I just ordered the Bilstein B12 Prokit for my 128i

[tscdennab]

Originally Posted by Aaron09128i

I can't wait to review it. No call today.
In the meantime I'm trying to memorize every bump, dip and curve on my normal route to/from work. It covers 30 to 50km/h town roads that are a bit rough to 130km/h autobahn, which isn't as smooth as you'd think, with a 270 degree on-ramp, and even a 2 1/2 inch or so curb that I have to drive over to park at my place. I'll try to cover all of that, plus of course a 200+ km/h trip east on the autobahn.

I. Can't. Wait.

Any news on this ? I am not sure what to choose between B12 Pro-Kit and B12 Sportline...

[Aaron09128i]

Unfortunately no. I plan to call them first thing on Monday to ask what's up. I assume they simply haven't received the kit yet.

I will post with an update ASAP.

[Aaron09128i]

Just a quick update:

The B12 Prokit came in yesterday. Due to a couple of things at work I won't be able to get it installed until Tuesday of next week. I should be able to give a quick review Tuesday night and a thorough review later in the week. Plus, if I can figure out how, I'll try to post before and after pics of the drop.

[tscdennab]

Originally Posted by Aaron09128i

Just a quick update:

The B12 Prokit came in yesterday. Due to a couple of things at work I won't be able to get it installed until Tuesday of next week. I should be able to give a quick review Tuesday night and a thorough review later in the week. Plus, if I can figure out how, I'll try to post before and after pics of the drop.

I also ordered it today ! Too many good reviews of the Bilstein monotubes to pass this. Waiting for your impressions

[Aaron09128i]

So, I dropped off the car this morning. I got a call at around 4 pm saying it won't be done today. So one more day...

[Aaron09128i]

I finally picked her up this evening.

I'll give a quick summary with more to follow this weekend including before and after pics (it's too dark out right now).

Bottom line up front: With only 5 or so miles so far I love the Bilstein B12 Prokit.
FYI, I have a 2009 non-sport package 128i with stock wheels and 205/50/17 michelin aspin performance winter/snow tires. The tires are surprisingly grippy for a winter tire. Also, this B12 Prokit is officially made for the euro-spec 125i, but as far as I know the only difference between the 125i and the US spec 128i is the engine.

The drop is perfect for me, not too slammed with a nice 1 - 1 1/2 finger gap front and rear.

The Eibach Prokit springs, like those I had on my '97 Prelude Type SH and my '06 Civic Si, seem perfectly suited for a DD with the first inch or so of travel being fairly soft. Good for ride quality.

I haven't had a chance to push the car too much yet, but it certainly feels tighter and I can also feel the lower center of gravity.
I can't wait for spring so I can install some 18" rubber, probably 225/40/18's all around to avoid any understeer caused by putting 245/255's in the back.

For my fellow service men in Germany, the shop I mentioned in my earlier post gave me three hours(out of the six hours it took them) of labor discount, or 150 euro. So the total installed for someone else would be 910 euro or so. Still a great deal if you ask me. At current rates that's still out the door for around $1150.

Like I said, more to come this weekend, but I absolutely would recommend this setup. I hope someone in the states can figure out how to get it there.

[Aaron09128i]

Sorry it took so long for my pictures, I've been a bit busy.

Here's before:






And after:





You can see that it provides a subtle-but-noticeable drop.

Now that I've driven around one thousand miles with the Bilstein B12 Prokit, I can say that I'm pleased with the setup. It may be just a bit too stiff for many of the bumpy roads here in Germany, but it is a vast improvement over stock. Surprisingly though, while stiffer than stock, this setup is actually smoother over speed bumps and such. I absolutely love on ramps and can't wait for summer tires

[130iWanted]

I'm looking at getting this setup too for my 130i, did the B12 kit come with its own front and rear bump stops? Or do I have to reuse my stock ones or get new ones?

[derekL]

do you have an update on this suspension? thanks!

[RimasRS]

Can you take a picture of your car before installation and after and please measure your car height before install and after. I want to go same setup, would be nice to see review.

BILSTEIN FTW

[Aaron09128i]

Sorry guys, it's been a while since I've been on the site.

After 10 months, I still love the suspension. I got to have my summer wheel/tire setup for, duh, the summer, which consisted of 225/40 and 245/35 Continental DW's on BMW Performance 18's. The grip was great although it made the 128i understeer quite a bit. Surprisingly, although the limits are lower, I have actually enjoyed having my winter setup (205/50/17's) back on. The car is just more neutral and there's the added benefit of better ride quality. I'll consider a square setup with wider tires on 17's in the future...if I don't get a 435i.

Otherwise, I have no negative comments about the B12's. I love the way the car handles. There is the tendancy for the rear end to be less than highly composed in corners with bumps, but that's a chasis issue from what I've read. The car is extremely fun to drive. I just wish I had enough power to make my summer setup understeer less often.

As far as the car, it squeeks more noticeably over bumps than it did with the stock suspension. It doesn't seem to have been made for a suspension quite this stiff (not that it is that stiff compared with most aftermarket setups).

I still recommend this setup to anyone