[e92Nathanson]

Suspension is basically gone on my 2008 335i Coupe so I'm looking to replace the suspension with some cheaper, but still comfortable for daily driving coilovers. Currently in between BC Br's and Bilstein B14's but willing to consider other options (within the same price range). Any suggestions?

[Kris53]

So I asked very similar question

Changing suspension on e92 335i

What I was told on board was if you don’t want to track likely better off with non coil overs. Most people recommended Bilstein B8s with a sport lowering spring

[Raptor04]

Had many suspensions on this platform to include BC. I did not like BC. I would go Bilstein, KW, ST, or H&R, which are built using Bilstein parts.

[e92Nathanson]

Originally Posted by Raptor04

Had many suspensions on this platform to include BC. I did not like BC. I would go Bilstein, KW, ST, or H&R, which are built using Bilstein parts.

What didn't you like about the BC's?

[whyzee125]

Definitely go Bilstein B14/PSS. I've heard excellent things about that kit and you get a lifetime warranty through FCP if you order from them. The only gripe I've heard from anyone is even at max height the front is a bit low. Good opportunity to add Dinan camber plates or you could also do e30 top hats and pads to gain more height adjustment.

BC's are the cheapest coilovers that are customizable and decent quality but their main advantage is they go REALLY low. Ride quality is not one of their strong points.

[Raptor04]

Originally Posted by e92Nathanson

What didn't you like about the BC's?

I did not like ride quality, which comes from valving. While they are single adjustable, I believe the single adjustment changes both rebound and compression at the same time which was very stiff in my opinion. What I've learned is Suspension tuning is hard and expensive. Stick to the German based off the shelf kits and you can't go wrong if you want it to be comfortable. However you also need to stay within the recommended ride height parameters for the selected kit. If you go too low, it will not ride well as you will be in the bump stops all the time. You can trim bump stops but then you may still be too low and not in the optimal height for the dampener and shocks stroke.

Good valving is not cheap but the off the shelf German based coilover kits are valved to their provided springs and ride pretty well for a daily driver. I like the H&R kits because you get a true montoube on all 4 corners. With the Bilstein kit, you get a twin tube in the front and montubes in the rear. With KW/ST, you get twin tube on all 4 corners. Twin tubes tend to have softer compression dampening and may feel better vs off the shelf Bilstein monotubes.

[mike@x-ph.com]

+1 for bilstein