Eibach and Bilstein B4s - Disappointed!

[GP06Roadster]

So I had eibachs with standard shocks on my old roadster and the ride height was just about perfect for me. Smaller arch gap but not too low. Good ride and improved handling.

So I've just had a set of eibachs and Bilstein B4s fitted to my coupe (thinking I'd switch shocks at the same time). Well to say I'm disappointed with the look is an understatement! Ive done 300 miles and the thing looks like it's on frickin stilts! Literally I could do some off roading in the car it's that bad.

Would the new shocks affect the ride height? I thought only springs affect that?

 

[Thrustyjust]

It could affect the height on the fronts , depending on where the spring base is on the shock. Maybe measure the height of the spring base to shock top on both new and old and see if there is any differences .

 

[GP06Roadster]

It could affect the height on the fronts , depending on where the spring base is on the shock. Maybe measure the height of the spring base to shock top on both new and old and see if there is any differences .

Good tip didn't think of that

 

[GP06Roadster]

Think I may be getting closer to resolving my land rover ride height.

I think I may have the wrong top mounts. I bought E46 ones part 3003133601

I since been told the 3.0si have specific top mounts part number  31 33 6 779 613.

Anyone know if the E46 ones could be the cause of my crazy ride height?

It's the only thing I can think of now as Gus on here fitted eibach and B4s to his Si and his ride height is spot on.

Thanks

 

[James72]

I’ve just fitted eibachs and B4’s 31336779613 is the correct part no. for front top mounts. No ride height issues on my E86

 

[ben g]

You definitely have something wrong, as I have Eibachs paired with Bilstein B4's and this is my ride height:



It sits about 10mm higher than it did on the standard shocks, but that's because the standard ones were completely finished.

I bought my front top mounts from GSF (lemforder) and my rears from ebay (either lemforder or meyle, whichever ones don't rattle).

 

[lucasxdiniz]

You definitely have something wrong, as I have Eibachs paired with Bilstein B4's and this is my ride height:

_20190712_171416.JPG

It sits about 10mm higher than it did on the standard shocks, but that's because the standard ones were completely finished.

I bought my front top mounts from GSF (lemforder) and my rears from ebay (either lemforder or meyle, whichever ones don't rattle).

The rear looks a bit too low, is that the normal height or was it because of the hand brake being on? Front looks perfect!

 

[Number5]

My Alpina is on Eiibachs with the Bilstein B12 kit and that looks right and handles lovely, whilst being a comfortable drive still

 

[MACK]

You definitely have something wrong, as I have Eibachs paired with Bilstein B4's and this is my ride height:

_20190712_171416.JPG

It sits about 10mm higher than it did on the standard shocks, but that's because the standard ones were completely finished.

I bought my front top mounts from GSF (lemforder) and my rears from ebay (either lemforder or meyle, whichever ones don't rattle).

The rear looks a bit too low, is that the normal height or was it because of the hand brake being on? Front looks perfect!

Looks lower than mine aswell and I've got M tyres sizes on currently so a bit extra sidewall. Are you using different thickness spring pads Ben? Thinking about it that could be at least part of the OPs issue as well.

 

[lucasxdiniz]

You definitely have something wrong, as I have Eibachs paired with Bilstein B4's and this is my ride height:

_20190712_171416.JPG

It sits about 10mm higher than it did on the standard shocks, but that's because the standard ones were completely finished.

I bought my front top mounts from GSF (lemforder) and my rears from ebay (either lemforder or meyle, whichever ones don't rattle).

The rear looks a bit too low, is that the normal height or was it because of the hand brake being on? Front looks perfect!

Looks lower than mine aswell and I've got M tyres sizes on currently so a bit extra sidewall. Are you using different thickness spring pads Ben? Thinking about it that could be at least part of the OPs issue as well.

Hi, MACK. I've read plenty of posts from you giving advice about bilstein and I'm planning to order B4s w/ eibachs, could you share a photo of your car and tell me which spring pad thickness you're using, please? Thanks!

 

[MACK]

Think I may be getting closer to resolving my land rover ride height.

I think I may have the wrong top mounts. I bought E46 ones part 3003133601

I since been told the 3.0si have specific top mounts part number 31 33 6 779 613.

Anyone know if the E46 ones could be the cause of my crazy ride height?

It's the only thing I can think of now as Gus on here fitted eibach and B4s to his Si and his ride height is spot on.

Thanks

Just re read all this thread and yes OP I think you've hit the nail on the head there. The E46 front top mounts are different to the E85/6 ones, but the rears are the same.

 

[MACK]

The rear looks a bit too low, is that the normal height or was it because of the hand brake being on? Front looks perfect!

Looks lower than mine aswell and I've got M tyres sizes on currently so a bit extra sidewall. Are you using different thickness spring pads Ben? Thinking about it that could be at least part of the OPs issue as well.

Hi, MACK. I've read plenty of posts from you giving advice about bilstein and I'm planning to order B4s w/ eibachs, could you share a photo of your car and tell me which spring pad thickness you're using, please? Thanks!

Hi,

I just reused my standard spring pads as they were in good shape. I believe they are 3mm front and 5mm rear. There's some good info in this link re spring pads and lowering springs, there's a few photos too.

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=96606

heres mine on MV2s with standard profile tyres and Eibachs/B4s

 

[ben g]

You definitely have something wrong, as I have Eibachs paired with Bilstein B4's and this is my ride height:

_20190712_171416.JPG

It sits about 10mm higher than it did on the standard shocks, but that's because the standard ones were completely finished.

I bought my front top mounts from GSF (lemforder) and my rears from ebay (either lemforder or meyle, whichever ones don't rattle).

The rear looks a bit too low, is that the normal height or was it because of the hand brake being on? Front looks perfect!

It's because it was parked on the grass.

 

[adam1985]

Whats the reason for using B4s with the eibach springs rather than the B8s that are in the B12 kit? wouldn't B8s be better as they are designed to run with the lower springs but B4s are designed for the OEM springs?
This is my coupe with B12 kit

 

[MKZ4000]

I'd imagine the reason is the cost saving using B4's over B12's.

B4 are OEM replacements but I think can be used with a 15mm drop over standard from memory

 

[MKZ4000]

and B8's

 

[GP06Roadster]

Think I may be getting closer to resolving my land rover ride height.

I think I may have the wrong top mounts. I bought E46 ones part 3003133601

I since been told the 3.0si have specific top mounts part number 31 33 6 779 613.

Anyone know if the E46 ones could be the cause of my crazy ride height?

It's the only thing I can think of now as Gus on here fitted eibach and B4s to his Si and his ride height is spot on.

Thanks

Just re read all this thread and yes OP I think you've hit the nail on the head there. The E46 front top mounts are different to the E85/6 ones, but the rears are the same.

Spot on! I ordered the E46 top mounts which are very different to e86 ones. E46 ones have a lot more depth, I've now seen both types. My balls up!

New correct parts are on order. Thanks for all the help

 

[z4pilot]

B4s are more compliant and so give a softer ride - B8s are uprated and supposedly are firmer than the M Sport originals? Ben will have more details, but i believe that the B4s are rated by Bilstein to be ok with a 40mm drop, which puts them in the range of use with eibachs.

 

[GP06Roadster]

You definitely have something wrong, as I have Eibachs paired with Bilstein B4's and this is my ride height:

_20190712_171416.JPG

It sits about 10mm higher than it did on the standard shocks, but that's because the standard ones were completely finished.

I bought my front top mounts from GSF (lemforder) and my rears from ebay (either lemforder or meyle, whichever ones don't rattle).

Looks perfect Ben

 

[ben g]

Whats the reason for using B4s with the eibach springs rather than the B8s that are in the B12 kit? wouldn't B8s be better as they are designed to run with the lower springs but B4s are designed for the OEM springs?
This is my coupe with B12 kit
IMG_20150524_185242_1.jpg

As above, the B4's give a bit of a softer ride than the B8's. It's by no means rolls royce smooth, but the ride quality is fine for my needs. I wouldn't want to go any firmer, so the B4's were the correct choice for me.