[Marlinman]

Yes I've read the Xdrive suspension thread and nearly all other threads for xdrive on f series, but I wanted to poll people here to see who is running either Bilstein B6 or B8's with lowering springs. I've seen people with both but their follow up wasn't the best so I have no idea of knowing if these setups are working especially since B6's aren't designed to run with lowering springs but folks did it anyways and enjoyed the ride. The H and R I think were determined to be a bit too low for this setup and most folks went with ACS or Dinan springs on one of the above.

Any input would be appreciated.

[MacklinUSOB]

Not a xDrive guy, but Bilstein says that the B6 can be used with lowering springs with a maximum 30mm drop. ACS or Dinan (Both 20mm I think) springs seem like a natural pairing for these, the B8 suggests a 30-50mm drop. Either the B6 or B8 are a solid choice, you may maintain a bit more comfort with the longer stroke of the 6, though.

[RedKloud]

I had B8s with Dinan springs. The body roll was reduced but the ride was too bouncy. Removed them after 3 months.

[R330dx]

30mm drop with b6, you will be riding on the bump stops.

[Marlinman]

Originally Posted by RedKloud

I had B8s with Dinan springs. The body roll was reduced but the ride was too bouncy. Removed them after 3 months.

Removed both? Or just the springs? Did you replace with stock and/or how is t riding with whatever you replaced? Thanks!

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by RedKloud

I had B8s with Dinan springs. The body roll was reduced but the ride was too bouncy. Removed them after 3 months.

It seems the damper is too short or underdamped for the spring and spring is participating in rebound more than it should, thus the bouncy ride. Not sure tho.

[RedKloud]

Originally Posted by Marlinman

Removed both? Or just the springs? Did you replace with stock and/or how is t riding with whatever you replaced? Thanks!

Went back to stock. Waiting for the lease to end now.

[Marlinman]

What's the plan once the lease ends?

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by Marlinman

Yes I've read the Xdrive suspension thread and nearly all other threads for xdrive on f series, but I wanted to poll people here to see who is running either Bilstein B6 or B8's with lowering springs. I've seen people with both but their follow up wasn't the best so I have no idea of knowing if these setups are working especially since B6's aren't designed to run with lowering springs but folks did it anyways and enjoyed the ride. The H and R I think were determined to be a bit too low for this setup and most folks went with ACS or Dinan springs on one of the above.

Any input would be appreciated.

What's your budget for suspension upgrade? KW Street Comfort coilovers is another option to explore which provides matched springs and shocks by design.

[Marlinman]

Yes I've looked at those too, budget is around 1300. I didn't really want adjustables either but thanks for the help

[RedKloud]

Originally Posted by Marlinman

What's the plan once the lease ends?

I'm hoping the G20 will offer M Sport suspension with xDrive.

[B58 parts]

I've made the mistake of buying less expensive suspension options on previous cars... unless you get lucky, you'll end up replacing it with better components down the road anyway. The stock suspension is absolute junk and BMW is taxed .. it's going to take some $ to move to a good setup.

I would just wait and save until you can get a coilover setup B14/B16 or the KWs etc. I have yet to read one negative thing about the B14/B16. Mixing and matching lower end stuff ... is going to be a mixed bag at best. Just my .02c

[Marlinman]

I think I'm going with the B14s PSS, thanks all

[cfm56d7b]

B14 PSS will transform the suspension behavior. Great choice.

[MacklinUSOB]

Originally Posted by Marlinman

I think I'm going with the B14s PSS, thanks all

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

B14 PSS will transform the suspension behavior. Great choice.

That's what I decided on as well! I ordered from ECS Tuning earlier this month, but UPS lost the damn package...

[B58 parts]

I guess my post pushed the right buttons.

Good choice OP ... you can't go wrong. The B14 seems to be the best bang for the buck and every post I can find says their great. In my previous race track days every one and their mother ran Konis or Bilstiens. All up and down the paddock you wouldn't see anything else.

I am just stuck on do I _need the B16 to justify spending the extra 1K .. or is the B14 good enough. I don't plan to track this car, but I do want to dial in that little bit of oversteer (though I may need a rear sway bar for that). I need that rotating feeling.

I was going to get a second set of top hats so it'd be an easier swap ... but that looks like an extra ~$400 .. not worth it. Anyone have a source for a second set of top hats ...

[MacklinUSOB]

Originally Posted by YuminNuman

I guess my post pushed the right buttons.

Good choice OP ... you can't go wrong. The B14 seems to be the best bang for the buck and every post I can find says their great. In my previous race track days every one and their mother ran Konis or Bilstiens. All up and down the paddock you wouldn't see anything else.

I am just stuck on do I _need the B16 to justify spending the extra 1K .. or is the B14 good enough. I don't plan to track this car, but I do want to dial in that little bit of oversteer (though I may need a rear sway bar for that). I need that rotating feeling.

I was going to get a second set of top hats so it'd be an easier swap ... but that looks like an extra ~$400 .. not worth it. Anyone have a source for a second set of top hats ...

I had a similar quandary deciding between the two as well, but decided that for my purposes, I should find satisfaction with the B14. I totally understand why someone would spring for the 16 if they had the money and desire, though.

My initial thoughts were similar to yours, being able to tune the damping to subdue the understeer the F30 is so prone to. However, after a discussion with a reputable BMW shop foreman in CT that frequently preps CCA members cars for Lime Rock, I learned that a stiffer RSB would be the best way to go about this, as from the factory, (if equipped) F30's have a much stiffer FSB than rear.

Also, Eeuroparts.com has OE top hats available for $120/each~.

[pjkbrit]

I had B6s .... too stiff, made my top hats rattle at front.
Now I have M sport springs with B4s... Imo this is the perfect setup for a road car. Roll and bounce is all gone. Car is planted! I have JB4 on it now and it’s a hoot to drive.
(2013 335 x drive 6MT)

[Marlinman]

^^^Really? Hmm that is an interesting set up. B4's are similar to stock set up. Did the m sport springs lower you at all ?

[pjkbrit]

Lowered 3/4" all around...M Sport springs came off a low mileage 335 RWD car...they fit just fine and the B4s are perfectly matched to these Springs. The B4s are about 10% stiffer than the OEM garbage factory X-Drive cars come with. I FINALLY have the perfect balance of ride, handling and roll. I DID change the front top hats with the new struts....the OEM ones were shot at 50000 miles only. This matters....the top hats take ALL the bump thump and they are considered a wear item...I got Febi brand off of E Europarts....not expensive and very obviously better made than OEM.
Did all work myself.

The WORST thing with the stock F30 IMO is the base suspension...far too soft, too much bound, too much roll...at high speed the handling gets sloppy. As I said before B6s are overkill....unless you are tracking the car in which case I suspect they would rock...but on the road the B4s are just right...and I am VERY picky.

[Marlinman]

I would also imagine then B14s would be overkill if not tracking....hmm thanks for posting I will be considering this set up.

[Marlinman]

is your car x drive? that may limit me.