suspension change

[philbo909]

1)long shot, but anyone near swindon using the bilstein b12 kit?
I dont want to struggle over speedbumps or stiffen the suspension up too much, so would like to try before i take the plunge!
if it's too firm then it will just be the b6's i think

2)which springs do I fit on the bilstein b4 shocks

Solved and ordered. Buzzing!

 

[bmwaddict]

I may be wrong but I believe b6s and b8s are the same stiffness, just that the b8s are shortened. Plenty of here with the b12 kit fitted (I'm fitting one soon!) so I'm sure someone will be along to answer your questions, I've heard nothing but good things about it.

 

[philbo909]

I may be wrong but I believe b6s and b8s are the same stiffness, just that the b8s are shortened. Plenty of here with the b12 kit fitted (I'm fitting one soon!) so I'm sure someone will be along to answer your questions, I've heard nothing but good things about it.

Oh really? I assumed shorter meant stiffer..
B8 for the look and b6 for function, but Yeh like to try before I buy

 

[Steve84N]

I have the same car as you with B12 suspension, not that close but not that far either. I live in Gloucestershire and work in Bristol Mon-Fri.

It's not a soft ride but I find it fine as a daily and don't struggle with speed bumps.

 

[Joycey]

Well over my standard bilstein shocks Ed couldn't keep pace down country lanes. They were far too stiff and kept unsettling his car. Unless you do a bit of track time I would go B6's.

 

[philbo909]

Well over my standard bilstein shocks Ed couldn't keep pace down country lanes. They were far too stiff and kept unsettling his car. Unless you do a bit of track time I would go B6's.

ok yeh, last thing i want to do is ruin the ride as i do so many miles a year!

 

[philbo909]

I have the same car as you with B12 suspension, not that close but not that far either. I live in Gloucestershire and work in Bristol Mon-Fri.

It's not a soft ride but I find it fine as a daily and don't struggle with speed bumps.

do you find it less composed on bad road surfaces? if i could come round an evening some time to check it out would that be cool?

 

[Steve84N]

You're welcome to a passenger ride.

It will go over humps and potholes but they are best avoided where possible.

 

[philbo909]

You're welcome to a passenger ride.

It will go over humps and potholes but they are best avoided where possible.

thanks, ill pm you to see when is best

 

[MACK]

I've been debating this for ages, not sure whether to use the B12 kit or pair some eibach springs with B4 shocks. On a road going car from a comfort point of view I'm not sure if the B12 might be a bit too hard core for my taste and the B4 a better/softer option.

 

[philbo909]

I've been debating this for ages, not sure whether to use the B12 kit or pair some eibach springs with B4 shocks. On a road going car from a comfort point of view I'm not sure if the B12 might be a bit too hard core for my taste and the B4 a better/softer option.

the b4s are oem quality so i don't think there's much change apart from a freshen up. which might actually be all i need for the budget i have...
http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=125709
this thread mades me want the b6s more though

 

[rally-chris]

I'm in much the same position as the OP; what kit do you have when you say standard Bilstein setup,
Lee?

Chris

 

[Steve84N]

B4 are softer but not shorter so no good for Eibach springs.

 

[Ed Doe]

Well over my standard bilstein shocks Ed couldn't keep pace down country lanes. They were far too stiff and kept unsettling his car. Unless you do a bit of track time I would go B6's.

You said you wouldn't tell anyone :lol:

Yeah so the B12 kit is great on relatively flat roads, but the damping just can't keep up on backroads, so you find yourself backing off a bit rather than the car egging you on. Shame really. Definitely better on track though. Depends what you use the car for really!

Im half tempted by kw v3 now but think alloys may be higher up the list lol!

 

[highway1]

That's why I went for b4 and suplex springs. Much better for bumpy British roads- I think if I'd gone b 12, I'd have been thrown off exmoor roads by now! Also, my front bumper would be a mess with the eibach springs as I can only just clear my garage and some humps in town, on suplex m sport springs!!

Of course , on track, b 12 better but I don't track!

 

[philbo909]

Well over my standard bilstein shocks Ed couldn't keep pace down country lanes. They were far too stiff and kept unsettling his car. Unless you do a bit of track time I would go B6's.

You said you wouldn't tell anyone :lol:

Yeah so the B12 kit is great on relatively flat roads, but the damping just can't keep up on backroads, so you find yourself backing off a bit rather than the car egging you on. Shame really. Definitely better on track though. Depends what you use the car for really!

Im half tempted by kw v3 now but think alloys may be higher up the list lol!

to be honest that's decided it for me!
I don't track the zed, just love a b road which sadly (in the uk) are patchwork and potholed tarmac...
cheers

 

[philbo909]

Well over my standard bilstein shocks Ed couldn't keep pace down country lanes. They were far too stiff and kept unsettling his car. Unless you do a bit of track time I would go B6's.

did you try b6 before choosing the b4? i think realistically with my b road preference they're the choices. thanks

 

[Ed Doe]

Glad my experience has helped :lol:

 

[philbo909]

Glad my experience has helped :lol:

Yeh just ordered b4s instead!

 

[NickDE]

I have B4's and Suplex springs on my Z4C. I'm very happy. They cope pretty well with poor surfaces and potholes. And I can also chuck it down the A68 at silly speeds :driving: