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      02-06-2014, 11:34 AM   #1
Garabins
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Bilstein B12 Kit

So after reading countless threads and many forum hours later, I have decided to upgrade this POS oem suspension with the Bilstein B12 kit. Full review coming soon


In the meantime, any input/info/expereince on/with this kit is appreciated. Thank you



Got the kit today, everything looks great and high quality.






03/30/2014 Update


Yesterday was a nice 50 degree day, so my buddies and I decided to have a Sunday Fun day and installed the B12 Kit + New Strut mounts and Spring Pads. We took our time and the install was straight forward. It was not too difficult with the right tools and an impact. The hardest part was trying to spread to strut, but after finding a "wedge" and hammering it in, the struts pulled out easily. The whole install took us about 5 hours, but we really took our time with it and took several beer breaks.

First Impression: Why the fuck didn’t I do this before!! And damn that drop looks good.

The car just feels right, you immediately notice that the car is firmer/planted and connected. It feels like a proper sports car should feel. Its flat/stable over all surfaces (not bouncy), and is about 35% firmer than the OEM suspension, but don’t get me wrong, it does not feel harsh at all. Steering now feels direct and not sloppy like before. It’s more comfortable than the OEM suspension, but firms up when you push it through corners. Body roll is not an issue anymore, and there is no more swaying at high speeds. I’m more than satisfied with this kit.
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Last edited by Garabins; 03-31-2014 at 12:03 PM.. Reason: deleted previous thread
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      02-06-2014, 02:23 PM   #2
mechavore884
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based upon what i have seen creeping around its a decent price overall....but a typical for sale price many places offer.
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      02-06-2014, 03:42 PM   #3
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THM is pretty hard to beat for price from what I've seen.
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      02-06-2014, 05:06 PM   #4
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Check:

http://www.ajusa.com/

Sometimes you have to search by part number. They were the cheapest for my Bilsteins when I bought.
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      02-06-2014, 05:21 PM   #5
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Years ago I bought shocks twice from Shox.com They will beat anyone's price. It might be worth while to give them a call/email.


http://www.shox.com/appguide/shoxsho...ctsdisplay.php
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      02-07-2014, 03:11 AM   #6
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Have this kit for almost a year now, I cant think or compare with other AM options. But I really love it, though for real racing some maybe would want stiffer suspension and other stuff like M3 bits.
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      02-07-2014, 06:21 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RimasRS View Post
Have this kit for almost a year now, I cant think or compare with other AM options. But I really love it, though for real racing some maybe would want stiffer suspension and other stuff like M3 bits.
How much of a drop was there versus your stock suspension?
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      02-07-2014, 07:37 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Iron Man View Post
How much of a drop was there versus your stock suspension?
I think +-20 mm it is still very driveable even during the winter time. Car feels even softer on little bumps but when you start to drive fast-quick they transforms to stiffer cant explain that feeling, car doesnt feel that heavy. And they are much more quiet. Much less bodyroll.
Really I think this mod was best for my car where I really felt difference from OEM.
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      02-07-2014, 04:00 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PrematureApex View Post
Check:

http://www.ajusa.com/

Sometimes you have to search by part number. They were the cheapest for my Bilsteins when I bought.
thanks for the heads up, been thinking about this kit as well, lowest I've seen it yet, $757 shipped
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      02-09-2014, 06:46 AM   #10
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This kit seems to be good reviewed in Europe for those who have it.

It's more stiffer than the M sport suspension, but if you want to slightly increase the stiffness of your car for tracking (for example), you need to go with coils ...

I think this B12 kit and some other suspension stuff like anti-roll bar, front arm kit and why not stiffer bushings will transform your car and allow you to track it alot
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      02-19-2014, 10:43 AM   #11
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I ordered the Kit from Tire Rack for $855 shipped, it should be here in a few days. I probably wont get to the install for a couple weeks, due to the cold weather here in michigan. Im looking forward to a nice 40-50 degree day.
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      02-19-2014, 11:45 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Garabins View Post
I ordered the Kit from Tire Rack for $855 shipped, it should be here in a few days. I probably wont get to the install for a couple weeks, due to the cold weather here in michigan. Im looking forward to a nice 40-50 degree day.
Get a spindle spreader.
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      02-19-2014, 02:00 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheSt|G View Post
Get a spindle spreader.
Yes! I definitly plan on it. Also ill be replacing the springs pads, since mine are all torn up. Do you guys think i should replace the Struts mounts? they only have 58k on them.
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      02-19-2014, 02:29 PM   #14
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I used a 3/8" to 1/4" adapter as my spindle spreader. Fits perfectly in the slot, and a 45 degree turn of the ratchet and the spindle spread just enough to slip out the strut. PB Blaster the night before to make sure it was nice and lubed to slide the strut out. I lubed the strut with some grease to help it slide back in easier.
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      02-19-2014, 03:51 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Garabins View Post
Yes! I definitly plan on it. Also ill be replacing the springs pads, since mine are all torn up. Do you guys think i should replace the Struts mounts? they only have 58k on them.
I'm a big fan of new hardware on any project, but it's your call. How long do you plan on having the car?
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      02-20-2014, 12:00 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheSt|G View Post
I'm a big fan of new hardware on any project, but it's your call. How long do you plan on having the car?
Forever , Last time I pulled the strut mounts off they looked ok, so I'll see. Im excited to get this suspension on! The car's feel should be greatly improved.
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      02-20-2014, 02:25 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Garabins View Post
Forever , Last time I pulled the strut mounts off they looked ok, so I'll see. Im excited to get this suspension on! The car's feel should be greatly improved.
Forever owners are the best owners.

Is there a reinforced south african version? If so, I'd upgrade to that.
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      02-21-2014, 10:49 AM   #18
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The B12 Kit came in yesterday, and everything is looking great. The quality of all the parts looks outstanding. Now I get to sit here and look at it for the next couple weeks until this beautiful weather clears up

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      03-07-2014, 11:25 PM   #19
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throw up some pics and your thoughts after install will ya, still debating these for mine.

sidenote, grand rapids MI? Im from the toledo area, MSU car show soon, you going?
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      03-08-2014, 03:47 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by n54pete View Post
throw up some pics and your thoughts after install will ya, still debating these for mine.

sidenote, grand rapids MI? Im from the toledo area, MSU car show soon, you going?
I'll 2nd this. The only pics i can find seem to show the pro-kit doesnt settle in the back as low as the front. I want confirmation.
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      03-09-2014, 11:13 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by n54pete View Post
throw up some pics and your thoughts after install will ya, still debating these for mine.

sidenote, grand rapids MI? Im from the toledo area, MSU car show soon, you going?
I should have the kit installed by the end of the month; I just need the weather to warm up to the 50s. I will write a review and post pictures after a week of driving. I’ll try to make it out to the MSU car show. My expectations for this kit are high, I’m expecting a firm (not coilover stiff ) controlled ride...the OEM suspension is under damped, too soft, and loose. At low speeds it crashes over bumps and at high speed it sways..It does not feel like a proper BMW sports car
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      03-10-2014, 05:47 PM   #22
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I notice the B12 kit comes with Eibach springs instead of Bilstein springs, does anyone know why ?
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