[satz]

I read somewhere that Bilstein 'valves' its struts differently for different markets. Do you think that's true, or a bit of market-protection?

I'm thinking of either ordering the B12 kit from US or Europe.

thanks

[DTM_]

Originally Posted by satz

I read somewhere that Bilstein 'valves' its struts differently for different markets. Do you think that's true, or a bit of market-protection?

I'm thinking of either ordering the B12 kit from US or Europe.

thanks

Here are a few other choices Satz -

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/perfor...2011/330-3-0td

My car has the uneven front ride height also but I am undecided on coilovers or the pro-kits - interested to read your future posts about your decision.

[satz]

hi DTM, good to see another Canberran on here! When you're looking at lowering kits, I think they're different for an E92 compared to E90.

I've contacted most of the suspension/BMW specialists in town so if you need their prices let me know. Including the dealership.

Some places won't install unless they supply as well.

cheers

[DTM_]

Originally Posted by satz

hi DTM, good to see another Canberran on here! When you're looking at lowering kits, I think they're different for an E92 compared to E90.

I've contacted most of the suspension/BMW specialists in town so if you need their prices let me know. Including the dealership.

Some places won't install unless they supply as well.

cheers

Thanks Satz - yes, there are some of us around town on this post - it is a gold mine of info and so many knowledgeable people out there etc. There are also a lot of willing helpers/advisers in the car club if you are a member.
I might pm you about your research results later.

[satz]

Could members please share their ride heights after installing Bilstein B12 kits? preferably on their non-Msport, although I guess it shouldn't matter.

Ride height measured from centre of wheel to top of wheel arch. I got an email from Bilstein Australia saying to expect a ride height of 350mm at all wheels. My current non Msport is approx 365 at front and 360 at rear.

So based on this I'd only get a 10-15mm drop? But the ads I've seen for the kit in overseas retailers talk about 30mm drop at front, and 20mm at rear (Prokit).

i know I'd get handling benefits from the B12, but it really is the 25-30mm drop that I'm interested in...

cheers

[Trev88]

Originally Posted by satz

Could members please share their ride heights after installing Bilstein B12 kits? preferably on their non-Msport, although I guess it shouldn't matter.

Ride height measured from centre of wheel to top of wheel arch. I got an email from Bilstein Australia saying to expect a ride height of 350mm at all wheels. My current non Msport is approx 365 at front and 360 at rear.

So based on this I'd only get a 10-15mm drop? But the ads I've seen for the kit in overseas retailers talk about 30mm drop at front, and 20mm at rear (Prokit).

i know I'd get handling benefits from the B12, but it really is the 25-30mm drop that I'm interested in...

cheers

I've got the B12s replacing my m sport. height wise isnt any big change. With the better performance from the B12 you wouldn't need to worry about that 1cm drop. If you run PSS tyres you need to roll your guards though as it will rub due to uneven bumps arising from the PSS squarish design and the slight drop.

[Coupes33]

Originally Posted by satz

Could members please share their ride heights after installing Bilstein B12 kits? preferably on their non-Msport, although I guess it shouldn't matter.

Ride height measured from centre of wheel to top of wheel arch. I got an email from Bilstein Australia saying to expect a ride height of 350mm at all wheels. My current non Msport is approx 365 at front and 360 at rear.

So based on this I'd only get a 10-15mm drop? But the ads I've seen for the kit in overseas retailers talk about 30mm drop at front, and 20mm at rear (Prokit).

i know I'd get handling benefits from the B12, but it really is the 25-30mm drop that I'm interested in...

cheers

I have Eibach Pro springs with Koni Yellow struts and shockies and the centre of wheel to top of wheel arch measurements are 340mm front and back.

[satz]

thanks Coupes33 - is your 335i an E92 or E90?

cheers

[satz]

Another related question - is it safe to buy a suspension kit from UK, or pay more an buy it in Australia? Where possible I try to buy from Oz, but in this case the price is a few hundred $ difference, and also it takes 3 months to get an order filled here according to local Bilsten/Eibach rep.

[Boganian Rubes]

Got my b12 Kit from uk, or Germany can't remember, demontweeks was the site. Only took forever because I also ordered a white line swaybar which took fooorreeeveeerrr then I finally cancelled the sway bar and coils came in like 2 weeks. Veddy good b12 +1 stiffer than stock ride but idgaf rides well other than when you hit something like a pothole bump or massive branch, you can't trust the small ones either.

[Trev88]

Originally Posted by Boganian Rubes

Got my b12 Kit from uk, or Germany can't remember, demontweeks was the site. Only took forever because I also ordered a white line swaybar which took fooorreeeveeerrr then I finally cancelled the sway bar and coils came in like 2 weeks. Veddy good b12 +1 stiffer than stock ride but idgaf rides well other than when you hit something like a pothole bump or massive branch, you can't trust the small ones either.

Think u got b14 dude. You wanted low. The B12 is slightly higher but feels great IMO

[Boganian Rubes]

B-17

[satz]

boganian - Did you mean the B12 stiffer than stock M sport, or non-M?
cheers

S

[Boganian Rubes]

Originally Posted by satz

boganian - Did you mean the B12 stiffer than stock M sport, or non-M?
cheers

S

Sorry stock non - msport, and I'm pretty sure the b12's are the ones, I literally can't remember just bilstein coilovers whatever. It's not such a big deal you get used to it. I remember taking it for a spin through the mountsafter the install, I drive on cheap tyres and that issue was deffo highlighted with the new coilovers, not so much on stockies.

[juld0zer]

The uneven ride height left/right is not due to the shock or spring. Nor is it due to the front strut mounts either. It might be due to the different geometry of the strut towers themselves.

I have B8, BMW performance springs, Kmac camber/caster adjustable mounts on the front. The right side still sits lower

[satz]

Does anyone know of a shock/spring combo kit that doesn't lower as much as the Bilstein B12? Something that does 15-20mm front and rear? (like the oem M Sport, but not as harsh?)

cheers

[DR-JEKL]

A lot of you guys should be just buying KW V1's or ST's IMO so you can adjust the height to suit and get some performance and still maintain oem like comfort (which isnt hard as the stock shocks are pretty crap - at least mine were after 70 ish k kays)

Also with new shocks get some fresh mounts also IMO!

[satz]

Was about to order Bilstein / Eibach combo and then I spoke to John at Eibach Australia, just to get a final price, but he recommended the Koni FSD instead of Bilstein shocks.

Apparently they are smoother, but stiffen up when cornering (I guess based on rapid vs smooth 'bounce'?)

Worth it? or stick with Bilstein B8 (which seems much cheaper)

[BM3Rrrr]

Originally Posted by satz

Was about to order Bilstein / Eibach combo and then I spoke to John at Eibach Australia, just to get a final price, but he recommended the Koni FSD instead of Bilstein shocks.

Apparently they are smoother, but stiffen up when cornering (I guess based on rapid vs smooth 'bounce'?)

Worth it? or stick with Bilstein B8 (which seems much cheaper)

From my last post in this thread:

IMO the Bilsteins being the monotube are bit more performance oriented and have the potential for more aggressive damping than a regular twin tube design (Koni), which in turn, has the potential to be more comfortable.

If comfort is what your looking for go with Koni

[Coupes33]

Originally Posted by satz

Was about to order Bilstein / Eibach combo and then I spoke to John at Eibach Australia, just to get a final price, but he recommended the Koni FSD instead of Bilstein shocks.

Apparently they are smoother, but stiffen up when cornering (I guess based on rapid vs smooth 'bounce'?)

Worth it? or stick with Bilstein B8 (which seems much cheaper)

I have used the Bilstein B8 and now have Koni Yellow. I found the Bilsteins too stiff where as with the Koni, you can adjust to suit your own requirements.

[satz]

thanks guys. Will probably go with Koni and Eibach combo

[DR-JEKL]

Based on my experiences in the past koni yellows were a better shock than the bilstein B8's (hard to verify a sthey were both on different cars)

Koni FSD's are quite expensive also, but yes they'll provide a great comfortable ride but aren't really a performance orientated shock