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09-16-2017, 10:44 AM | #1 |
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Which Bilstein option and springs if I don't want to lower the car
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I have a BMW 135i E82 2008 and want to upgrade my suspension for better control and a more planted ride, but don't want to lose comfort. My car is completely stock with M-sport factory suspension without runflats and I want to know which is my best option if I don't want to lower the car, or lower it the least possible since the roads where I live are really bad with big speed bumps, uneven surfaces and potholes. 1. Is my best option to keep the stock springs and go with Bilstein B6? Will I notice an improvement in handling even if I keep the stock springs? Is this my best option if I don't want to lower the car and keep some comfort? Will this be enough to reduce the soft unbalanced floaty feeling of the stock suspension? 2. I was also considering for example changing the stock M-sport springs to the BMW Performance Springs (yellow), in this case do I have to go with Bilstein B6 or B8? Will I notice an improvement in handling changing the stock m-sport springs with the bmw performance springs or is this change not necessary? Or which springs would you suggest to improve handling but not lower the car? 3. I was considering also the B12 option with the included Eibach springs but I think the lowering will be too much for my roads. This is the first time I'm considering doing suspension changes on my car and I don't want to mess it up, specially since I have pretty bad roads where I live but I'm getting tired of the floaty stock suspension when I push the car in turns. I used to have a MINI COOPER S R53 2002 which was very stiff and eventually it got too uncomfortable so I want a good compromise of better control but still some comfort and practicality. This is my daily driver for the street and I won't track it. Thanks! |
09-16-2017, 11:12 AM | #2 |
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Bilstein B6 Performance dampers are designed to be used with factory springs, but all US-Spec 135i's came with M-Sport suspension so they would be the wrong choice. I'm not sure what original equipment was for the rest of the world.
Bilstein B8 Performance Plus dampers are designed to be used with lowering springs, like the factory M-Sport suspension springs. As far as the springs go, you'll want to pair the BMW Performance coils with Bilstein B8 dampers. The Bilstein / Eibach B12 kit is a good option. I've run it on a few other BMWs and was quite happy with the ride quality and performance. That kit uses Eibach Pro-Kit springs with Bilstein B8 Performance Plus Dampers. A few other things to consider are the M3 arms and bushings along with front camber plates. |
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09-16-2017, 08:52 PM | #3 |
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If you talk to Bilstein they will tell you that the B6's are what they recommend for both stock and Sport Pak. springs, including the yellow Performance springs. Anything beyond that you should go with the B8's. I'm using the B6's with stock Sport Pak. springs and non runflat tires and they work great. This is probably all you need to do to improve your ride without wasting money. Firm ride but not harsh.
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09-18-2017, 11:07 AM | #4 | |
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Thanks for your replies. Doing my research and reading many posts there is conflicting information regarding if B6 or B8 is the correct choice with the factory m-sport springs. I wrote to Bilstein and they said B8 is the correct choice:
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I think I will probably keep the stock m-sport springs and go with Bilstein B8. Do you think I will still notice a good improvement in handling with a better planted ride and less of the stock floaty feeling if I don't change the stock springs? I just don't want to regret later not changing the springs, but the BMW Performance springs are too expensive and the Eibachs I think will lower the car too much. I also don't want to end up with a very stiff ride with the bad roads we have locally. Thanks for your feedback. |
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09-18-2017, 11:21 AM | #5 | |
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You should also consider upgrading your rear subframe bushings to M3 or aftermarket material, this contributes to the "loose" feeling of the back end. Lots of information on this in the forums.... |
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09-19-2017, 06:27 PM | #6 | |
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I have run Bilstein sport dampers (what the B8 Performance Plus used to be called) on various BMWs of mine, both with lowering springs and the factory springs. After running them paired with Eibach Pro Kit springs and sways on my E46 330i, I ran the dampers paired with the factory springs on my E36 M3 and it still felt great. The difference was absolutely worth it with just the dampers alone. |
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09-20-2017, 10:11 AM | #7 |
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Thanks for your reply, I have decided to go with Bilstein B8 and stock springs. What other parts should I buy to replace as maintenance like Asbrr mentioned before? Even though my car is 2008 it only has 30,000 miles but if parts are cheap I wouldn't mind to replace them if they are needed. Thank you.
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09-20-2017, 04:11 PM | #8 | |
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09-21-2017, 11:01 AM | #9 |
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Turner has the following install kit is this enough or is it missing something important?
Included in the E82 1-series Mount Kit: front upper strut mounts (also known as a guide support), 31306775098 A. rear upper-top shock mounts, 33506771737 B. rear upper-middle shock mounts, 33506767010 C. rear upper-bottom shock mounts, 33506771738 D. rear upper supporting cup, 33526764418 (sits over bumpstop) rear lower shock mount (installs on spring arm), 33526768544 https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1...e82-128i-135i/ From what you guys mentioned before I don't see the spring pads, or do they have a different name which is included in the kit? Sorry I have no mechanical knowledge, even less with suspension components. Thanks again. The bushings should be fine for now due to my low milage I think, but I will make the shop check them when installing in case I will need to change them in the future. The rear subframe bushings I will leave for the future, I prefer to make one change at a time and evaluate the difference. I have also seen the M3 control arms suggested a lot. |
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09-21-2017, 12:20 PM | #10 | |
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09-21-2017, 06:30 PM | #11 | |
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The two pages that this link takes you to should show everything you need: https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-13...nsion/Springs/ |
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11-21-2017, 05:24 PM | #12 |
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I want to make an update for you guys, around 2 weeks ago I got new OZ ULTRALEGGERA wheels front 8X18 ET34 and rears 9X18 ET40 on NON-Runflat Continental ContactSport 5 front 225 40 18 and rears 255 35 18.
Being very light wheels and wider with a more aggressive offset really helped with the handling of the car, there was less understeer, even the steering wheel became a little lighter, and the car felt a little more agile in acceleration and steering. It also made the stock m-sport suspension work better over bumps, as if it had to make less effort. Very nice improvement and they also look fantastic, I used to have OZ Superturismo in my MINI COOPER S R53 and when I bought them I didn't notice such an improvement. I guess the Ultraleggeras really are light. Finally today I have installed the Bilstein B8s with the stock m-sport springs, keep in mind this is my first impressions only since I just went for one ride in a very twisty road to test it. Understeer seems greatly reduced and it appears to turn in a little better, also the wobbly back and airy lifting feeling of the front seems gone. The car is much more controlled and planted changing directions and over hills, it's not so nervous anymore and doesn't lean as much as before, it gives you much more confidence without the floaty uncontrolled feeling. Also when going fast over slopes the car doesn't bottom out it's perfectly stable and compliant, no nervousness or unstable wobbly rebound. What surprised me most is that the ride and comfort is practically the same or even better than the stock suspension, just cruising in town you wouldn't notice a difference really. I thought the car would feel more firm or crashy and uncomfortable over rough roads, but it is the complete opposite. No immediate drawbacks really, the height appears to be the same also which is what I wanted (no drop). Very recommended! Now I'm thinking to start with an MHD stage 1 tune Last edited by pablom2c; 11-22-2017 at 06:50 PM.. |
11-21-2017, 05:40 PM | #13 |
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Attaching some pics for reference.
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tock172584.50 desertman1232229.00 |
11-22-2017, 09:20 AM | #14 |
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Car looks great! Good work, and glad you are enjoying the setup. If you want to go one more step to more predictable handling, upgrade the rear subframe bushings to M3 or 2 piece bushings (like Whiteline etc). It will make the rear even more planted/predictable.
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12-21-2017, 12:08 PM | #15 |
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Newb question here. I have some issues with very soft suspension, it is so soft that when I hit dips in the road my fronts rub. I did put a different offset on (now 34 instead of 47) but was assured that they wouldn't rub. I've not yet been able to determine if it's the fender lips that are rubbing or the well liner. Anyway, I don't like the feel of the suspension. Earlier in this thread someone mentioned that "all 135i's came with M sport suspension". How could I tell by looking at mine ?
Also, assuming I have it, can I firm up the suspension so that it doesn't dip so hard that it rubs ? Another question I have is, are there lowering kits I can use that will lower the car but also stiffen the suspension so that by lowering the car I don't make the rubbing worse ? I'm not looking to spend a huge amount, just looking to first fix the rubbing then look at maybe lowering it later - just wanted to get the information now if possible. Thanks in advance. |
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12-31-2017, 06:07 PM | #16 |
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Mandinca, do a check on your VIN# for which options you have on your car, which includes the suspension (should be option# 704 MSport Suspension within the list that comes up) Good idea to print this off or just save for future reference.
As for your question about lowering kits and stiffer suspension - YES. Spend the time reading the many posts regarding suspensions, it will help guide you to a set-up suitable for your specific wants/needs. A good place to start is below link. It can get overwhelming and some YouTube videos can ease the learning curve. Or just ask someone reputable what to put on the car, which is much easier. I just like to educate myself on what I am getting/deciding on. http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1233372
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08-20-2018, 10:43 PM | #17 | |
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Is it this model? https://www.dinancars.com/product/d1...?series=&mid=/ |
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08-22-2018, 08:39 PM | #18 | |
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08-23-2018, 11:11 AM | #19 |
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08-23-2018, 03:08 PM | #20 | |
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