B14 Bilstein and preload

machine4321 · 04-11-2021, 10:27 AM

I’ve got 255/35-18 on my OE sport suspension with 18x8.5 et45 bmw 710s. I have no rubbing which is great but I was about to buy a b12 kit for strut clearance but noticed the b14 are cheaper right now and might as well have some adjustment. I know this will make me run spacers up front but I’m hoping I’ll be ok as my fenders are already rolled.

My question is this, I don’t want in much lower than stock, maybe 1/2 to 3/4” and definitely don’t want tuck. How much height can I get with the b14 before preload becomes an issues? A friend sent a pic of his and he’s running it low (maybe 1/4 of lower threads from the bottom. I would imagine I’ll be running near the top of the threads, A. To help with tire clearance and B. Cause I love suspension travel.

I’m wondering at what point does adding more height just compress the spring and add preload?

sibanez · 04-15-2021, 09:35 PM

I believe the minimum with these is about 3/4 an inch of drop. You can crank them more, but the front struts don’t have a ton of travel. It’s been a while since I installed a set, but I do remember Bilstein having some min/Max recommendations.

machine4321 · 04-18-2021, 01:18 PM

That’s good news. Some of the pics I saw were very low in the front. I want to keep good travel. I was just worried but adding to much preload it would lose some compliance

machine4321 · 05-22-2021, 10:05 PM

Updating.

B14 are on and even with turner camber plates they are about 1/2” to low for me. Ive added as much height as I can but all its doing now is adding to much pre load And riding like pooh. The last 7-8mm of thread hasnt increased height at all so im guessing strut travel is topped out. The front tire is almost tucked but id like to have a good finger of height

So, how should I add. Easiest is washers in between Fixed camber Plates and strut towers But I fear putting to much stress in to that small of an area. Maybe have a flat plate same shape of camber plate made up?

Otherwise, spacer ring in between knuckle and the stop on the strut?

Jback · 11-04-2023, 12:27 PM

Did you end up putting some type of washer underneath the strut in the same predicament?

04-11-2021, 10:27 AM	#1
machine4321 Private 25 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	B14 Bilstein and preload I’ve got 255/35-18 on my OE sport suspension with 18x8.5 et45 bmw 710s. I have no rubbing which is great but I was about to buy a b12 kit for strut clearance but noticed the b14 are cheaper right now and might as well have some adjustment. I know this will make me run spacers up front but I’m hoping I’ll be ok as my fenders are already rolled. My question is this, I don’t want in much lower than stock, maybe 1/2 to 3/4” and definitely don’t want tuck. How much height can I get with the b14 before preload becomes an issues? A friend sent a pic of his and he’s running it low (maybe 1/4 of lower threads from the bottom. I would imagine I’ll be running near the top of the threads, A. To help with tire clearance and B. Cause I love suspension travel. I’m wondering at what point does adding more height just compress the spring and add preload?
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04-15-2021, 09:35 PM	#2
sibanez Private 21 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 17 Civic SI, 11 128i, 04 GX470 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Camp Hill, PA iTrader: (0)	I believe the minimum with these is about 3/4 an inch of drop. You can crank them more, but the front struts don’t have a ton of travel. It’s been a while since I installed a set, but I do remember Bilstein having some min/Max recommendations.
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04-18-2021, 01:18 PM	#3
machine4321 Private 25 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	That’s good news. Some of the pics I saw were very low in the front. I want to keep good travel. I was just worried but adding to much preload it would lose some compliance
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05-22-2021, 10:05 PM	#4
machine4321 Private 25 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	Updating. B14 are on and even with turner camber plates they are about 1/2” to low for me. Ive added as much height as I can but all its doing now is adding to much pre load And riding like pooh. The last 7-8mm of thread hasnt increased height at all so im guessing strut travel is topped out. The front tire is almost tucked but id like to have a good finger of height So, how should I add. Easiest is washers in between Fixed camber Plates and strut towers But I fear putting to much stress in to that small of an area. Maybe have a flat plate same shape of camber plate made up? Otherwise, spacer ring in between knuckle and the stop on the strut? Last edited by machine4321; 05-23-2021 at 03:16 PM..
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11-04-2023, 12:27 PM	#5
Jback New Member 0 Rep 24 Posts Drives: 135i 09 Join Date: May 2013 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	Did you end up putting some type of washer underneath the strut in the same predicament?
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