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      12-01-2015, 01:10 PM   #1
mudspike
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F30, Anybody with Bilstein B6 with stock spring?

Hi

This got to be the first time replacing shocks not because of failing part but because of the ride quality... mainly body roll and bouncy ride.
There seems to be lots of discussions regarding B8 but not B6.
Budget is tight and keeping ride height as stock(non M-sports) is crucial due to the road condition.
So, trying to replace just 4 struts and use the stock spring.
Does anybody have this set up and can share experience?

Apologize for ignorance but if this set up meets the needs, all I have to
buy is just struts or Do I have to purchase the additional parts like bump stop or et al..?

Thanks
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      12-07-2015, 03:24 PM   #2
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I have just installed Bilstein B6 (HD) shocks on my F31. So far, I'm pretty happy with the result - much better ride quality. When going over imperfect surfaces, the ride is much more stable without being overly stiff. It's actually comparable to the KW V1 that I had on the same car. But with this setup, I can get stock ride height, same ride quality with much less cost.

And no extra parts is needed.
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      12-07-2015, 06:52 PM   #3
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VikNavy,

What are the specs on your wagon?

....wheel size/tire?
.....DHP or base Xdrive suspension?

I have a 2014 F31 with Xdrive and without DHP. I'm running staggered 18"s (Conti DWS06 All seasons) and I would like to know more about your setup. I like how you keep the stock ride height as I really don't want to drop any lower.
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      12-10-2015, 02:18 PM   #4
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Hi,

I'm 2014 F31 xDrive without DHP. I have 17" all around with factory wheels. Tires: Hankook Ventus S1 noble2 - 225/50ZR17W. Springs are stock. Shocks are from Bilstein B6(HD).

How do you like the staggered setup ? I might consider staggered setup once I have $$ for new wheels : )
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      12-12-2015, 08:41 AM   #5
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VikNavy,

I'm running 225/45Zr18 front and 255/40Zr18 back. I'm happy with the setup. Ditching the run flats was very noticeable.
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      12-12-2015, 08:44 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VikNavy View Post
I have just installed Bilstein B6 (HD) shocks on my F31. So far, I'm pretty happy with the result - much better ride quality. When going over imperfect surfaces, the ride is much more stable without being overly stiff. It's actually comparable to the KW V1 that I had on the same car. But with this setup, I can get stock ride height, same ride quality with much less cost.

And no extra parts is needed.
So you had the KWs on first and then replaced those with the B6s?
Was that mainly to get stock ride height back?
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      12-12-2015, 01:57 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VikNavy View Post
I have just installed Bilstein B6 (HD) shocks on my F31. So far, I'm pretty happy with the result - much better ride quality. When going over imperfect surfaces, the ride is much more stable without being overly stiff. It's actually comparable to the KW V1 that I had on the same car. But with this setup, I can get stock ride height, same ride quality with much less cost.

And no extra parts is needed.
Thanks for the input and I am pulling the trigger now...
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      12-15-2015, 05:33 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scostu View Post
So you had the KWs on first and then replaced those with the B6s?
Was that mainly to get stock ride height back?
Yes, I had KW V1 first. My KW setup develops very loud thumping/clunk sound when going over bump or uneven surfaces. I've seen another person on this forum had the same issue.
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      02-09-2016, 06:16 PM   #9
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VikNavy,

Looks like you have had the B6s on for about 2 months now.

Pros and cons?
Still happy with result?
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      02-09-2016, 06:18 PM   #10
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mudspike,

Same questions for you too.
Good results?
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      02-10-2016, 08:26 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scostu View Post
mudspike,

Same questions for you too.
Good results?
My personal thought based on my own invented scale…
Extremely soft – *Very soft –Soft – 0 - Stiff – *Quite stiff – Very stiff – Extremely stiff

Stock shock = Very Soft
B6 = Quite stiff


Went with B6 with stock spring setup to keep stock ride height due to road condition here.
Ride is a bit firmer than I expected, much firmer than the stock shock.
I expected the ride quality with my previous E60 with stock shock but
this is a bit firmer side than my taste only when I am passing over uneven road surface which I have to trade off.

I believe B8 which is considered to be even stiffer due to shorter stroke, might be TOO much for the ordinary people.
I am generally satisfied with new shock except more rattling noises are heard around dash and steering column area when passing uneven road surface with 245-40-18 tires all around.
Hope this helps.
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      02-18-2016, 12:57 PM   #12
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b6 OR b4?

thanks for this thread...I have a 2013 328 XDrive, (38000 miles) ....same issues....standard spring/shock combo is FAR too soft...almost wallows on New Yorks horrible roads.

Considering a B6...but I have B4s on my 1985 Saab Turbo which has firmer springs than the F30...and for sure probably not comparable...but I DO like the B4 ride on that car....it's just right. Given the softness of our std springs, is the B6 too stiff or just righht in your opinions????

Thanks
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      02-19-2016, 09:39 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mudspike View Post
Ride is a bit firmer than I expected, much firmer than the stock shock.
.......
this is a bit firmer side than my taste.....
I was wrong.
I changed wheels/tires at the same time when the shocks were replaced.
I tackled tire pressure last week...
wow... 40 psi front&rear
All were reset at 35 psi and it is way better than before.
I WAS generally satisfied and now I am very satisfied.
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      05-29-2016, 01:00 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mudspike View Post
I was wrong.
I changed wheels/tires at the same time when the shocks were replaced.
I tackled tire pressure last week...
wow... 40 psi front&rear
All were reset at 35 psi and it is way better than before.
I WAS generally satisfied and now I am very satisfied.
so body roll is all gone? and driving over holes etc isn't too painful?

i'm thinking of getting b6's and stick with stock springs since i don't want to lower the car, only reduce bodyroll
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      05-30-2016, 09:03 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jebs2k View Post
so body roll is all gone? and driving over holes etc isn't too painful?

i'm thinking of getting b6's and stick with stock springs since i don't want to lower the car, only reduce bodyroll
yes, body roll's gone.. not completely but it makes night and day difference.
Ride quality over imperfect surface or over the hole is sort of trade off but they are NOT too painful.
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      05-30-2016, 10:11 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mudspike View Post
yes, body roll's gone.. not completely but it makes night and day difference.
Ride quality over imperfect surface or over the hole is sort of trade off but they are NOT too painful.
awesome, thanks for the quick reply. looks like the best deal is tirerack and they have stock
last question, was alignment needed?
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      05-30-2016, 10:14 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jebs2k View Post
awesome, thanks for the quick reply. looks like the best deal is tirerack and they have stock
last question, was alignment needed?
Yes I believe so.
I saw them do alignment but the values seemed changed little to nothing.
But you are better off having them do that for a peace of mind...
Good luck..
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      05-31-2016, 08:55 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jebs2k View Post
awesome, thanks for the quick reply. looks like the best deal is tirerack and they have stock
last question, was alignment needed?
My experience was same as Mudspike here....I wrote a review also. Best upgrade I have made since getting the car with it's crap std suspension. I DO have non run flat tires...(Michelin AS3) also....I suspect runflats may be harsher and noisier still with the B6 shock so bear that in mind. I also run 35psi rear and 32psi front.

(2013 328 XDrive Sportline)
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      05-31-2016, 11:56 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pjkbrit View Post
My experience was same as Mudspike here....I wrote a review also. Best upgrade I have made since getting the car with it's crap std suspension. I DO have non run flat tires...(Michelin AS3) also....I suspect runflats may be harsher and noisier still with the B6 shock so bear that in mind. I also run 35psi rear and 32psi front.

(2013 328 XDrive Sportline)
i heard b6's raise the height of the car with stock springs. did you experience this?
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      05-31-2016, 10:31 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mitrong View Post
i heard b6's raise the height of the car with stock springs. did you experience this?
i hope not! i just ordered the b6's
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      06-01-2016, 08:47 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jebs2k View Post
i hope not! i just ordered the b6's
Not that I can see compared to before.....my car is Xdrive...it has a higher ride height anyway...and in New York you NEED it!!!

I have a few friends with 328s....they sit the same as mine even with the B6s
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      06-01-2016, 08:54 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jebs2k View Post
i hope not! i just ordered the b6's
Not that I can see compared to before.....my car is Xdrive...it has a higher ride height anyway...and in New York you NEED it!!!

I have a few friends with 328s....they sit the same as mine even with the B6s
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