Bilstein B6 on SE suspension or B12?

[DaveD]

Hi guys,

Looking to make an upgrade to my Coupe suspension when it arrives. Car has done 73k miles and I know that one of the front shocks needs replacing.

I purposely spec’d SE when I originally bought the car, as found the sport suspension too hard/not enough travel for faster B road driving. Always thought the control could be better though. So now is my chance to upgrade.

Couple of questions:
- what are people’s view of B6 on se springs vs the b12 kit? I think the b12 is about 25mm lower than the se so that’s quite a lot of travel that would be lost. I know that the b12s will look a lot better optically, but I’m probably more focused on the way it deals with bumps.
- whilst I’m getting these done, I’ll probably replace some bushes. As a minimum, should I replace the LCAs with Meyle HD, RTABs, should I bother with poly bushing?

Interested in the views of experienced members of this forum!

Cheers

Dave

 

[ben g]

I've replaced my rtabs and lollypops with superpro polybushes and installed powerflex arb bushes. Seems ok.

The ride has always been a little bit firm and i haven't noticed ir become any harsher.

I'vw been on standard shocks with eibach springs for a few years and it sits well in my opinion.

Can't comment on the b12's, though i have ordered that exact set and will be installing them next week.

It should sit around this height if you go for the b12's, as they come with the eibach springs too.

 

[DaveD]

Thanks Ben. Have you touched the lcas yet? Lots of talk about the meyle ones

 

[DaveD]

Any other views from anyone? Keen to get some other perspectives.

Found this on M359 cutters which is an interesting read

http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=125709

 

[MACK]

Why not consider the B4 shocks with either your se springs or eibachs. It's a popular option and certainly cheaper than the b6 route. The B4s are the equivalent if your existing se shocks where as the B6 and the shorter b8 found in the b12 kit are about 15-20% uprated so give a harder ride. Obviously it's up to you but if ride quality is you main concern then I'd go b4 with either spring. I have these on mine with eibachs and it is a good improvement over my existing tired m sport setup.

 

[DaveD]

That’s an interesting suggestion - had kind of written B4s off as not updated, but having read around some more (including some great posts on m3cutters) the B4s may well be a good option I should consider.

As they are OEM replacements, I presume there is no issue with insurance either? Might save some more pennies given the car is currently standard.

D

 

[Ed Doe]

If ride comfort is your main concern, and your intended use for the car is road rather than track, I'd personally go for B4s. I have the Bilstein B12 kit, and whilst there is undoubtedly a benefit on a smooth track, it's actually not as good on the road as the oem sport suspension - I find myself backing off due to the car becoming unsettled, and I have actually seen the difference when following a friend in his coupe - his car looks far more settled and he's still able to commit to the throttle etc.

Part of the reason Imo why everyone says the Bilstein B12 kit, or similar aftermarket 'upgrades' are better than stock is because they're inevitably replacing old tired baggy dampers with the brand new stuff - of course it'll feel sharper and better! But so would B4s, and they'll actually work properly on the road too...

Don't get me wrong, I do like the B12s - they suit my needs, and I certainly don't feel too firm etc even dailying the car as I do, but if I were solely using it for the road with no track-days at all, I would probably have gone for B4s instead.

Just my tuppence worth

 

[highway1]

Well said Ed- that's why I fitted B4s on my Coupe as it wont be going on a track- and the roads over nearby Exmoor- well I think when pressing on, if id gone the B12 route- id have been bounced off into the Bristol Channel by now!

B12 kit must be great on track though, so horses for courses really!

 

[DaveD]

Great perspectives guys. Thanks. Does feel like that’s the best route. My only thought is whether B6s on standard springs would be preferable to B4s? Have heard that b6s are pretty firm so even with the additional suspension travel, they’re not that great on the road unless really really committing.

 

[Ed Doe]

the roads over nearby Exmoor- well I think when pressing on, if id gone the B12 route- id have been bounced off into the Bristol Channel by now!

:lol: that's how I feel trying to keep up with my mate on his standard sport suspension!

Great perspectives guys. Thanks. Does feel like that’s the best route. My only thought is whether B6s on standard springs would be preferable to B4s? Have heard that b6s are pretty firm so even with the additional suspension travel, they’re not that great on the road unless really really committing.

B6s and b8s have identical damping tuning - the b8s are just shorter so suited for a lowering spring. B4s will absolutely be better more of the time on the road - more compliant over bumpy roads therefore giving you more grip, and more comfy when you're just mooching!