E86 Suspension - Help me understand the options
Posted: Sun May 05, 2024 11:56 am
I have been trying to read up on this forum and elsewhere, and here's post of what I think I know - the key options for suspension replacement and upgrades on E86 Z4s (and I think E85 is pretty much the same). I would love any corrections and additions, and I will have questions later. Prices mentioned are approximate as of my quick googling today.
Notes – Price are approximate as of May 2024. I have tried to cover the main options. I have tried to note cheapest prices, but I have not searched that hard. Prices of shock / coil combos are there as an approximate guide if you are refreshing the suspension front and back and want get an idea of how much more you will need to spend to upgrade to the next “better” level (by which I mean less comfortable, more sporty). Also combo prices exclude sundries such as top mounts, and fitting of course.
OEM Suspension
All the UK E86s are SI, the difference is the Sport models had the M-Sport suspension that sits 15mm lower and is a bit stiffer than the SE.
Dampers / Shocks
Sachs are probably the go to OEM option, but the rears no longer seem to be available
Bilstein are the ones to go for if durability is the primary aim, but Koni’s are probably a bit more comfortable. B4 are the go to option if not Sachs.
Bilstein B4 dampers – standard dampers for E86 suitable for SE or M-Sport Setups AND eibach lowering springs (but see Eibach specific notes elsewhere). Rear £140 for 2. Front £260 for 2. Seem to be a bit better than Sachs and very much the go to option. Seem to be more reliable than Koni. Total - £400.
Comments
“B4s and Suplex M-sport size springs, works well for me”
“I've got Bilstein B4 dampers with the Eibach springs on my E86. It now sits about 30mm lower than the M Sport set up. Is it more comfortable than original? I'd have to say no, it's still a bumpy ride but, it handles better and looks better than it did.“
“Bilstein B4s, Suplex springs (sport). These wont lower the car car but the handling is much improved better cornering less roll etc.”
“Been running B4s for 4 years now with initially SE springs, then MSport and now back on SE springs again. My spine just cannot get on with MSport springs. Absolutely no complaints with SE/B4 combo”
Bilstein B6 dampers – up-rated / firmer dampers for standard ride height. Not suitable for SE springs, give a noticeably firmer ride than B4 or OEM. Rear £280 for 2. Front £440 for 2. Total - £720
Comments
“If you want firmer dampers then get the B6's, if you want to maintain OE ride-comfort, I'd go for B4s.”
“I’ve run B6s with SE springs and sport springs. The B6s very noticeably firm up the ride on either - I actually think the sport springs are better balanced with the B6s, as the SE set up felt under springer but over damped.”
Bilstein B8 dampers – up-rated / firmer dampers, same damping spec as B6 but designed for lower ride height. Rear £340 for 2. Front £450 for 2. Total - £790.
Bilstein B12 Suspension kit - B8 dampers + Eibach coils. £1,200 for everything front and rear incl. coils.
Comments
“I went for the B12 kit and found it not suitable for pot holed road of Brighton so I eventually went back to standard springs (m-sport). Kept the Bilstein dampers though.”
“I had the sports suspension and changed it to the Bilstein B12 Pro Kit with Powerflex Rear Shock Top Mount Bracket and Bush 10mm. 30mm lower than the Sports Suspension. Firmer ride but better that the V4's it had. Corners like it's on rails.”
Koni Sport aka Koni Yellow dampers - £450 front and £360 rear, or Total £870 including springs for full set. Lowers car about 35mm front and rear. [Broadly equivalent to a Bilstein B8]
Comments
“I'm running eibachs with Koni Yellow Sports dampers on 19 inch wheels fitted with 245/35 tyres. The ride quality is definitely improved over the original, tired MSport dampers.”
Coils / Springs
Coils seem to be advertized as the amount they lower from the standard (SE Level), not the M-Sport level. On this basis it seems like one of the two Einbach options only lowers the car 20mm at the rear, which – by my calculations – seems to mean only a 5mm lowering if your E86 already comes with the 15mm lowered M-Sport set-up.
Suplex 06252 (SE level Manual) - £100 for 2. Front. Length: 290mm.
Suplex 06228 (SE level) - £150 for 2. Rear. Length: 229mm.
Suplex 06248 (M-Sport level Manual) - £120 for 2. Front. Length: 270mm.
Suplex 06231 (M-Sport level) - £190 for 2. Rear. Length: 229mm.
Suplex 06253 (SE level – automatic) - £100 for 2. Front. Length: 288mm.
Suplex 06249 (M-Sport level – automatic) - £105 for 2. Front. Length: 276mm.
Eibach Performance (Progressive) Springs - £150 for 2, £225 to £300 for 4.
Version 1 – Lowers front 30mm and rear 20 mm.
Product code: F11-20-010-01-VA (front)
Product code: F11-20-010-01-HA (rear)
Product code: E10-20-010-05-22 (full set) Total - £255
Version 2 – Lowers front 30mm and rear 30 mm.
Product code: (front)
Product code: (rear)
Product code: E10-20-010-01-22 (full set) Total - £255
Comments
“I have Eibach Performance springs and Koni dampers which now give a controlled more compliant ride.“
H&R Lowering Springs Kit [29269 1] – The manufacturer’s blurb “H&R lowering springs are the ideal solution if you want to optimize the handling of your car and achieve a sporty look while maintaining the standard driving comfort. The springs are compatible with both standard and retrofit dampers and are available with ABE or parts certificate.” Lower the car 35mm front and rear. Total - £230
Vogtland Sport Lowering Springs – Lower the car 30mm front and rear. Total - £140
Coilovers
Stance+ Coilovers – £290 full kit – Lowers by 15mm to 40mm (rear) and 20mm to 45mm (front). Definintely available for E85 – TBC whether it also works for E86. Coilovers at this point are likely to be UTTER TRASH.
Max Speeding Rods Coilovers – £685 full kit – Lowers by 10mm to 30mm. The manufacturer’s blurb “MXR-SNA coilovers are designed as an entry level for street use. It features with full length height adjustable and adjustable camber plates (applicable for some vehicles), which offers you a lowered stance, improved performance for your daily use vehicle.”
BC Racing Coilovers – £1,000 full kit –
Bilstein B16 Coilovers – £2,250 full kit –
Intrax Coilovers-
KW V1 Clubsport Coilovers - £1,500 full kit
KW V3 Clubsport Coilovers - £3,000 full kit – look superb, but maybe too sporty for UK roads?
Nitron NTR R3 Coilovers / Suspension Kit - £5,500
Top Strut Mountings
Lemforder – Decent and thought to have supplied the BMW originals.
Lemforder Top Strut Mount and Bearing - Front, pair – Part Number – 27309 01
Lemforder Rears – are they available anywhere?
Febi Bilstein – OK?
Febi Bilstein 21091 Top strut mount. Rear Axle, with attachment material, without ball bearing, Elastomer. Kit includes : 1 no. top strut mount (Article No. 21090); 1 no. seal, suspension strut bearing (Article No. 12701) – £25 for 2
PowerFlex Rear Shock Top Mount Bracket and Bush 10mm.
Meyle – DO NOT USE Meyle HD top mounts on the rear! Terrible design allows metal on metal and they knock like mad.
The cost of Dampers and Coils Front and Rear
Interesting to note that the cost of the main parts is basically £650 to £700 for SE / M-Sport Level, lowered or standard. Price has to be secondary - get the set-up you want.
SE Level - Bilstein B4 dampers with Suplex Standard coils - £650
M-Sport Level - Bilstein B4 dampers with Suplex Sport coils - £710
Basic Level Lowered - Bilstein B4 dampers with Eibach Performance coils - £700
A Budget Sports Option - Koni Sport aka Koni Yellow dampers - £870 including springs for full set.
M-Sport Plus Level - Bilstein B6 dampers with Suplex Sport coils - £1,020
M-Sport Plus Plus Level - Lowered - Bilstein B8 dampers with Eibach Performance - £1,090
M-Sport Plus Plus Level - Lowered - Bilstein B12 kit - Bilstein B8 dampers with Eibach Performance (includes extras?) - £1,200
Notes – Price are approximate as of May 2024. I have tried to cover the main options. I have tried to note cheapest prices, but I have not searched that hard. Prices of shock / coil combos are there as an approximate guide if you are refreshing the suspension front and back and want get an idea of how much more you will need to spend to upgrade to the next “better” level (by which I mean less comfortable, more sporty). Also combo prices exclude sundries such as top mounts, and fitting of course.
OEM Suspension
All the UK E86s are SI, the difference is the Sport models had the M-Sport suspension that sits 15mm lower and is a bit stiffer than the SE.
Dampers / Shocks
Sachs are probably the go to OEM option, but the rears no longer seem to be available
Bilstein are the ones to go for if durability is the primary aim, but Koni’s are probably a bit more comfortable. B4 are the go to option if not Sachs.
Bilstein B4 dampers – standard dampers for E86 suitable for SE or M-Sport Setups AND eibach lowering springs (but see Eibach specific notes elsewhere). Rear £140 for 2. Front £260 for 2. Seem to be a bit better than Sachs and very much the go to option. Seem to be more reliable than Koni. Total - £400.
Comments
“B4s and Suplex M-sport size springs, works well for me”
“I've got Bilstein B4 dampers with the Eibach springs on my E86. It now sits about 30mm lower than the M Sport set up. Is it more comfortable than original? I'd have to say no, it's still a bumpy ride but, it handles better and looks better than it did.“
“Bilstein B4s, Suplex springs (sport). These wont lower the car car but the handling is much improved better cornering less roll etc.”
“Been running B4s for 4 years now with initially SE springs, then MSport and now back on SE springs again. My spine just cannot get on with MSport springs. Absolutely no complaints with SE/B4 combo”
Bilstein B6 dampers – up-rated / firmer dampers for standard ride height. Not suitable for SE springs, give a noticeably firmer ride than B4 or OEM. Rear £280 for 2. Front £440 for 2. Total - £720
Comments
“If you want firmer dampers then get the B6's, if you want to maintain OE ride-comfort, I'd go for B4s.”
“I’ve run B6s with SE springs and sport springs. The B6s very noticeably firm up the ride on either - I actually think the sport springs are better balanced with the B6s, as the SE set up felt under springer but over damped.”
Bilstein B8 dampers – up-rated / firmer dampers, same damping spec as B6 but designed for lower ride height. Rear £340 for 2. Front £450 for 2. Total - £790.
Bilstein B12 Suspension kit - B8 dampers + Eibach coils. £1,200 for everything front and rear incl. coils.
Comments
“I went for the B12 kit and found it not suitable for pot holed road of Brighton so I eventually went back to standard springs (m-sport). Kept the Bilstein dampers though.”
“I had the sports suspension and changed it to the Bilstein B12 Pro Kit with Powerflex Rear Shock Top Mount Bracket and Bush 10mm. 30mm lower than the Sports Suspension. Firmer ride but better that the V4's it had. Corners like it's on rails.”
Koni Sport aka Koni Yellow dampers - £450 front and £360 rear, or Total £870 including springs for full set. Lowers car about 35mm front and rear. [Broadly equivalent to a Bilstein B8]
Comments
“I'm running eibachs with Koni Yellow Sports dampers on 19 inch wheels fitted with 245/35 tyres. The ride quality is definitely improved over the original, tired MSport dampers.”
Coils / Springs
Coils seem to be advertized as the amount they lower from the standard (SE Level), not the M-Sport level. On this basis it seems like one of the two Einbach options only lowers the car 20mm at the rear, which – by my calculations – seems to mean only a 5mm lowering if your E86 already comes with the 15mm lowered M-Sport set-up.
Suplex 06252 (SE level Manual) - £100 for 2. Front. Length: 290mm.
Suplex 06228 (SE level) - £150 for 2. Rear. Length: 229mm.
Suplex 06248 (M-Sport level Manual) - £120 for 2. Front. Length: 270mm.
Suplex 06231 (M-Sport level) - £190 for 2. Rear. Length: 229mm.
Suplex 06253 (SE level – automatic) - £100 for 2. Front. Length: 288mm.
Suplex 06249 (M-Sport level – automatic) - £105 for 2. Front. Length: 276mm.
Eibach Performance (Progressive) Springs - £150 for 2, £225 to £300 for 4.
Version 1 – Lowers front 30mm and rear 20 mm.
Product code: F11-20-010-01-VA (front)
Product code: F11-20-010-01-HA (rear)
Product code: E10-20-010-05-22 (full set) Total - £255
Version 2 – Lowers front 30mm and rear 30 mm.
Product code: (front)
Product code: (rear)
Product code: E10-20-010-01-22 (full set) Total - £255
Comments
“I have Eibach Performance springs and Koni dampers which now give a controlled more compliant ride.“
H&R Lowering Springs Kit [29269 1] – The manufacturer’s blurb “H&R lowering springs are the ideal solution if you want to optimize the handling of your car and achieve a sporty look while maintaining the standard driving comfort. The springs are compatible with both standard and retrofit dampers and are available with ABE or parts certificate.” Lower the car 35mm front and rear. Total - £230
Vogtland Sport Lowering Springs – Lower the car 30mm front and rear. Total - £140
Coilovers
Stance+ Coilovers – £290 full kit – Lowers by 15mm to 40mm (rear) and 20mm to 45mm (front). Definintely available for E85 – TBC whether it also works for E86. Coilovers at this point are likely to be UTTER TRASH.
Max Speeding Rods Coilovers – £685 full kit – Lowers by 10mm to 30mm. The manufacturer’s blurb “MXR-SNA coilovers are designed as an entry level for street use. It features with full length height adjustable and adjustable camber plates (applicable for some vehicles), which offers you a lowered stance, improved performance for your daily use vehicle.”
BC Racing Coilovers – £1,000 full kit –
Bilstein B16 Coilovers – £2,250 full kit –
Intrax Coilovers-
KW V1 Clubsport Coilovers - £1,500 full kit
KW V3 Clubsport Coilovers - £3,000 full kit – look superb, but maybe too sporty for UK roads?
Nitron NTR R3 Coilovers / Suspension Kit - £5,500
Top Strut Mountings
Lemforder – Decent and thought to have supplied the BMW originals.
Lemforder Top Strut Mount and Bearing - Front, pair – Part Number – 27309 01
Lemforder Rears – are they available anywhere?
Febi Bilstein – OK?
Febi Bilstein 21091 Top strut mount. Rear Axle, with attachment material, without ball bearing, Elastomer. Kit includes : 1 no. top strut mount (Article No. 21090); 1 no. seal, suspension strut bearing (Article No. 12701) – £25 for 2
PowerFlex Rear Shock Top Mount Bracket and Bush 10mm.
Meyle – DO NOT USE Meyle HD top mounts on the rear! Terrible design allows metal on metal and they knock like mad.
The cost of Dampers and Coils Front and Rear
Interesting to note that the cost of the main parts is basically £650 to £700 for SE / M-Sport Level, lowered or standard. Price has to be secondary - get the set-up you want.
SE Level - Bilstein B4 dampers with Suplex Standard coils - £650
M-Sport Level - Bilstein B4 dampers with Suplex Sport coils - £710
Basic Level Lowered - Bilstein B4 dampers with Eibach Performance coils - £700
A Budget Sports Option - Koni Sport aka Koni Yellow dampers - £870 including springs for full set.
M-Sport Plus Level - Bilstein B6 dampers with Suplex Sport coils - £1,020
M-Sport Plus Plus Level - Lowered - Bilstein B8 dampers with Eibach Performance - £1,090
M-Sport Plus Plus Level - Lowered - Bilstein B12 kit - Bilstein B8 dampers with Eibach Performance (includes extras?) - £1,200