Suspension Advice

ShocknAwe · 03-28-2014, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 128GP

The Bilstein B8's are $60 cheaper for the set

And where did you find that?

128GP · 03-28-2014, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

And where did you find that?

bavauto

ShocknAwe · 03-28-2014, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 128GP

bavauto

Maybe a different damper unit available with the B8 for the 128i? I'm not seeing it in my list on BavAuto. All they have is the rear units.

128GP · 03-28-2014, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Maybe a different damper unit available with the B8 for the 128i? I'm not seeing it in my list on BavAuto. All they have is the rear units.

whoops, my bad. It was ajusa or thm

ShocknAwe · 03-29-2014, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 128GP

whoops, my bad. It was ajusa or thm

Awesome, thanks for the heads up. For reference to anyone else looking, it is AJUSA that has the deal, $513.16 for all four corners until the 30th.

Problem I have is, I was totally settled on the Koni Yellows, and now I don't know. It's not a money issue since they are so close in price.

I'm not sure if I will use the adjustable dampening on the Konis, but I'm a little concerned over people talking about the harshness of the Billies.

Damn, indecision time again.

TheSt|G · 03-29-2014, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Awesome, thanks for the heads up. For reference to anyone else looking, it is AJUSA that has the deal, $513.16 for all four corners until the 30th.

Problem I have is, I was totally settled on the Koni Yellows, and now I don't know. It's not a money issue since they are so close in price.

I'm not sure if I will use the adjustable dampening on the Konis, but I'm a little concerned over people talking about the harshness of the Billies.

Damn, indecision time again.

Bilsteins:
-Lifetime warranty
-Rougher at slower speeds
-Smooth at higher speeds
-More durable
-Less unsprung weight

Konis:
-Lifetime warranty
-Smooth at slower speeds
-Smooth at higher speeds

ShocknAwe · 03-29-2014, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Bilsteins:
-Lifetime warranty
-Rougher at slower speeds
-Smooth at higher speeds
-More durable
-Less unsprung weight

Konis:
-Lifetime warranty
-Smooth at slower speeds
-Smooth at higher speeds

Actually thinking about doing the Bilsteins based on the tube design and high pressure gas..

Isnt the bump-stop built in as well?

Iron Man · 03-29-2014, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Bilsteins:
-Lifetime warranty
-Rougher at slower speeds
-Smooth at higher speeds
-More durable
-Less unsprung weight

Konis:
-Lifetime warranty
-Smooth at slower speeds
-Smooth at higher speeds

What do you mean by "rougher"? I assume you mean they are harsher/stiffer at slows speeds? Right now I am leaning towards upgrading my suspension to Bilstein HDs with BMW PS springs. I want less roll, stiffer dampers with very little to no drop (from where I am now), but still have a decent ride for DD.

128GP · 03-29-2014, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Awesome, thanks for the heads up. For reference to anyone else looking, it is AJUSA that has the deal, $513.16 for all four corners until the 30th.

Problem I have is, I was totally settled on the Koni Yellows, and now I don't know. It's not a money issue since they are so close in price.

I'm not sure if I will use the adjustable dampening on the Konis, but I'm a little concerned over people talking about the harshness of the Billies.

Damn, indecision time again.

I faced the same dilemma. Buying the Bilsteins tomorrow. Have been to busy to buy past few days. Will take care of it tomorrow.

128GP · 03-29-2014, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron Man

What do you mean by "rougher"? I assume you mean they are harsher/stiffer at slows speeds? Right now I am leaning towards upgrading my suspension to Bilstein HDs with BMW PS springs. I want less roll, stiffer dampers with very little to no drop (from where I am now), but still have a decent ride for DD.

then you should be buying the B6's. The B8's are for lowering springs.

3002 tii · 03-29-2014, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TS135i

Adjust the rebound according to the spring rate (to your taste). You might find your ride is better with OEM springs, but I would only use post 2011 M-sport springs for this.

Was this ever confirmed that 2011+ M-sport springs were linear? I remember reading 1 BMW enthusiast site but nothing else beyond that.

ShocknAwe · 03-29-2014, 10:25 PM

Got some Bilstein B8's coming. Think I might just go for the Swift springs with them and roll/pull my fenders if I have to.

TS135i · 03-30-2014, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Was this ever confirmed that 2011+ M-sport springs were linear? I remember reading 1 BMW enthusiast site but nothing else beyond that.

Progressive to linear, they even look different in the flesh, someone here could possibly provide the part No# for both.

TS135i · 03-30-2014, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Quarter turn off full soft is the starting point.

Full soft or full firm actually damages the strut.

What's the logic to this? Why wouldn't the starting point just be "out of the box" at full soft as they claim.

TheSt|G · 03-30-2014, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Actually thinking about doing the Bilsteins based on the tube design and high pressure gas..

Isnt the bump-stop built in as well?

Yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron Man

What do you mean by "rougher"? I assume you mean they are harsher/stiffer at slows speeds? Right now I am leaning towards upgrading my suspension to Bilstein HDs with BMW PS springs. I want less roll, stiffer dampers with very little to no drop (from where I am now), but still have a decent ride for DD.

Bilsteins are known for their sharp turn-in from their digressive valving, but that sharp turn-in comes at the price of transmitting small bumps right into chassis. Large bumps they deal with just fine, but if you live in an area that has roads that aren't paved routinely, you will notice the low speed stiffness.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TS135i

What's the logic to this? Why wouldn't the starting point just be "out of the box" at full soft as they claim.

The adjustors freeze over time and then snap off when you try to use them at full soft. Feel free to call Koni or TC Kline, they will tell you the same thing.

I've never seen a situation where full soft was appropriate anyways. Tends to encourage "pogo stick" behavior.

PrematureApex · 03-30-2014, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron Man

What do you mean by "rougher"? I assume you mean they are harsher/stiffer at slows speeds? Right now I am leaning towards upgrading my suspension to Bilstein HDs with BMW PS springs. I want less roll, stiffer dampers with very little to no drop (from where I am now), but still have a decent ride for DD.

I have the HDs on my 1er, and yellows on my M3 (and various other cars).

I must say, I think I may be a Bilstein convert.

Yes, they deliver a lot of road feel, much moreso than the Konis. You feel seams, slight surface changes, etc. Not unpleasant, but certainly feel "stiff" on a first impression. I think that is what gives people the impression of "rough" on a first drive.

However, and this is someone who lives in a city with horrible roads (Philly), and commutes 60 miles a day...

They absorb big impacts VERY well. In that sense, they're less harsh than the Konis on bad roads. You legitimately get the feeling you can aim for potholes. No dash-rattling impacts.

I really, really like them. As does the woman (1er is effectively her car)..which is saying something. They transmit the small stuff, and feel pretty crisp in turn-in. Feels a bit like an effective spring rate increase (which is probably the case with their high-pressure construction). But overall, I'd wholeheartedly call them more comfortable over very bad roads, although they transmit more of the small bumps in the cabin.

Probably different strokes for different folks. Certainly distinct characteristics vs. the Konis.

Iron Man · 03-30-2014, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 128GP

then you should be buying the B6's. The B8's are for lowering springs.

Bilstein HDs are designed for stock/near-stock height, so they should fine with the BMW PS springs. There are members on here who are running this set-up already.

128GP · 03-30-2014, 09:20 PM

STIG and Apex, thanks for the detailed feedback. I just purchased a set of B8's tonight.

TheSt|G · 03-31-2014, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 128GP

STIG and Apex, thanks for the detailed feedback. I just purchased a set of B8's tonight.

Good move, you really won't be disappointed with either. They just have different characteristics that people should know going in.

Iron Man · 03-31-2014, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrematureApex

I have the HDs on my 1er, and yellows on my M3 (and various other cars).

I must say, I think I may be a Bilstein convert.

Yes, they deliver a lot of road feel, much moreso than the Konis. You feel seams, slight surface changes, etc. Not unpleasant, but certainly feel "stiff" on a first impression. I think that is what gives people the impression of "rough" on a first drive.

However, and this is someone who lives in a city with horrible roads (Philly), and commutes 60 miles a day...

They absorb big impacts VERY well. In that sense, they're less harsh than the Konis on bad roads. You legitimately get the feeling you can aim for potholes. No dash-rattling impacts.

I really, really like them. As does the woman (1er is effectively her car)..which is saying something. They transmit the small stuff, and feel pretty crisp in turn-in. Feels a bit like an effective spring rate increase (which is probably the case with their high-pressure construction). But overall, I'd wholeheartedly call them more comfortable over very bad roads, although they transmit more of the small bumps in the cabin.

Probably different strokes for different folks. Certainly distinct characteristics vs. the Konis.

I am okay with the small bumps, they sound like they would go well with changing to non-run flat tires. Thanks for the feedback.

ShocknAwe · 03-31-2014, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 128GP

STIG and Apex, thanks for the detailed feedback. I just purchased a set of B8's tonight.

What will you be pairing them with? We should do a comparo once everything is installed.

128GP · 03-31-2014, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

What will you be pairing them with? We should do a comparo once everything is installed.

I'm pairing them with Swift Springs. I want a subtle drop, and was eyeing the pro-kit, but after looking at every pic on the net I didnt like how the front was almost tucked and the rear sit as high as stock.

By the way, anyone ever order from kamispeed? They seem to have the best pricing on the swift springs.

03-29-2014, 10:25 PM	#34
ShocknAwe 1Addict 3231 Rep 7,889 Posts Drives: E82 Mutt, M57 Truck Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Charleston iTrader: (22)	Got some Bilstein B8's coming. Think I might just go for the Swift springs with them and roll/pull my fenders if I have to. __________________ 2010 135i 6MT Jet Black N54/3 FE82 Mutt \| BUILD THREAD \| GARAGE SALE
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03-30-2014, 09:20 PM	#40
128GP First Lieutenant 40 Rep 323 Posts Drives: AW 328i 6sp RWD M Sport Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	STIG and Apex, thanks for the detailed feedback. I just purchased a set of B8's tonight.
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