Bilstein B4 a good OEM sport alternative?

bin01123 · 02-06-2016, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwong77

Likewise, I recently went from FSD's to Bilstein B8's (which from my understanding is the same as the HD B6's except its shorter), and the car feels phenomenal. I lost that floaty feeling. With all that said, the car is less comfortable on the initial compression, but I like that it doesn't have much secondary oscillations. So the car essentially hits a bump, absorbs it, and then moves on without losing its composure. Also, I hear that it will get more comfortable over time too.

It does feel better with time.

jwong77 · 02-06-2016, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david in germany

In Europe they advertise the b4 for standard cars, b6 are for sport suspension and b8 are for performance suspension.

Jwong77, your setup is the perfect combo. I did the same on my e87 and love it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bin01123

It does feel better with time.

That is great to hear!

Stream · 02-07-2016, 07:28 AM

There are two versions of B4 - one for standart suspension and one for Sport.
They have different part numbers but the same name "B4".

woodpecka · 02-07-2016, 02:39 PM

Got B4 all around on the XI.

There is no std or sport option on XI but the OEM are like sport. I can't tell the difference between the B4 and OEM that I liked.

Murf · 02-09-2016, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stream

There are two versions of B4 - one for standart suspension and one for Sport.
They have different part numbers but the same name "B4".

This. Make sure you order the right ones for your car...

http://cart.bilsteinus.com/search/mm.../drivetype=RWD

geost · 02-11-2016, 12:42 PM

Here's what I saw when I bought my B6:

B4 - OEish replacement whether sport or not.
B6 - For cars with factory Sport suspension (ie. using factory springs) that want better performance than OEM shocks or B4
B8 - For cars that want the performance of the B6 but are lowered (not from factory) with different/aftermarket springs (eibach, etc). Like someone else said, it's shorter than the B6.

Since my car came factory with Sport package suspension, B6 was the choice. Later if I want to lower my car, then I would switch to B8.

Banana Clipper · 02-15-2016, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murf

This. Make sure you order the right ones for your car...

http://cart.bilsteinus.com/search/mm.../drivetype=RWD

Appreciate the link!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murf

At 75k the dampers on my e90 sport are starting to go....

How did you know they were going? I bought my car with 60k miles and the fronts make this 'whoosh' air sound over larger bumps. I was told this is normal due to the sport suspension but its annoying the hell out of me and doesnt seem 'normal'

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murf

I've put 10k on these with zero complaints. As other people have stated they are maybe 5-10% stiffer than stock but not bad at all. I have them paired with Bridgestone S-04's and the ride is pretty firm, I think I may actually go to a slightly softer tire like the Conti DW to balance things out.

I highly recommend them as an OEM-ish replacement.

How are they over pot-holes? What dont you like about them?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bin01123

+1

I upgraded the wife's E90 to the B6 all around and the car is not as stiff as people claim. The car handles much better and you barely feel pot holes. Glad I went with the HDs

Could you share the B6 PN's please?

Murf · 02-15-2016, 06:43 PM

[QUOTE=Banana Clipper;19397934]Appreciate the link!

How did you know they were going? I bought my car with 60k miles and the fronts make this 'whoosh' air sound over larger bumps. I was told this is normal due to the sport suspension but its annoying the hell out of me and doesnt seem 'normal'

The rear of the car felt really sloppy and would wander all over the place on hard acceleration. Both rear shocks were shot, when off the car and compressed the piston would not expand out at all. Fronts were probably ok but for $300 for 4 corners it was a no brainer to do them all.

How are they over pot-holes? What dont you like about them?

They ride well, like many people have said these are designed to be stock-like replacements. They are compliant but somewhat firm, again though its hard to tell considering I am comparing them to the 7 year old shocks that came off the car. I would get them again in a heartbeat, this is a daily (80 miles r/t) driver and I specifically did not want to make the ride any stiffer. I wanted to replace the rear subframe bushings as well but the labor is expensive and wasn't in the budget at this time. I will probably do them as I approach 100k though.

/QUOTE]

Banana Clipper · 02-15-2016, 06:50 PM

Do you recall ever having a 'whoosh' or air sound coming from front struts when you had OEM Sport dampeners on?

Murf · 02-15-2016, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banana Clipper

Do you recall ever having a 'whoosh' or air sound coming from front struts when you had OEM Sport dampeners on?

Yup and the replacements do it also. It's totally normal.

Banana Clipper · 02-15-2016, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murf

Yup and the replacements do it also. It's totally normal.

LOL, damn it

PrematureApex · 02-16-2016, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bin01123

+1

I upgraded the wife's E90 to the B6 all around and the car is not as stiff as people claim. The car handles much better and you barely feel pot holes. Glad I went with the HDs

+1.

I'm a Bilstein B6/HD convert.

You get more initial road feel, but they absorb large impacts MUCH better than stock/stock replacement.

My wife prefers them on her daily, and she also takes a bad stretch of 95 everyday.

Honestly, I couldn't see myself buying B4s.

alexwhittemore · 02-17-2016, 03:54 PM

I'm also working through this decision right now - I'm trying to replace busted stock non-sport front shocks, and maybe it's time for the rear as well if I'm already doing the work.

The B4s seem like maybe they're just the ticket, but the B6s seem like maybe a worthy upgrade. If I'm NOT swapping out stock, non-sport springs, are the B6s a viable option?

tlow98 · 02-21-2016, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexwhittemore

I'm also working through this decision right now - I'm trying to replace busted stock non-sport front shocks, and maybe it's time for the rear as well if I'm already doing the work.

The B4s seem like maybe they're just the ticket, but the B6s seem like maybe a worthy upgrade. If I'm NOT swapping out stock, non-sport springs, are the B6s a viable option?

Correct, b6s will work on your otherwise stock car. The b8s are designed for lowering springs. You want the b6.

I hope to try them soon as well

alexwhittemore · 02-23-2016, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlow98

Correct, b6s will work on your otherwise stock car. The b8s are designed for lowering springs. You want the b6.

I hope to try them soon as well

Yummy, thanks.

Can anyone speak to the P/N difference between B4 Stock OE replacement and B4 Sport OE replacement? Is the Sport version the same fitment as stock, but different feel? Am I out of line putting the B4 Sport version on my otherwise stock suspension with stock springs? I'm still not totally decided on B4 vs B6, the price difference is... noticeable.

Stream · 02-24-2016, 05:08 AM

Different shaft length only.

alexwhittemore · 02-24-2016, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stream

Different shaft length only.

In which case, the Sport version B4 will not fit on my car without slightly shortened springs, yeah?

bin01123 · 03-02-2016, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banana Clipper

Appreciate the link!

How did you know they were going? I bought my car with 60k miles and the fronts make this 'whoosh' air sound over larger bumps. I was told this is normal due to the sport suspension but its annoying the hell out of me and doesnt seem 'normal'

How are they over pot-holes? What dont you like about them?

Could you share the B6 PN's please?

Part Numbers below..

Rears: 24120395
Front Left: 35120377
Front Right: 35120384

GeistFahrer · 03-05-2016, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexwhittemore

In which case, the Sport version B4 will not fit on my car without slightly shortened springs, yeah?

I'd also like the know the answer to this as well. My guess is the you can use your stock non sport springs and it wouldn't matter, but I wanted to confirm.

JustinGTP · 10-10-2016, 01:07 AM

Having issues with bilstein part numbers on their website vs realoem

Says I need

Bilstein Touring 22-136619
Bilstein Touring 22-136602

for 09 LCI sedan with M SPORT suspension on the REALOEM website but shows different ones on bilstein website.

Do I call dealer to confirm OEM PN?

Thx.

mweisdorfer · 10-10-2016, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murf

At 75k the dampers on my e90 sport are starting to go. This is a daily driver and I would normally stick with OEM replacement parts but the the Sach oem replacement struts and shocks are freaking pricey.

Does anyone know anything about the Bilstein B4 line? They seem to be marketed as an oem replacement for the stock sports shocks and are very inexpensive at ~ 300 for 4 corners. I can't find much if any discussion on these here although there are some very positive comments in the E46 M3 forums.

No interest in HD's, Koni FSD/Sports or anything stiffer, I commute on some shitty stretches of I95.

Bilstein does make a sport version in the B4 set up. You can probably replace the shocks & struts plus the surrounding hardware like bump stops and the like for about $600.00, if you DIY it.

Buy your stuff at FCP Euro. You get a lifetime warranty.

If your budget can go up to say $800-900, look at bilstein B6 or B8.

If you want to go with Lowering Springs, get the B12 set up.

geost · 10-12-2016, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustinGTP

Having issues with bilstein part numbers on their website vs realoem

Says I need

Bilstein Touring 22-136619
Bilstein Touring 22-136602

for 09 LCI sedan with M SPORT suspension on the REALOEM website but shows different ones on bilstein website.

Do I call dealer to confirm OEM PN?

Thx.

I know it's been debated in this thread, but when I was looking to buy Bilsteins, I was told to go with the B6 as a direct replacement for FACTORY sport suspensions so my stock springs wouldn't be affected. I have an M-Sport model so obviously mine came with sport suspension from the factory so I bought the B6 (HD?). It made a world of a difference and I couldn't be happier. I've had no issues using the B6. Ride is firm, handles bumps well and makes twisties very fun.

The B4 from what I recall (again, debated in this thread) was for BMW's with stock, non-sport suspension from the factory (non-sport models). You may want to call some vendors like FCPEuro, Turner, etc and get some info and to double check. I know there's been other threads in the past regarding this as well. Or go all out and get the B12!

02-07-2016, 07:28 AM	#25
Stream T667YM86 67 Rep 244 Posts Drives: E90 325i 05' Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Russia, Surgut iTrader: (0)	There are two versions of B4 - one for standart suspension and one for Sport. They have different part numbers but the same name "B4". __________________ E90 325i 05MY, ZSP, Koni Sport, Eibach Pro-kit, BBS RK-II squared
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-07-2016, 02:39 PM	#26
woodpecka Major 68 Rep 1,026 Posts Drives: E91 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Montreal iTrader: (2)	Got B4 all around on the XI. There is no std or sport option on XI but the OEM are like sport. I can't tell the difference between the B4 and OEM that I liked.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-11-2016, 12:42 PM	#28
geost Second Lieutenant 42 Rep 281 Posts Drives: 2011 335d M Sport Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: NorCal iTrader: (1)	Here's what I saw when I bought my B6: B4 - OEish replacement whether sport or not. B6 - For cars with factory Sport suspension (ie. using factory springs) that want better performance than OEM shocks or B4 B8 - For cars that want the performance of the B6 but are lowered (not from factory) with different/aftermarket springs (eibach, etc). Like someone else said, it's shorter than the B6. Since my car came factory with Sport package suspension, B6 was the choice. Later if I want to lower my car, then I would switch to B8. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2016, 06:43 PM	#30
Murf Captain 885 Rep 897 Posts Drives: 2021 G80 M3C - Dravit Grey Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (2)	[QUOTE=Banana Clipper;19397934]Appreciate the link! How did you know they were going? I bought my car with 60k miles and the fronts make this 'whoosh' air sound over larger bumps. I was told this is normal due to the sport suspension but its annoying the hell out of me and doesnt seem 'normal' The rear of the car felt really sloppy and would wander all over the place on hard acceleration. Both rear shocks were shot, when off the car and compressed the piston would not expand out at all. Fronts were probably ok but for $300 for 4 corners it was a no brainer to do them all. How are they over pot-holes? What dont you like about them? They ride well, like many people have said these are designed to be stock-like replacements. They are compliant but somewhat firm, again though its hard to tell considering I am comparing them to the 7 year old shocks that came off the car. I would get them again in a heartbeat, this is a daily (80 miles r/t) driver and I specifically did not want to make the ride any stiffer. I wanted to replace the rear subframe bushings as well but the labor is expensive and wasn't in the budget at this time. I will probably do them as I approach 100k though. /QUOTE]
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2016, 06:50 PM	#31
Banana Clipper Jewel Runner 331 Rep 911 Posts Drives: G01///G20///I20 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (2)	Do you recall ever having a 'whoosh' or air sound coming from front struts when you had OEM Sport dampeners on? __________________ www.BHANANA.com 2009 335i - SOLD 2021 M340i - GONE 2024 iX - Yea, she fast
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-17-2016, 03:54 PM	#35
alexwhittemore Lieutenant Colonel 111 Rep 1,951 Posts Drives: 2009 Crimson 328i Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I'm also working through this decision right now - I'm trying to replace busted stock non-sport front shocks, and maybe it's time for the rear as well if I'm already doing the work. The B4s seem like maybe they're just the ticket, but the B6s seem like maybe a worthy upgrade. If I'm NOT swapping out stock, non-sport springs, are the B6s a viable option? __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-24-2016, 05:08 AM	#38
Stream T667YM86 67 Rep 244 Posts Drives: E90 325i 05' Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Russia, Surgut iTrader: (0)	Different shaft length only.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-10-2016, 01:07 AM	#42
JustinGTP Captain 58 Rep 602 Posts Drives: '13 MINI Paceman JCW Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Calgary, Alberta iTrader: (0)	Having issues with bilstein part numbers on their website vs realoem Says I need Bilstein Touring 22-136619 Bilstein Touring 22-136602 for 09 LCI sedan with M SPORT suspension on the REALOEM website but shows different ones on bilstein website. Do I call dealer to confirm OEM PN? Thx. __________________ '09 LCI 335i E90 in BSM over Oyster Dakota Leather, Manual, Sport, Navigation, Individual Audiophile, Executive, Active Steering, JB4 + MHD BEF, 335is Exhaust w/AWE Tuning Tips, AFE DCI, Euro Tails/Fog Light Switch, various painted and other OEM + mods, 19" M5 reps summer '13 MINI Cooper S Paceman JCW R61in Light White & Black Roof/Mirror Caps/Sport Stripes, Loaded + Rare
	Appreciate 0 Quote