Bilstein B12 Kit

[128GP]

Originally Posted by Eddie135

I notice the B12 kit comes with Eibach springs instead of Bilstein springs, does anyone know why ?

Does Bilstein even make springs? I'm looking forward to the OP;s install pics. Funny a few sites had this kit for $750 last week, today, back to $850 or so.

[TS135i]

I believe H&R make the springs for Bilstein coilovers.

[n54pete]

Originally Posted by 128GP

Does Bilstein even make springs? I'm looking forward to the OP;s install pics. Funny a few sites had this kit for $750 last week, today, back to $850 or so.

AJusa still has them for $760 shipped if anyones looking

[dubluv17]

I have nothing else to compare to it, but I have it and it's a super smooth/quiet ride and the feedback from the car is really good. The car feels balanced.

[Eddie135]

Originally Posted by n54pete

AJusa still has them for $760 shipped if anyones looking

Sorry, are we talking USD or Euro dollars?

[n54pete]

Originally Posted by Eddie135

Sorry, are we talking USD or Euro dollars?

USD, not sure if free shipping applies outside the US

http://www.ajusa.com/Bilstein-46-180...it-acb089.html

[Garabins]

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.



Ill post high quality pictures later this week, so you guys can see how much the drop was.

[TheSt|G]

Fantastic! Looks like you forgot about the spindle spreader though!

I really like this kit, and how it is a comprehensive approach to a spring strut combo. Both Bilstein and Eibach are stand up companies.

I echo your sentiments about wanting to do it sooner. The change from the stock garbage to a setup like this is nothing short of staggering.

[josemh23]

If I don't want to drop the car, and I stay with stock m sport springs, will I still feel an improvement ? The roads were I live are less than perfect( I should not pay taxes jeje) . I don't want a super stiff ride.. I was checking the bilstein but got confused. There is sp series that says with m sport suspension and HD ..Thanks

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by josemh23

If I don't want to drop the car, and I stay with stock m sport springs, will I still feel an improvement ? The roads were I live are less than perfect( I should not pay taxes jeje) . I don't want a super stiff ride.. I was checking the bilstein but got confused. There is sp series that says with m sport suspension and HD ..Thanks

Bilsteins will be stiffer than stock at low speed, Konis will not.

Either option will be a huge performance improvement and can be used with M Sport springs.

[128GP]

Originally Posted by josemh23

If I don't want to drop the car, and I stay with stock m sport springs, will I still feel an improvement ? The roads were I live are less than perfect( I should not pay taxes jeje) . I don't want a super stiff ride.. I was checking the bilstein but got confused. There is sp series that says with m sport suspension and HD ..Thanks

with stock springs you would want the b6's. They are for non lowered/stock cars

[Mountain135]

I'm planning to buy the B6 kit and anxious to see your pictures. Will you go with OEM alignment specs?

Thanks,

John

[Mountain135]

Oops! B12 kit not B6. Must have been half-assed thinking.

[Garabins]

I’ll probably go with OEM spec alignment. I noticed that once in a while I’m having some slight spring bind/pop while turning. I will have to check everything again next weekend and make sure it’s all tight before the alignment. I think it has settled by now, so I’ll take some pictures this week.

[TwinTurboed]

Waiting for your full review and pics, I am really interested in getting the B12 kit myself.

[i128]

Looking forward to the pics!

[Garabins]

Iphone shot, ill get some high quality photos sometime this week.

[i128]

Originally Posted by Garabins

Iphone shot, ill get some high quality photos sometime this week.

the b12 kit seems to have a considerable "rake" - are you running OEM tires sizes?

[Garabins]

Originally Posted by i128

the b12 kit seems to have a considerable "rake" - are you running OEM tires sizes?

There is no considerable rake, the angle of the photo makes it seem like that. The rear is maybe 1/4" higher, but they are still setteling. Im running snow tires 225/35/18 all around.

[TwinTurboed]

Originally Posted by Garabins

There is no considerable rake, the angle of the photo makes it seem like that. The rear is maybe 1/4" higher, but they are still setteling. Im running snow tires 225/35/18 all around.

I don't see any rake either. The car looks perfect IMO! This is exactly what I was looking for, I think I will be buying the B12 kit.

Any more driving impressions? Also, any plans to add spacers?

[i128]

I suppose all cars a different - below are a few images I grabbed from babybmw.net - all of which state to have installed the B12 kit

Some have more rake than others. - i'll admit its not extreme but its quite obvious that the lowering is not even from front to back

[TwinTurboed]

The car has a similar rake with the factory suspension. Eibachs are usually better with the rake situation compared to something like H&R Sports