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      04-12-2018, 03:31 PM   #45
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I recall hearing similar complaints before I bought Bilstein dampers for my E46 330i and E36 M3 in the past. In the end, my experience has been excellent. I haven't heard many complaints with Koni, but I've personally experienced more than a few failures with their products. Just my .02.
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      04-12-2018, 03:36 PM   #46
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k View Post
Thanks for the input!
I'm not married to the Konis - I have just heard about recent quality problems from Bilstein from several places, but none of it is first-hand, that I know of.
Something to note about Bilstein is that they supply actual automakers with shocks and struts. Their quality processes are much more developed than competitors like Koni, who to my knowledge are OEM on zero brands.
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      04-12-2018, 03:56 PM   #47
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Originally Posted by WDE82 View Post
Something to note about Bilstein is that they supply actual automakers with shocks and struts. Their quality processes are much more developed than competitors like Koni, who to my knowledge are OEM on zero brands.
That's correct. Bilstein has been an OE supplier for makes like Mercedes, Porsche and BMW in the past. Toyota as well, among others I'm likely missing.
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      04-12-2018, 05:05 PM   #48
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Takata made OE parts for many automakers as well. I think sometimes automakers take the best deal, and not necessarily the best part. Not trying to shit on Bilstein, never used them so really no hands-on experience. Only know what I've read, which is mostly good. Just saying that being an OE supplier doesn't mean they're the best.
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      04-12-2018, 05:32 PM   #49
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Esteban View Post
Takata made OE parts for many automakers as well. I think sometimes automakers take the best deal, and not necessarily the best part. Not trying to shit on Bilstein, never used them so really no hands-on experience. Only know what I've read, which is mostly good. Just saying that being an OE supplier doesn't mean they're the best.
I'd say the comparison between Takata and Bilstein is a false equivalency in this instance because when Bilstein is chosen to produce a part for a brand, it's typically a more specialized version than stock, for a more specialized application. With Toyota for example, PreRunner Tacomas were fitted with Bilstein dampers from the factory, while the majority of the lineup used a much more basic part by a different supplier. Other examples include the current Miata Club edition which runs Bilstein dampers from the factory when specced with a manual, along with the Dodge Power Wagon and some versions of the Nissan GT-R. My point being that they're largely an aftermarket brand that has quality and engineering high enough to bridge the gap to being an original equipment supplier for some pretty special vehicles.
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      04-12-2018, 05:39 PM   #50
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Originally Posted by tock172 View Post
I'd say the comparison between Takata and Bilstein is a false equivalency in this instance because when Bilstein is chosen to produce a part for a brand, it's typically a more specialized version than stock, for a more specialized application. With Toyota for example, PreRunner Tacomas were fitted with Bilstein dampers from the factory, while the majority of the lineup used a much more basic part by a different supplier. Other examples include the current Miata Club edition which runs Bilstein dampers from the factory when specced with a manual, along with the Dodge Power Wagon and some versions of the Nissan GT-R. My point being that they're largely an aftermarket brand that has quality and engineering high enough to bridge the gap to being an original equipment supplier for some pretty special vehicles.
Ok, I'll agree that comparing Takata to Bilstein is a bit of a stretch. Just trying to make a point. I still think an automaker will look for the best deal and not always the best part. After all, they're in the business to make money. Also, didn't know that Bilstein supplies automakers with parts for some of their more specialized versions of vehicles. Interesting.
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      04-12-2018, 07:28 PM   #51
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If i had to say, it would be Sachs but thse days the labels don't give much away.
I only say Sachs because i fitted a genuine replacemen front E90 shock and it was marked Sachs.

But these days Sachs is part of ZF, which also owns Lemforder
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      04-12-2018, 10:30 PM   #52
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I think I'm going with BMW Performance Springs (same ones from the now-unavailable PS kit) and either Koni (Dinan's kit uses Konis that they claim are custom-valved, but that may be just window dressing like their intercooler being a Spearco unit with Code 3 fittings), or Bilstein shocks.
Actually, I just found out that I may be able to get both the shocks and springs from the BMW PS separately and add an M3 swaybar. Pretty close to a BMW PS.
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      04-13-2018, 11:06 AM   #53
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If I don’t necessarily need any more drop, would there be a huge advantage in upgrading my stock linear springs from 2012 to performance springs, assuming I buy Konis or Bilsteins?
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      04-13-2018, 12:17 PM   #54
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If I don’t necessarily need any more drop, would there be a huge advantage in upgrading my stock linear springs from 2012 to performance springs, assuming I buy Konis or Bilsteins?
Yes, they are stiffer
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      04-13-2018, 12:59 PM   #55
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Quote:
Originally Posted by duder13 View Post
If I donÂ’t necessarily need any more drop, would there be a huge advantage in upgrading my stock linear springs from 2012 to performance springs, assuming I buy Konis or Bilsteins?
What year are you (I'm on my phone and it doesn't show signatures)?
The 2011+ models changed from linear to progressive springs stock, so the later models' stock suspension is better than the early models, but they still warrant upgrading. So, if you didn't want any drop and you are a pre-2011 model, you could look at the 2011+ stock progressive springs.

I am a 2012 though and I'm still looking for improvement.
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      04-13-2018, 01:05 PM   #56
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k View Post
What year are you (I'm on my phone and it doesn't show signatures)?
The 2011+ models changed from linear to progressive springs stock, so the later models' stock suspension is better than the early models, but they still warrant upgrading. So, if you didn't want any drop and you are a pre-2011 model, you could look at the 2011+ stock progressive springs.

I am a 2012 though and I'm still looking for improvement.
Yeah, I have a 2012, so it comes with the newer, linear springs. I was considering just adding Koni yellows (and rear subframe bushings,) but now I'm wondering if I should go ahead and do springs.
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      04-13-2018, 01:09 PM   #57
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k View Post
What year are you (I'm on my phone and it doesn't show signatures)?
The 2011+ models changed from linear to progressive springs stock, so the later models' stock suspension is better than the early models, but they still warrant upgrading. So, if you didn't want any drop and you are a pre-2011 model, you could look at the 2011+ stock progressive springs.

I am a 2012 though and I'm still looking for improvement.
Not at all doubting the change to linear springs, but, I put a set of 2008 or 2009 lightly used 135i springs on my car and couldn't detect and progressiveness of these older springs. Not very scientific, but, the coils looked like they were spaced the same and of uniform thickness.
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      04-13-2018, 01:13 PM   #58
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I may have misspoken- I can't remember if they went linear to progressive or the other way around, but I've driven both stock and I thought the later models did feel better (back when they were all new-ish).
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      04-13-2018, 01:43 PM   #59
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k View Post
I may have misspoken- I can't remember if they went linear to progressive or the other way around, but I've driven both stock and I thought the later models did feel better (back when they were all new-ish).
I believe they went from progressive to linear. At least that was posted somewhere on here some time ago so it must be correct.
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      04-13-2018, 01:46 PM   #60
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Esteban View Post
Takata made OE parts for many automakers as well. I think sometimes automakers take the best deal, and not necessarily the best part. Not trying to shit on Bilstein, never used them so really no hands-on experience. Only know what I've read, which is mostly good. Just saying that being an OE supplier doesn't mean they're the best.
And I would still take one of their airbags over ANY knockoff brand.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Esteban View Post
Ok, I'll agree that comparing Takata to Bilstein is a bit of a stretch. Just trying to make a point. I still think an automaker will look for the best deal and not always the best part. After all, they're in the business to make money. Also, didn't know that Bilstein supplies automakers with parts for some of their more specialized versions of vehicles. Interesting.
An automotive supplier will look for the best deal that also meets the specifications of the application. It's not like the cheapest shit is just arbitrarily chosen. Some other "high end" aftermarket brands that are actual automotive suppliers are Brembo and BBS. There's a reason these brands are extremely good even with their aftermarket products.
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      04-13-2018, 01:49 PM   #61
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Here you go.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=471267
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      04-13-2018, 05:15 PM   #62
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WDE82 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Esteban View Post
Takata made OE parts for many automakers as well. I think sometimes automakers take the best deal, and not necessarily the best part. Not trying to shit on Bilstein, never used them so really no hands-on experience. Only know what I've read, which is mostly good. Just saying that being an OE supplier doesn't mean they're the best.
And I would still take one of their airbags over ANY knockoff brand.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Esteban View Post
Ok, I'll agree that comparing Takata to Bilstein is a bit of a stretch. Just trying to make a point. I still think an automaker will look for the best deal and not always the best part. After all, they're in the business to make money. Also, didn't know that Bilstein supplies automakers with parts for some of their more specialized versions of vehicles. Interesting.
An automotive supplier will look for the best deal that also meets the specifications of the application. It's not like the cheapest shit is just arbitrarily chosen. Some other "high end" aftermarket brands that are actual automotive suppliers are Brembo and BBS. There's a reason these brands are extremely good even with their aftermarket products.
Never said or thought the cheapest shit is chosen.
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      04-13-2018, 06:16 PM   #63
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Here are some good options from AJUSA...

I think $640 for the Bilstein B12 Suspension Kit - is pretty hard to beat.

https://www.ajusa.com/performance-pa...uspension-kits

https://www.ajusa.com/performance-pa...suspension-kit

Also for the price conscious owner try looking at SHOX.com and they also do price matching.

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      04-14-2018, 10:32 AM   #64
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dackelone View Post
Here are some good options from AJUSA...

I think $640 for the Bilstein B12 Suspension Kit - is pretty hard to beat.

https://www.ajusa.com/performance-pa...uspension-kits

https://www.ajusa.com/performance-pa...suspension-kit

Also for the price conscious owner try looking at SHOX.com and they also do price matching.

Dack
FYI they're out of stock - everywhere. I was looking for a set back in November and no one had any.
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      04-14-2018, 01:24 PM   #65
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The B8 is out of stock too. Just ordered from TireRack and was told late April they will ship. I found some posts on other forums suggesting Bilstein is moving factories and all production is on hold for a couple of months.
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      04-14-2018, 01:45 PM   #66
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If you need a set ASAP, your best bet is to look up the old part numbers used when the B8 Performance Plus was sold under the sport name. It's highly likely that there are a fair number sitting around at warehouses across the US. The situation was quite similar several years ago when I had the dampers replaced on my 330i. I was able to get 3 Bilsteins to my door, but had to hunt around for the 4th one. Luckily a dude up in LA had several in inventory and I had one the next day.
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