Ordering Bilstein B12 kit - what else to replace?

[johnny12]

Hey,

So I'm going to be ordering a new Bilstein B12 kit soon. My own suspension has done 95k so I'm thinking it may be a good idea to replace the top mounts.
So is there 2 for the front and 2 for the back? Or are there other items required to be replaced where the springs sit in? Are there any "bottom" mounts to be replaced?

What about having to buy new bump stops?

Thanks

[louie12345]

There are upper and lower spring insulators. They very inexpensive 3-5 bucks each. There are also lower shock mount for the rear. I don't know if the B12 comes with bumpstop. check with manufacturer, if not get bumpstop too.

[Suhb]

B12 comes with the bump stops. I replaced the upper and lower spring perches. I got the dinan rear shock mounts and also replaced the front strut mounts.

[dtla1]

Originally Posted by Suhb

B12 comes with the bump stops. I replaced the upper and lower spring perches. I got the dinan rear shock mounts and also replaced the front strut mounts.

+1 to this. I need to go back in and replace all the spring mounts/isolators since i didn't do it when I installed my B12 kit 30k miles ago.

[johnny12]

Thanks guys.

So the fronts will have the upper strut top mounts but the back will have the top mounts, the bottom mounts (for the shocks) and also the upper and lower spring perch mounts?

[johnny12]

Where are you guys ordering from - FCP / Pelican etc?

[asbrr]

Hey guys - slightly off topic but related, can anyone with the B12 Pro Kit on a 128i measure ground to fender heights front and rear? Curious to see what the "milder" (PROkit not Sportline) kits will do (part number 46-180537). Bilstein advertises 40mm lower than stock non-sport for the PROkit vs 50mm lower than stock non-sport for the Sportline kit.

Assuming you have stock overall diameter wheels/tires of course.

Thx!
Ash

[John_01]

I think its a good idea to replace the upper rear shock mounting. The stock item is known to be quite soft. The OE part is made from expanded PU material similar to bumpstops. If you are using OE RFT tires, you can replace with the new OE parts for the upper rear shock mount. If you are using conventional tires, then you might also consider upgrading to aftermarket rear upper shock mounts that will give slightly firmer damping. I have powerflex rear upper shock mounts, but IMO they are too expensive for what they are. If buying again I would probably try the Monroe ones. The Powerflex are solid PU material, and the Monroe ones appear to be rubber.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1145344
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1212076

There is also the OE rear lower shock mount that is rubber. I guess the lower shock mount would be still ok after 95,000km but I don't know how long they are supposed to last.

[Dackelone]

Replace the rear upper shock mounts with DINAN units. They are better than the OE parts. I think I would also replace the rear lower mounts too. The front shock mounts are pretty durable. But I would also get new ones or get some cambe plates to dail in your suspension. IF you don't go with camber plates, at least knock the pins out of the factory strut mounts.

[flinchy]

Originally Posted by John_01

I think its a good idea to replace the upper rear shock mounting. The stock item is known to be quite soft. The OE part is made from expanded PU material similar to bumpstops. If you are using OE RFT tires, you can replace with the new OE parts for the upper rear shock mount. If you are using conventional tires, then you might also consider upgrading to aftermarket rear upper shock mounts that will give slightly firmer damping. I have powerflex rear upper shock mounts, but IMO they are too expensive for what they are. If buying again I would probably try the Monroe ones. The Powerflex are solid PU material, and the Monroe ones appear to be rubber.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1145344
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1212076

There is also the OE rear lower shock mount that is rubber. I guess the lower shock mount would be still ok after 95,000km but I don't know how long they are supposed to last.

the lower rear shock mount in his is about 40,000 old, same with the tops which are powerflex.

replaced them along with the coilovers.

[johnny12]

Originally Posted by flinchy

the lower rear shock mount in his is about 40,000 old, same with the tops which are powerflex.

replaced them along with the coilovers.

Thanks for the update mate.

[markslc1]

Can you share your thoughts on deciding on bilstein instead of Koni yellows?

[johnny12]

I've had Bilsteins on quite a few cars in the past and I've always found them to be a great brand so I'll stick with them.

[hyphy1]

cheapest place to pick up the B12 kit?

[asbrr]

I just bought one a couple of weeks ago, cheapest I found was below:

http://www.ajusa.com/2010-BMW-128I-B...it-acb089.html

They had an additional sale back then with another $25 off....so it was like $662 with free shipping.

[jvb6806]

This is part of my invoice when I ordered my b12 through TMS back in 2013. Their price is now $730, It sounds like it might be cheaper else where but TMS was able to look up everything I needed and sent it all out in one order. I went with the KMac camber plates because at that time Vorshlag did not have a camber plate for the factory spring dia. I am pretty sure they do now.

This should be everything you need in order to build the whole shock tower ahead of time, and just swap them out. OE Part numbers are the 1st column. Good luck.

[swagon]

BMW sells suspension repair kits which contain everything you need so you don't have to waste time searching the correct part numbers.

[chris@strutmonkey]

If you need the Bilstein B12 kit and also want to replace all of the hardware, we sell them all pre-assembled. www.strutmonkey.com.

Thanks, Chris