2012 128i shocks and struts.

[Ursan]

So, at least two of my dampers are leaking a bit & @ 124k miles it might be time to replace.

My choices are B6/B8 Bilsteins or Koni sports.

I don't really want to lower the car, but I do what a stable if comfortable ride.

I've used Koni's and Bilsteins in the past, but those were solid axle rear ends.

What's the consensus these days?

I wanted to budget @ or around $750 or less for the set.

I'm not averse to replacing the springs, but I don't want to lower the car.

[hunginator]

Does your 128i have the sport package springs? If so, I'd recommend the B4 Sports if you're looking for a similar ride as how your car drove when it was brand new (before the shocks & struts deteriorated).

If you don't have the sport package (M sport springs), then maybe just consider the regular B4 (non-sport). If you go B6 or B8, you'll get a much harsher ride but arguably improved handling I think. But again, if you're looking for what your car felt like it did when it was brand new, then I think B4 is what you should be looking at.

[WDE82]

I'm not sure if the B6 work with non-sport suspension or not. B8 needs lowering springs.

I'd definitely stick with Bilstein over Koni. I believe Sachs is the OEM though and those are a good price on RockAuto.

[NorthernDancer]

Wow, 124K miles on original suspension is waay too long, especially rear shocks.
You have 262 wheels so likely you have sport package.
B4 will be very close to what you have now, but with 124K on the car, almost anything will feel like a world of difference.
If you want to upgrade, go for B6.
If Rock Auto have a good price on Sachs, go for it.

[BMWCCA1]

Can it be Sport Package without Shadowline trim??

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

Can it be Sport Package without Shadowline trim??

Normally not in the US. Also my car had style 262 wheels and it wasn't sport package

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by gjm120

Normally not in the US.

I think gjm120 is right.

Found this thread ---->>> https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1200155

Don't think you could get a 1 series in the US with Sport or M Sport pkg and no Shadowline trim.

So I think that means no M Sport suspension on the OP's car since he's from the US. Unless his car was imported.

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by Esteban

I think gjm120 is right.

Found this thread ---->>> https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1200155

Don't think you could get a 1 series in the US with Sport or M Sport pkg and no Shadowline trim.

So I think that means no M Sport suspension on the OP's car since he's from the US. Unless his car was imported.

Almost sure that is correct. You can get paddle shifters and sport seats on a non-sport 128i. But I don't think the trim was an option.

[WDE82]

I also had 262s on my non-Sport 128i. No shadowline trim either

[hunginator]

If no M-Sport springs on your car like others are saying here and you do not wish to change your springs, then I think the best ‘close to OEM’ option would be the Bilstein B4 (non-sport part number). You can find the part number using Bilstein’s catalogue on their website.

[NorthernDancer]

I stand corrected.

[fast1eddy]

If comfort and handling are both equally important to you I'd consider Koni Special Active.

[gds52]

Originally Posted by fast1eddy

If comfort and handling are both equally important to you I'd consider Koni Special Active.

I have KONI FSD on my 328i and these are really good. It gives both, Comfort and good handling. These were around $750 or so

[blue135]

Have Special Actives on E88. Like them. Comfort improved as is handling, but suspect handling, while better than stock, not as good as Bilstein B6/B8 or Koni Yellows.

[Ursan]

I'm currently looking @ Bilstein B6 over on RockAuto.

doesn't indicate that it's for sport or otherwise so I'm assuming it's for normal. Also doesn't indicate it's for lowered vehicles.

I am also converting over from runflats to Conti DSWs in the not too distant.

I don't want it to ride like it's on rocks, but I do like taking corners @ speed.

Thinking B6 would be the best blend. I tried looking for Koni Sport Active, but I can't locate a place selling them @ a good price.

[Ursan]

Is there a difference between the 2011 and 2012 128i?

I ask because one site will state the Bilstein B6 fits, while another will state that the B6 (BILSTEIN 35115908 for instance) is only for 2008-2011 models)

[WDE82]

Originally Posted by Ursan

Is there a difference between the 2011 and 2012 128i?

I ask because one site will state the Bilstein B6 fits, while another will state that the B6 (BILSTEIN 35115908 for instance) is only for 2008-2011 models)

For some reason there is some confusion on when the E82 stopped production and sales in the US. A lot of places seem to think it was 2011 when it was 2013.

There are no suspension updates that make anything incompatible between years.

Bilstein's catalog agrees with RockAuto. Also RockAuto's price on the B6 set is really good right now. Pull the trigger!

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/produ...30044805139547

[Gray_Panther]

Originally Posted by WDE82

For some reason there is some confusion on when the E82 stopped production and sales in the US. A lot of places seem to think it was 2011 when it was 2013.

There are no suspension updates that make anything incompatible between years.

Bilstein's catalog agrees with RockAuto. Also RockAuto's price on the B6 set is really good right now. Pull the trigger!

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/produ...30044805139547

+1

You are going to feel like you are in a brand new car after replacing struts and runflats! The shocks should last longer than 124k since you won't be running steel tires anymore ha!

[Tommm]

Spare in the trunk - runflat delete, M3 control arms, Dinan plates, Koni yellow sports, the stiffeners in the rear and -1.5 camber. Cant be happier on the street, and it is very balanced on the track.

[NewDirection]

Originally Posted by blue135

Have Special Actives on E88. Like them. Comfort improved as is handling, but suspect handling, while better than stock, not as good as Bilstein B6/B8 or Koni Yellows.

Hey, could you please proovide a quick review of the Special Active on the E88? I'm thinking of getting these as well as the harshness over expansion joints and other small imperfections is driving me nuts.

Were they worth it? Is omfort GREATLY improved or just a bit?

In regards to handling, I'm trying to build more of a fast GT rathe than a track car, are the Special Active adequate for that?

[blue135]

The Special Actives meet my goals today. Comfort is up, but not by a bunch. Reactions to potholes and expansion strips are still there, but it seems somewhat more subdued, quieter. I went from 17" RF to 18" Continental DW (not DWS) four years ago, so I cannot comment on compatibility with RFs.
From a handling perspective, I like the way the Special Actives handle round-abouts when pushed a little. I don't track car, but higher speed curves seem to give more confidence, as well. While it has been years, I had adjustable Konis on a 5 series and really liked them, but I am older now (drawing Social Security now) and the ride was not what I want to tolerate now.
And, I did not want to lower my car anymore because of driveway lips/parking lots so the Special Actives seemed to be a good compromise of ride & handling for me. Keep in mind, though, that I have a 135i (with Dinan S3 pkg) so your results on a 128i may differ.

[Ursan]

Before I pull the trigger on a Billy B6 kit, I wanted to look at the Koni Active. Anyone know where I can locate the individual part numbers? Rock Auto doesn't seem to carry them and I wanted to be able to look them up individually as ECS tuning is kind of pricey.

Even FCPEuro and Amazon are pricey.