[drf30]

Hey all,

Just wanted to get some opinions from the F30 crowd out there. I have a MY2013 F30 335i with the M Adaptive suspension, but a while ago the front passenger strut started to leak. I ignored it for a couple months but I need to get them changed out at this point. Before you read any further, I do daily drive this car to Atlanta 4 days a week (a lot of driving ), but I do prefer a stiffer suspension over a comfortable one as I like to drive enthusiastically in backroads. Now, here's my dilemma as I have two options:

1) Retain the M Adaptive functionality and buy a pair of Bilstein B6 Damptronics for the front two struts for a little bit of OEM+ performance. However, each strut is like $450 before taxes and shipping so that would cost me around $1k shipped for the two.

2) Go for coilovers. I was looking at either the BC Racing BR Series or the Bilstein B14 PSS10 and then coding out the EDC functionality. It would be around $1200 shipped for a full set for the car. This way, I would get adjustable ride height and a stiffer suspension (maybe?). Also, if I go with BC I'd get adjustable dampening.

Now I'm wondering if coilovers would give me a better, stiffer ride than just going for B6 Damptronics to retain the M adaptive suspension. Also, I feel like since it's about a similar cost I feel like coilovers might be the way to go. But I want to hear what you think...

My question to you all is, which option do you think I should pursue based on the info listed above? Also, what are your thoughts on BC vs Bilstein B14 or any other coilover for the F30?

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts and hopefully y'all will be able to help me make a better decision. Thanks! 🙏

[WildBoostalo]

I went with Bilstein B16 coilovers w/ EDC. (yea kinda pricey)

I love this setup a ton. ride is perfect for me and this is my daily. I also love that I retained the EDC functionality.

Now the car does feel slightly stiffer/ softer when switching between the different drive modes, but honestly even in comfort you are still on a coilover setup which will be much stiffer than stock.

You really could just go with a nice coilover setup and EDC delete and be totally fine. I dont think retaining the EDC is even that big of a deal. I personally would go with the B14 Bilstein setup or KW's. Ive never had BC racing anything but to me they are the "cheap" route and in my experience you get what you pay for in terms of quality. (Not to say their product hasnt improved or that other people like them).

Also, if you are mostly daily driving and doing some spirited canyon runs, and not really tracking the car, you'd have to decide for yourself if the dampening is really worth it.

Hope my input helped

[fijigabe0]

I recently replaced the OEM shocks and struts on my car (same setup as yours, it appears). I went with the B6's over the B4's, and don't regret it, one bit. I did go for the M3 Competition springs, front and rear, to maintain the ride height, since the Bilstein shocks tend to lift the car up more. Unfortunately, I got used to the look of the car with the "blown" shocks, sitting about .5" lower than it does now, so I'll eventually swap out the springs, but in terms of ride, there's nothing to worry about with the B6's.

[Dom147]

I've had the non-adaptive sport suspension, adaptive suspension, and b14 coilovers.

I love the adaptive suspension I think it's great but the cpst to replace it is too much. I wanted to go with the B16 damptronic coilovers but for the same price as some ohlins, I think the choice is clear on what my next setup will be for the m240i.

As for the b14's I think they're fantastic for the price. I genuinely think they are the absolute best bang for the buck. I've heard the BC Racing coilovers clunk and make odd noises.

[fijigabe0]

Originally Posted by Dom147

I've had the non-adaptive sport suspension, adaptive suspension, and b14 coilovers.

I love the adaptive suspension I think it's great but the cpst to replace it is too much. I wanted to go with the B16 damptronic coilovers but for the same price as some ohlins, I think the choice is clear on what my next setup will be for the m240i.

As for the b14's I think they're fantastic for the price. I genuinely think they are the absolute best bang for the buck. I've heard the BC Racing coilovers clunk and make odd noises.

They are very pricey, but then again, the ride is phenomenal. I used PayPal finance to cover the cost of the shocks. I'm still paying them off, with 0% interest over 6 mos., so that made the pill easier to swallow. I'll be doing the same with the LSD, once I finish paying the shocks off in a month or so.

[drf30]

Originally Posted by fijigabe0

I recently replaced the OEM shocks and struts on my car (same setup as yours, it appears). I went with the B6's over the B4's, and don't regret it, one bit. I did go for the M3 Competition springs, front and rear, to maintain the ride height, since the Bilstein shocks tend to lift the car up more. Unfortunately, I got used to the look of the car with the "blown" shocks, sitting about .5" lower than it does now, so I'll eventually swap out the springs, but in terms of ride, there's nothing to worry about with the B6's.

Huh... so even with the new B6 Damptronics and the stock springs, the car still sits higher? Interesting ��

[drf30]

Originally Posted by Dom147

I've had the non-adaptive sport suspension, adaptive suspension, and b14 coilovers.

I love the adaptive suspension I think it's great but the cpst to replace it is too much. I wanted to go with the B16 damptronic coilovers but for the same price as some ohlins, I think the choice is clear on what my next setup will be for the m240i.

As for the b14's I think they're fantastic for the price. I genuinely think they are the absolute best bang for the buck. I've heard the BC Racing coilovers clunk and make odd noises.

Which one do you think you enjoyed the most? I love swinging the car around corners and zigzagging to "warm up the tires" so I feel like the suspension that is stiff enough for that but still tolerable enough for daily driving would be the best for me.

Are the B14s as stiff or stiffer than M adaptive in Sport+?

[fijigabe0]

Originally Posted by drf30

Huh... so even with the new B6 Damptronics and the stock springs, the car still sits higher? Interesting ��

The stock M3 Comp spring sit about .5" lower than stock, is my understanding.

[drf30]

Originally Posted by fijigabe0

They are very pricey, but then again, the ride is phenomenal. I used PayPal finance to cover the cost of the shocks. I'm still paying them off, with 0% interest over 6 mos., so that made the pill easier to swallow. I'll be doing the same with the LSD, once I finish paying the shocks off in a month or so.

Yeah $2800 is no joke 😭 I'd rather spend the extra money on a good set of wheels, but I'm sure you're enjoying the feeling of putting it into Sport+ and feeling the car drop like it's getting ready to launch (love it haha )

[drf30]

Originally Posted by fijigabe0

The stock M3 Comp spring sit about .5" lower than stock, is my understanding.

Did you ever think about going for H&R Sports or Super Sports? They'd prolly give you the ride height you're looking for with the added elevation of the B6s.

[fijigabe0]

I paid $1,784.10 from Bimmerworld, back in May 2023, but they weren't shipped until September.

Originally Posted by drf30

Did you ever think about going for H&R Sports or Super Sports? They'd prolly give you the ride height you're looking for with the added elevation of the B6s.

I didn't think it would sit this high, so I'm going to eventually get new springs for it. I'm leaning more toward the Eibach Pro's, rather than H&R.

[drf30]

Originally Posted by WildBoostalo

I went with Bilstein B16 coilovers w/ EDC. (yea kinda pricey)

I love this setup a ton. ride is perfect for me and this is my daily. I also love that I retained the EDC functionality.

Now the car does feel slightly stiffer/ softer when switching between the different drive modes, but honestly even in comfort you are still on a coilover setup which will be much stiffer than stock.

You really could just go with a nice coilover setup and EDC delete and be totally fine. I dont think retaining the EDC is even that big of a deal. I personally would go with the B14 Bilstein setup or KW's. Ive never had BC racing anything but to me they are the "cheap" route and in my experience you get what you pay for in terms of quality. (Not to say their product hasnt improved or that other people like them).

Also, if you are mostly daily driving and doing some spirited canyon runs, and not really tracking the car, you'd have to decide for yourself if the dampening is really worth it.

Hope my input helped

Also, I know on some parts of these forums, BC Racing coilovers are a hot topic. I've read mixed things about them everywhere; some people swear by them, others against them �� .

Just wondering, if anyone has any experience with them on their cars, is the adjustable dampening worth it? Or should I just go for the B14s without the adjustable damping?

[drf30]

Originally Posted by fijigabe0

I paid $1,784.10 from Bimmerworld, back in May 2023, but they weren't shipped until September.

Ok, I take what I said back. That's an insane deal! I've never seen the Damptronics for anywhere less than $2.4k. Congrats

[fijigabe0]

$2400 is steep. For that price, I think I would delete the EDC, even though I paid good money for it.

[drf30]

Originally Posted by fijigabe0

$2400 is steep. For that price, I think I would delete the EDC, even though I paid good money for it.

For sure! no way I’m paying that much just for an OEM+ ride quality lol. I should be getting M3 handling for that money 🤪

[Dom147]

Originally Posted by drf30

Which one do you think you enjoyed the most? I love swinging the car around corners and zigzagging to "warm up the tires" so I feel like the suspension that is stiff enough for that but still tolerable enough for daily driving would be the best for me.

Are the B14s as stiff or stiffer than M adaptive in Sport+?

Then the B14’s are definitely for you! I would say I enjoyed those the best out of the three. I spent most of my time on the car I had the b14s with doing exactly that.

It was more than tolerable when it came to spring stiffness. I’ve had passengers in my car before and after the b14s and they didn’t notice a difference.

[drf30]

Originally Posted by Dom147

Then the B14’s are definitely for you! I would say I enjoyed those the best out of the three. I spent most of my time on the car I had the b14s with doing exactly that.

It was more than tolerable when it came to spring stiffness. I’ve had passengers in my car before and after the b14s and they didn’t notice a difference.

Awesome! Thanks for the input 🙏🏼

By the way, this might seem like a bit of a noob question, but when you put coilovers in, they replace the entire stock strut & spring assembly, right? So what springs you have don’t matter with coilovers since there aren’t any?

[Dom147]

Originally Posted by drf30

Awesome! Thanks for the input 🙏🏼

By the way, this might seem like a bit of a noob question, but when you put coilovers in, they replace the entire stock strut & spring assembly, right? So what springs you have don’t matter with coilovers since there aren’t any?

Hmm, I'm not entirely sure I fully understand your question. Yes they do replace the strut and spring assembly. What I'm not understanding is what you mean by there arent any springs. Coilovers come with their own springs.

Hope this helps!

[drf30]

Originally Posted by Dom147

Hmm, I'm not entirely sure I fully understand your question. Yes they do replace the strut and spring assembly. What I'm not understanding is what you mean by there arent any springs. Coilovers come with their own springs.

Hope this helps!

Yeah that does answer my question. I guess what I was trying to find out is if your stock springs stay on the car after a coilover install or not, and now I know they don’t.

Thanks 🙏🏼

[alohasurftoad]

the term coilover is short for, coil spring over shock.

except for airbags, leaf springs, etc., technically, everything with a coil spring and coaxial damper is a coilover, however the term has evolved to springs with threaded sleeved dampers that are height adjustable, some with compression and/or rebound adjustability as well.

for op, this is my order of preference...
1)front Bilstein B4 damptronics(OEM replacement) under Eibach pro-kit springs(f+r) with F80 bumpstops
2)KW DDC

if edc delete with passive type...
3)Eibach pro-kit springs over koni special active dampers, F80 bumpstops
4)KW V1

not a fan of Bilstein coils with monotube dampers i.e. B14/B16, due to high gas pressures and spring rates for street. BC is junk on this platform, imo...
.

[wishbone]

I have the bilstein B14 PSS on my f30 and the m-performance HAS on my f80.

The B14 is harsher, imo, but do really enjoy the stiffness in the turns for the f30. If you do this upgrade and you have everything off I would also recommend the following:

- Replace all single-use bolts
- Replace strut mount top hats (especially in the front)
- Consider replacing front Upper Control Thrust Arms, Sway Bar End Links, Lower Control Thrust Arms
- Consider replacing rear sway bar end links (top hats here didn't seem to matter as much)

I did this job over the summer and wished I had done the front strut mount top hats and naively thought a stock suspension with 54K could take the B14s (clunk noise ensued)

The control arms make a big difference, too with the rest of the suspension upgrades.

One alternative to the Bilsteins is the KWs. Food for thought but I don't have experience with them.

[anielsen71]

Hi there
KW all the way
I had Bilstein B16's with electronic damping before, and they were good until I tried my current KW DDC's
I switched the OEM adaptives to KW DDC's and it just works. not to harsh in comfort mode and stiff in sport for a DD.