36 and E46 cars. Stock springs on the E36 and a Ground control coilover set up on the E46. The funny thing is that you used to have to cut up the stock struts and insert the Konis as an 'insert'. They were originally made and designed to be used as a stock replacement that was of higher quality and adjustable. The great thing about them today is that they're so easy to install and use. From my experience, the adjustable damping range is very large. Single adjustable shocks are a compromise, but when done well they can be very good

Give a call to Herald at HPA or anyone that routinely installs this type of thing.

[Phil325i]

Ohlins Road and Track are also worth considering. Not cheap, but an excellent set-up (in my opinion).

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by Phil325i

Ohlins Road and Track are also worth considering. Not cheap, but an excellent set-up (in my opinion).

While I agree, it sounds like they would put him out of the class he is looking to compete in.

[Phil325i]

Originally Posted by Torgus

While I agree, it sounds like they would put him out of the class he is looking to compete in.

Sorry, my lack of knowledge of US Autocross rules...

[Bobh59]

Originally Posted by SAVAGE_VT_E92

relative4 - which Dinan springs do you have? I don't see a package on their website for the e92 xDrive but am thinking that others must fit.

Torgus - if you're still driving the e92 in your signature then I believe you're actually in an even higher class than those three... if you want to find out, there's an autox event at Fort Devens in Ayer, MA on 4/5 that I'll be at and we can see what the tech inspector says ;-)

I also have the Dinan springs, Koni Yellows, supplemental ride/handling kit and all new mounting bits. It completely transformed the car and can't say enough good things about it.

I couldn't find the Dinan springs for your car either but I may have a solution for you. I bought my "kit" from Chris at StrutMonkey who is a fellow enthusiast and knows these cars as well as anyone. He may still be a forum sponsor too. Anyway, he has a kit on his site with Dinan springs/B4's for your car (http://www.strutmonkey.com/store/p69..._Lowering.html) so maybe he can help you out with those or give you some other options.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by Bobh59

I also have the Dinan springs, Koni Yellows, supplemental ride/handling kit and all new mounting bits. It completely transformed the car and can't say enough good things about it.

I couldn't find the Dinan springs for your car either but I may have a solution for you. I bought my "kit" from Chris at StrutMonkey who is a fellow enthusiast and knows these cars as well as anyone. He may still be a forum sponsor too. Anyway, he has a kit on his site with Dinan springs/B4's for your car (http://www.strutmonkey.com/store/p69..._Lowering.html) so maybe he can help you out with those or give you some other options.

Video review of these would be great! Ha

[sav_e92]

I’m getting more sold on the Koni’s every day.... I may well give the guys at StrutMonkey a call to see what they think or can offer. Now to explore some fresh subframe bushings....

[sav_e92]

Does anyone know whether a set of OEM RWD sport package springs will give me just a little bit of drop when matched with Koni’s (or any shock, for that matter) and a potentially slightly firmer ride?

[sav_e92]

Pulled the trigger on a set of Konis today!

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by SAVAGE_VT_E92

Pulled the trigger on a set of Konis today!

Nice! Any deals going on yet?

[sav_e92]

$699 shipped from https://topgearsolutions.com