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Talk to me about a decent road suspension setup for E86 3.0si.

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Bmwz4ruby

Member
So I have had my E86 3.0si for about 18 months and from day one I haven’t been happy with the suspension. It’s far too hard and crashy at lower speeds which is odd as it has plenty of travel and indeed is much better at higher speeds even on bumpy roads. I’m certain it’s the original M Sport stuff from 2006 and is now on 130,000 miles.
So what to get. I would like a small drop in ride height for aesthetics (20-25 mm) and would like it less crashy at low speeds along with better control at high speeds with less dive and roll. I have been looking at the Bilstein B12 kit but I’m not 100% sold yet.
Please suggest some options to me based on your experiences. I don’t want to break the bank but it needs an upgrade. Just remember it’s for the road so KW V3’s etc would be unnecessary.
Looking forward to some replies.
 
Rockhopper said:
Don't forget your car is already 15mm lower than standard.
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Thanks, I am aware but it still looks slightly off road spec even compared to my E90 330d on stock M sport suspension. On that note my 330d rides so nice at all speeds on standard suspension.
One other thing to note is both E86 and E90 are riding on non runflat tyres (I detest runflats).
 
There is a school of thought on here that says OE replacements should reap some of the benefits you’re looking for. That’s what I’m planning on mine. Won’t give you the drop though.
 
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 have also gone up a profile size on the rears (255/35 to 255/40) plus went for non xl load rated tyres. This has all helped.
 
dxh said:
There is a school of thought on here that says OE replacements should reap some of the benefits you’re looking for. That’s what I’m planning on mine. Won’t give you the drop though.
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dhobbs said:
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 have also gone up a profile size on the rears (255/35 to 255/40) plus went for non xl load rated tyres. This has all helped.
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Thanks for the replies. Maybe some Bilstein dampers and other make springs (H and R) might work. Sort of worried if I go for standard the ride will still be the same. As I say the 330d feels so much better at slow or high speed.
 
Bmwz4ruby said:
Sort of worried if I go for standard the ride will still be the same. As I say the 330d feels so much better at slow or high speed.
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If it's on original dampers they'll be shot and you will be crashing around with basically no damping at all.
I have now done several suspension refreshes where I've retained the original springs (after checking them for cracks etc) and fitted new OEM dampers, with new top mounts, bump stops etc. I've always used Sachs but I believe many people speak highly of the Bilstein B4 too?
For you it's an unknown gamble to spend the money on going back to standard, so I can understand your reluctance, but believe me the difference in just fitting new standard stuff is amazing.
What you could do is whip off a rear shock as they are easy to remove. Check it out and see if it still works properly. If not then the chances are the other three are the same.
In fact, thinking about it, you don't even need to completely remove the rear shock. You can jack it up, whip the wheel off and disconnect from the bottom mount. Then see how easy it is to compress and whether it immediately returns to full extension. Most of the ones I've changed can be compressed by a 9-y-o (I have one as an apprentice) and stay in whichever position you put them!
 
enuff_zed said:
If it's on original dampers they'll be shot and you will be crashing around with basically no damping at all.
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This is the school of thought I was referring to!!
 
Bilstein b4s,suplex springs(sport)These wont lower the car car but the handling is much improved better cornering less role etc.
I am very happy with this set up and these were swopped after 80k miles,so your suspension will be well past due at your current mileage,so as said any decent new set up should be much improved.
And if no one as mentioned Ditch the run flats.
 
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.
 
B4's should be more comfortable as they are "softer" than stock Msport struts/dampers however if its old Msport suspension then it gets very crashy and horrible as it wears. My car is lovely and compliant on the B4's, i wouldn't want it any harsher and I'm happy to compromise handling for comfort.
It does also depend on the spring rating you have used though.
 
Popping in to say this is worthwhile advice. My E86 is a bit crashy at 71,500 miles but that's still 15 years old. Quality but standard-ish dampers and springs seem a sensbie solution. I'm not there yet but you've all given me food for thought.
 
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