Harsh suspension - options?

D

dhobbs

Senior member
A couple of years a go I replaced my suspension with the bilstein b12 kit for the e85. The original suspension was the m-sport and knackered at 100k.
I find the suspension harsh on normal roads that are anything but perfectly smooth and I dread potholes or badly surfaced roads. The question is what are my options?

I currently have 17" winter tyres but will be putting the 18" summers back on soon if it eventually warms up.

Can I just swap the dampers over to say the b4, or would fitting adjustable kit be better?

Are there any other alternative for a smoother ride?

Could I sell the b12 kit and recoup some of the cost?

I'm not made of money so that is a factor, but enjoyment of the car is a big factor.

Any thoughts?
Daz
 
There is a lot of information if you do a search on suspension, the B12’s are considerably harsher than standard shocks.

If it were me I’d buy the standard kit (shocks and springs) and use the sale of the B12 to cover it. You could even go for a good used set if you want to save money.

I’ve recently put my car back on standard springs (previously on lowered springs) and in much happier with it now.

Good luck.
 
b12 is eibach pro springs and uprated dampers right? If so that should be harsher than the m sport set up as standard.

You could fit b4s with eibach pro springs which would result in a more compliant ride. That's the set up I'm going with. Just waiting on some parts then I can fit them and let you know how I find it.

you'd be able to sell the b12's too yea
 
Ive just replaced the front with b4s(rears just delivered awaiting fitment).there doesnt feel alot a lot of difference between these and standard msport shocks in ride harshnes.
 
I did some research on the b12 kit before I bought it and all the advice was it was good kit and no complaints.
To be honest the handling is good but maybe suited to track days rather than city streets.

What actually makes the ride harsh, is it the springs or dampers or both?

Does look like the b4 dampers may be the route, even with some surflex springs.
 
dhobbs said:
I did some research on the b12 kit before I bought it and all the advice was it was good kit and no complaints.
To be honest the handling is good but maybe suited to track days rather than city streets.

What actually makes the ride harsh, is it the springs or dampers or both?

Does look like the b4 dampers may be the route, even with some surflex springs.
Click to expand...
I also got suplex springs for both front and rear.
I have used them on another z with no complaints,also very similar feel to original msport springs.
 
Darkangelv2 in the first pic there is no shocks on invoice as they were out of stock so used another supplier cant find the invoice :headbang: but it gives you a rough estimate
 
When I installed the b12 kit I replaced the top mounts and all the nuts bolts etc. Came close to 1k. I'm sure I can re use the top mounts but would go for new bolts.
 
My friend, I bought the coils and shocks of the non sport package and I am much, much happier. If you don't mind the extra inch clearance from the ground, it's one way to go. At 88k miles, my original shocks had NOTHING left in them.

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=126521
 
fernando306 said:
My friend, I bought the coils and shocks of the non sport package and I am much, much happier. If you don't mind the extra inch clearance from the ground, it's one way to go. At 88k miles, my original shocks had NOTHING left in them.

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=126521
Click to expand...
To be honest I could go back to the m-sport setup using b4s.
 
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