[BavarianBanterBus]

I never much enjoyed the stock M Sport (LCI) suspension on this car. I appreciate that the 440i M Sport was positioned as a top trim, rather than an 'M Lite' model, but slapping a B58 in this car and not giving it the knees to keep up is criminal.

Overall, I'm glad I pulled the trigger, it suits the profile of the car perfectly; I couldn't imagine this car with a softer setup. I do feel this is about as stiff as I'd like for a daily driver, but it's not an uncomfortable stiffness. It's very much acceptable, and for those who enjoy spirited driving it's ideal IMO.

Thanks johnung and danb1979 for the initial steer with this decision. I did look at the B6 with stock springs first, but Bilstein advised they don't make a B6 direct fit for my car. They then recommended the B4 or B8 (B12).

I also looked at the Koni SA, but the suggested Apex spring pairing didn't have the same reputation as Eibach. Bilstein on the other hand were quite confident in regards to the B8/Eibach combo, concerning fitment, and long term reliability, etc. Guess only time will tell.

Pros:

• It no longer feels like a boat at motorway speeds. This is the biggest gain for me, rather than floating down the M40 it feels like it's glued to the road.
• Reduced body roll; corners feel so effortless, and the car doesn't feel heavy.
• Reduced pitch: the car no longer dives forward when braking.
• Lowered by an ideal amount - wheels fill the arches perfectly.

Cons:

• It is firmer than the stock M Sport setup. I'd say 80% of the time it feels no different, however, on rough roads, you will feel it.
• I have the M Performance splitter fitted, and have made contact with speed bumps a few times.
• Increased positive front camber - only slight, but enough to push it outside BMW recomended figures.

I would recomend to anyone considering the B8/B12 for the 440i GC. The composure of the car has completely changed and inspires more confidence in nearly all situations. Albeit, there is a firm feeling on coarse roads, but for me this is outweighed by what you gain in every other situation.

It may be a different story once I'm carting a baby around, but I don't think it will, this setup feels incredible and hoping I can hold on to this car for the life of it - the 440i GC is already such a great machine.

[BavarianBanterBus]

Before and after (inc M Perf kit on after)

[johnung]

Glad to hear that you found a damper/spring setup that suits you and your car so well. It’s a great feeling to get in and drive it when you’ve got it just right!

FYI- Not sure who recommended Apex with Koni. Koni has been testing, recommending and selling kits with Eibach for years.

[BavarianBanterBus]

Originally Posted by johnung

Glad to hear that you found a damper/spring setup that suits you and your car so well. It’s a great feeling to get in and drive it when you’ve got it just right!

FYI- Not sure who recommended Apex with Koni. Koni has been testing, recommending and selling kits with Eibach for years.

Thanks - got all the rubber replaced too as per your recommendation. No idea if that’s done as standard.

Re the Koni/Apex, via the Koni shop (different in US?)- https://konishop.co.uk/koni-apex-act...BoCt8AQAvD_BwE

[danb1979]

Originally Posted by BavarianBanterBus

I never much enjoyed the stock M Sport (LCI) suspension on this car. I appreciate that the 440i M Sport was positioned as a top trim, rather than an 'M Lite' model, but slapping a B58 in this car and not giving it the knees to keep up is criminal.

Overall, I'm glad I pulled the trigger, it suits the profile of the car perfectly; I couldn't imagine this car with a softer setup. I do feel this is about as stiff as I'd like for a daily driver, but it's not an uncomfortable stiffness. It's very much acceptable, and for those who enjoy spirited driving it's ideal IMO.

Thanks johnung and danb1979 for the initial steer with this decision. I did look at the B6 with stock springs first, but Bilstein advised they don't make a B6 direct fit for my car. They then recommended the B4 or B8 (B12).

I also looked at the Koni SA, but the suggested Apex spring pairing didn't have the same reputation as Eibach. Bilstein on the other hand were quite confident in regards to the B8/Eibach combo, concerning fitment, and long term reliability, etc. Guess only time will tell.

Pros:

• It no longer feels like a boat at motorway speeds. This is the biggest gain for me, rather than floating down the M40 it feels like it's glued to the road.
• Reduced body roll; corners feel so effortless, and the car doesn't feel heavy.
• Reduced pitch: the car no longer dives forward when braking.
• Lowered by an ideal amount - wheels fill the arches perfectly.

Cons:

• It is firmer than the stock M Sport setup. I'd say 80% of the time it feels no different, however, on rough roads, you will feel it.
• I have the M Performance splitter fitted, and have made contact with speed bumps a few times.
• Increased positive front camber - only slight, but enough to push it outside BMW recomended figures.

I would recomend to anyone considering the B8/B12 for the 440i GC. The composure of the car has completely changed and inspires more confidence in nearly all situations. Albeit, there is a firm feeling on coarse roads, but for me this is outweighed by what you gain in every other situation.

It may be a different story once I'm carting a baby around, but I don't think it will, this setup feels incredible and hoping I can hold on to this car for the life of it - the 440i GC is already such a great machine.

Sounds like you've done well there pal and got a solution that fits your needs

I'll be doing very similar come 2nd week of Jan in the New Year; but fitting Eibach pro-kit springs with the Bilstein B4 shocks. I wanted to keep it as close to OEM as I can, but with a touch more firmness. I had been out in an F30 with the B12 kit for me personally it was too firm; but our local roads are horrendous at best and they really highlighted how firm that set up was...

The owner does 75% motorway driving though; so for him it works a treat whereas I do 80% local B road driving and then a few longer road trips up to the Highlands and down to Anglesey etc; so the B4s will work a treat






I've a lot of parts spugged away in the garage ready for my pals to overhaul the car for me

Report back when you can once the cars got some good mileage on the new suspension and let us know how it's going

[johnung]

Originally Posted by BavarianBanterBus

Thanks - got all the rubber replaced too as per your recommendation. No idea if that’s done as standard.

Re the Koni/Apex, via the Koni shop (different in US?)- https://konishop.co.uk/koni-apex-act...BoCt8AQAvD_BwE

I got the recommendation to replace all of the old stock rubber bits a few years ago from the owner of a local BMW specialist shop. It’s his policy especially on higher mileage cars. He said that the rubber loses its resilience long before it looks visibly worn. New OEM rubber bits helps it to ride as comfortable as new.

That KoniShop just looks like a UK reseller with that website name. The Contact choice on their website brings up a VW/Audi shop of some sort.

I’ve always gotten my Koni technical information from their engineer at the Koni US headquarters. But I purposely use the Koni European catalog, not the Koni US catalog. Koni like pretty much all of the European parts manufacturers does not distribute every part that they make in the US for a variety of reasons. So the US catalog isn’t as complete as the European catalog. I’ve purchased some European part numbers from European resellers in the past and just had them shipped to the US.

Enjoy your car!

[johnung]

Originally Posted by danb1979

Sounds like you've done well there pal and got a solution that fits your needs

I'll be doing very similar come 2nd week of Jan in the New Year; but fitting Eibach pro-kit springs with the Bilstein B4 shocks. I wanted to keep it as close to OEM as I can, but with a touch more firmness. I had been out in an F30 with the B12 kit for me personally it was too firm; but our local roads are horrendous at best and they really highlighted how firm that set up was...

The owner does 75% motorway driving though; so for him it works a treat whereas I do 80% local B road driving and then a few longer road trips up to the Highlands and down to Anglesey etc; so the B4s will work a treat

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/66SG8QXM/parts8.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i.postimg.cc/T1ZyFt9z/parts9.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i.postimg.cc/v8nZSZWx/parts5.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i.postimg.cc/SsBNNBpK/parts4.jpg[/img]

I've a lot of parts spugged away in the garage ready for my pals to overhaul the car for me

Report back when you can once the cars got some good mileage on the new suspension and let us know how it's going

Sounds like the B4/Eibach setup will give you exactly what you are looking for. Good luck with it!

[BavarianBanterBus]

Originally Posted by danb1979

Sounds like you've done well there pal and got a solution that fits your needs

I'll be doing very similar come 2nd week of Jan in the New Year; but fitting Eibach pro-kit springs with the Bilstein B4 shocks. I wanted to keep it as close to OEM as I can, but with a touch more firmness. I had been out in an F30 with the B12 kit for me personally it was too firm; but our local roads are horrendous at best and they really highlighted how firm that set up was...

The owner does 75% motorway driving though; so for him it works a treat whereas I do 80% local B road driving and then a few longer road trips up to the Highlands and down to Anglesey etc; so the B4s will work a treat






I've a lot of parts spugged away in the garage ready for my pals to overhaul the car for me

Report back when you can once the cars got some good mileage on the new suspension and let us know how it's going

There are a few roads near me that make the car feel like the struts have been replaced with a block of timber - so you aren't wrong in your assessment haha. I will be seeing a lot of motorway miles in the New Year, so looking forward to gliding up and down the country.

I reckon replacing the springs on the F36 will solve most problems without stiffening up the ride quality too much, in hindsight this would have been a cheaper option, but touching on 3k miles with the B12 I can safely say it's enhanced the fun factor by tenfold - just need to get some track days in now.

Good luck with the installation, I'll be interested to hear what the B4/Pro Spring combo delivers!

[danb1979]

Originally Posted by BavarianBanterBus

There are a few roads near me that make the car feel like the struts have been replaced with a block of timber - so you aren't wrong in your assessment haha. I will be seeing a lot of motorway miles in the New Year, so looking forward to gliding up and down the country.

I reckon replacing the springs on the F36 will solve most problems without stiffening up the ride quality too much, in hindsight this would have been a cheaper option, but touching on 3k miles with the B12 I can safely say it's enhanced the fun factor by tenfold - just need to get some track days in now.

Good luck with the installation, I'll be interested to hear what the B4/Pro Spring combo delivers!

Yup; even went out in a 140i with the B14s fitted and an F30 335D with the B16s fitted and although massive fun when hammering it on back/country/quiet B roads etc; when driving back to my pals motorsports garage; I just felt like I was being bounced all over the road etc...

For me that's a no no for an every day driver

If we had the F31 and I had a 140i (never happen as too small) or a 340i saloon as my weekend car; I'd absolutely fit the B16s

Then again I'm very used to the smooth/controlled ride of previous BMW E39s (Japanese imports (one touring, one saloon) that I've rebuilt with all OEM suspension but fitted Eibach pro-kit springs) or 7 series BMWs; so those rides spoiled me

I'm hoping the refresh will get rid of the slight waywardness that's developed recently; I'm sure it will as everything is being replaced bar the ARB bushes, for now!

Unfortunately I'm not able to drive until end of the month as having an op on Wednesday that'll render me useless for at least 2-3 weeks, but I'll look forward to driving the car and then giving it a proper shakedown when we head up to The Highlands early Feb for a week or 2 (weather depending)

Happy New Year as well

[BavarianBanterBus]

Originally Posted by danb1979

Yup; even went out in a 140i with the B14s fitted and an F30 335D with the B16s fitted and although massive fun when hammering it on back/country/quiet B roads etc; when driving back to my pals motorsports garage; I just felt like I was being bounced all over the road etc...

For me that's a no no for an every day driver

If we had the F31 and I had a 140i (never happen as too small) or a 340i saloon as my weekend car; I'd absolutely fit the B16s

Then again I'm very used to the smooth/controlled ride of previous BMW E39s (Japanese imports (one touring, one saloon) that I've rebuilt with all OEM suspension but fitted Eibach pro-kit springs) or 7 series BMWs; so those rides spoiled me

I'm hoping the refresh will get rid of the slight waywardness that's developed recently; I'm sure it will as everything is being replaced bar the ARB bushes, for now!

Unfortunately I'm not able to drive until end of the month as having an op on Wednesday that'll render me useless for at least 2-3 weeks, but I'll look forward to driving the car and then giving it a proper shakedown when we head up to The Highlands early Feb for a week or 2 (weather depending)

Happy New Year as well

Yeah, I can imagine if you've got a family to drive around or a more functional purpose, the 'bounce' probably isn't ideal haha. I think the ideal setup for the 440i is adaptive suspension - which I'm bearing in mind for next time.

I wasn't fotunate enough to be around during that era of car - but I've been pining for a E39 M5 for a long time (or a E38 750i) . Once I make the move to a proper family car I'll fill the garage with one of those.

What are the other mods you've got to install? I'm keen to get the M Perf diff and upgrade the subframe bushings next.

[danb1979]

Originally Posted by BavarianBanterBus

Yeah, I can imagine if you've got a family to drive around or a more functional purpose, the 'bounce' probably isn't ideal haha. I think the ideal setup for the 440i is adaptive suspension - which I'm bearing in mind for next time.

I wasn't fotunate enough to be around during that era of car - but I've been pining for a E39 M5 for a long time (or a E38 750i) . Once I make the move to a proper family car I'll fill the garage with one of those.

What are the other mods you've got to install? I'm keen to get the M Perf diff and upgrade the subframe bushings next.

No other mods - just a full suspension overhaul (every part), cooling system and HEL braided brake lines

That'll do it for now bar the ZF service later this month etc

After that I'll consider a remap and XHP box tune

[BavarianBanterBus]

Originally Posted by danb1979

No other mods - just a full suspension overhaul (every part), cooling system and HEL braided brake lines

That'll do it for now bar the ZF service later this month etc

After that I'll consider a remap and XHP box tune

I got my ZF8 serviced when it was in for the suspension - worth every penny.

BMW claimed it doesn't need it, despite having a terrible jerking at low revs, that just didn't seem normal to me - but BMW consider it normal... probably avoiding a warranty claim.

Buttery smooth now. That 47k miles fluid was 100% expired.

[danb1979]

Originally Posted by BavarianBanterBus

I got my ZF8 serviced when it was in for the suspension - worth every penny.

BMW claimed it doesn't need it, despite having a terrible jerking at low revs, that just didn't seem normal to me - but BMW consider it normal... probably avoiding a warranty claim.

Buttery smooth now. That 47k miles fluid was 100% expired.

Yup; BMW state sealed for life (100k); ZF recommend 60-80k miles!

Always go with ZF

[BavarianBanterBus]

Originally Posted by danb1979

Yup; BMW state sealed for life (100k); ZF recommend 60-80k miles!

Always go with ZF

At 47k miles, my fluid was black, but I think that's to be expected - as surely some engines will push the transmission harder than others e.g. B58.

Or too much 'launch control'...