Bilstein HD vs OEM

Fpaliwala · 03-07-2013, 10:03 AM

I have an 06 325i with 125K miles and original suspension. I want refresh the the suspension all around. This my daily driver and I'm not really looking to modify/lower the suspension. Wanted to know what the pros and cons were with going with the Bilstein HDs vs OEM parts. Any help would be appreciated.

BillionPa · 03-07-2013, 07:32 PM

I put Bilstein HD shocks on my E34.... they were ok, handled well, one was leaking in the box and had to be replaced before I could install.

My current recommendation would be Koni FSD, they will have much better comfort for the same level of handling improvement.

335dFan · 03-07-2013, 08:21 PM

I have a 2011 335d with the base suspension. Being unhappy with the wallowing I replaced the OEM dampers at about 4500 miles with Bilstein B6. I was quite happy with the change. I haven't used Konis for many years but I am sure the right model would work fine too.

Having said this, next week I am changing out most if not all the suspension to take it to the next level so to speak. I am now at about 11k on the odometer.

Fpaliwala · 03-08-2013, 09:40 AM

Thanks for the advice. I'm leaning towards the Koni FSds as well since I do a lot of city driving with bad roads. Will the Koni FSDs work with stock springs?

03-07-2013, 10:03 AM	#1
Fpaliwala New Member 1 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Houston, Tx iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Bilstein HD vs OEM I have an 06 325i with 125K miles and original suspension. I want refresh the the suspension all around. This my daily driver and I'm not really looking to modify/lower the suspension. Wanted to know what the pros and cons were with going with the Bilstein HDs vs OEM parts. Any help would be appreciated.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

03-07-2013, 07:32 PM	#2
BillionPa Second Lieutenant 2 Rep 288 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I put Bilstein HD shocks on my E34.... they were ok, handled well, one was leaking in the box and had to be replaced before I could install. My current recommendation would be Koni FSD, they will have much better comfort for the same level of handling improvement.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2013, 08:21 PM	#3
335dFan Jumping Jack Flash 321 Rep 1,692 Posts Drives: 2021 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: California (east of Sacramento) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 BMW X3 M40i [0.00] 2017 Toyota Prius [0.00]	I have a 2011 335d with the base suspension. Being unhappy with the wallowing I replaced the OEM dampers at about 4500 miles with Bilstein B6. I was quite happy with the change. I haven't used Konis for many years but I am sure the right model would work fine too. Having said this, next week I am changing out most if not all the suspension to take it to the next level so to speak. I am now at about 11k on the odometer. __________________ 2021 X3 M40i: M Sport Differential, Adaptive M Suspension. Previous BMWs: 1971 BMW 2002, 1973 BMW R75/5, and 2011 BMW 335d Previous Other Vehicles: '67 Cougar, '70 911e, '86 Jetta Diesel, '05 and '12 Foresters, et al.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-08-2013, 09:40 AM	#4
Fpaliwala New Member 1 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Houston, Tx iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Thanks for the advice. I'm leaning towards the Koni FSds as well since I do a lot of city driving with bad roads. Will the Koni FSDs work with stock springs?
	Appreciate 0 Quote