[Fritzer]

I've been running OEM Struts/Springs for the entirety of my ownership of the vehicle. Front struts finally worn out, I'm sure the rears are on their way out soon too. Figured instead of replacing them with OEM, and considering I was going to purchase a set of Eibach springs anyway, I would just do a full overhaul. Obviously I don't want to spend a ridiculous amount of money on something like coilovers for a 328 daily, but I would certainly like to find an affordable sweet spot for this. Looking for opinions on what you guys think. I'm running the stock 8x17 wheels squared for the time being as well, so I was looking at spacers.

Already decided on Eibach Pro-Kit Lowering Springs. My thought process was to keep the OE B4 Bilstien Struts and call it a day, but after reading more into I think I may go with something semi-affordable like the Koni struts(saw a set for ~$350) or the B6 Bilstien struts. My car has the standard suspension right now, not sport. Along with the struts I was looking at the H&R spacers, something to just fill out the wheel wells with the 8x17 wheels. Also to mention I will be running Michelin Pilot SuperSports 235/45/17 at all four corners.

What do you guys think/recommend for struts to pair with the Eibach Pro-Kit, as well as recommendations for basic spacers? Thanks!

[Jklad]

Originally Posted by Fritzer

I've been running OEM Struts/Springs for the entirety of my ownership of the vehicle. Front struts finally worn out, I'm sure the rears are on their way out soon too. Figured instead of replacing them with OEM, and considering I was going to purchase a set of Eibach springs anyway, I would just do a full overhaul. Obviously I don't want to spend a ridiculous amount of money on something like coilovers for a 328 daily, but I would certainly like to find an affordable sweet spot for this. Looking for opinions on what you guys think. I'm running the stock 8x17 wheels squared for the time being as well, so I was looking at spacers.

Already decided on Eibach Pro-Kit Lowering Springs. My thought process was to keep the OE B4 Bilstien Struts and call it a day, but after reading more into I think I may go with something semi-affordable like the Koni struts(saw a set for ~$350) or the B6 Bilstien struts. My car has the standard suspension right now, not sport. Along with the struts I was looking at the H&R spacers, something to just fill out the wheel wells with the 8x17 wheels. Also to mention I will be running Michelin Pilot SuperSports 235/45/17 at all four corners.

What do you guys think/recommend for struts to pair with the Eibach Pro-Kit, as well as recommendations for basic spacers? Thanks!

My opinion - if your only daily driving, order a set of b8 to match your lowered eibachs, or just get a b12 kit. Rather than wheel spacers for 17in wheels, get a new set of nice looking affordable 18s like beyerns, with the proper offsets, and wider too, and sell your 17s.

[Fritzer]

Originally Posted by Jklad

Rather than wheel spacers for 17in wheels, get a new set of nice looking affordable 18s like beyerns, with the proper offsets, and wider too, and sell your 17s.

Im saving for style 216 wheels. Just have a lot more to do on the car before then so I’m going to roll one lastset on these 17” for 30,000 miles or so.

[zstreet86]

I recently installed B6's on my rwd sport e91. Looks good (to me), feels great. Replaced 7 year old oem shocks at 65k mikes. Instant, noticeable difference. My auto-x times inproved. No ragrets.

[Thorin]

How did the B6s perform over rough pavement? Looking for a DD suspension overhaul myself.

[Efthreeoh]

I ordered my 325i with the sport package so it had the BMW factory sport suspension, which lowers the car about 1" from the base suspension setting. In January of this year I dropped in Bilstein B8's and H&R sport springs. It lowered the car even more than the factory BMW sport suspension, which I was trying to avoid; I need clearance to get around the home compound and into my shop. Once the new parts settled in, which took about 4,000 miles, it's pretty nice. It's a tiny bit harsh, not jolting, but I like it that way and the car handles great, better than the BMW sport suspension.

If you get B8's you don't need new bump stops because Bilstein adds built-in bump stops. And since you what to keep the spend low, don't go replacing bushings all over the place. Too many people on E90 post replace suspension bushings way too early IMO. If you go from a base suspension to a Bilstein B12 (B8's and Eibachs) you'll notice a huge difference in a stiffer ride and way better handling. If you do go that route, I would suggest getting the sport suspension sway bar bushings front and rear, but that's it as far as bushings.

[Fritzer]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

If you get B8's you don't need new bump stops because Bilstein adds built-in bump stops.

If I get the B6, or even the B4 struts, I will only really need to replace the struts and bump stops right? Nothing else save for the mentioned bushings. I'd have to look at my records but I think the indy I used to take my car to replaced most of the front suspension bushings about 20,000 miles ago.

[Spitfire007]

Originally Posted by Fritzer

If I get the B6, or even the B4 struts, I will only really need to replace the struts and bump stops right? Nothing else save for the mentioned bushings. I'd have to look at my records but I think the indy I used to take my car to replaced most of the front suspension bushings about 20,000 miles ago.

You should replace the strut mount bushings, rear shock mounts (upper and lower) and get new spring pads. Cheap insurance to make sure your new parts integrate with the car well.

[chris82]

I would match the struts to your new springs. You won't have enough rebound otherwise, assuming the eibachs are stiffer than the stock springs. The stock dampers are designed to handle a very specific spring rate.