F series adaptive - Bilstein damptronic PnP dampers

GSband · 05-29-2020, 08:08 AM

Hi,

OEM variable dampers had a huge spread between pos 1 (comfort) and pos 2 (sport). Perhaps for marketing reasons ("I can really feel the difference"). In pos 2 the car would just bounce up and down. Pretty useless if the road isn't completely flat.

On B4 DT the difference between pos 1 and 2 isn't that big.
Pos 1 is more sporty than OEM pos 1, while still comfortable enough.
Pos 2 is less sporty than OEM pos 2, so the car doesn't bounce, I'd call B4 DT in pos 2 sporty-efficient.

Sorry, I can't comment on MSS products. It took me some time already to describe the suspensions I've tried out. I'm not gonna venture into comments on products I don't know.

Cheers,
GSband

Matthewricha · 06-05-2020, 01:34 PM

Very interesting reading the experiences of someone who has gone through OEM, B6 and B4. I have experienced OEM adaptive (which maybe tauter than non Mlite cars? Certainly different PN's) and now have B4 Damptronic dampers. No experience of B6'. After all the reviews of harsh ride with B6, decided to go B4, but I can see how a B6 would yield a very sporty handling. For me I too wanted a compromise for comfort and the B4's for me address the shortfalls of the OEM shocks. It seems reviews of the B6 DT's are rather subjective as on a UK forum some have said they are more compliant and comfortable, but sporty and handle really well. Perhaps they are used to a fast road setup. I sometimes wonder if I should have spent a little extra and gone with the B16 damptronic kit for height adjustablility. I guess one can add MSS springs to get a similar effect with B4 DT, albeit without being matched springs.

I went to visit MSS in March and test drove their M140i. The springs where remarkably compliant considering how low the car was on passive OEM shocks.

M140_BCS · 06-05-2020, 03:21 PM

Recently replaced the OEM adaptive dampers and springs on F36 440i RWD.

Went for the B6 Damptronics with Eibach pro springs and F8X bumpstops.

In comfort setting the B6 are definitely stiffer but more compliant, before it felt like a boat, too soft and bouncy.

In sport setting it's quite harsh on the UK roads but still manageable.

I only use the 440i as a weekend car so it works for me but I could see it being hard work as a daily driver when in sport.

Standard OEM dampers and springs.

M140_BCS · 06-05-2020, 03:22 PM

B6 Damptronics, Eibach Pros (E10-20-031-02-22) and F8X bumpstops.

cfm56d7b · 06-05-2020, 03:41 PM

M140_BCS, thanks for sharing. Great car, by the way!

To what extent do you think Eibach Pro springs contribute to a harsher ride in Sport setting?

M140_BCS · 06-05-2020, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

M140_BCS, thanks for sharing. Great car, by the way!

To what extent do you think Eibach Pro springs contribute to a harsher ride in Sport setting?

Thanks.

Not too sure on the Eibach pro springs making the ride any harsher in sport, possibly a touch.

Current B6 sport setting feels similar to the Bilstein B14 coilover passive setup I had on a previous F20 M135i.

Think I would have gone for the B4 Damptronic if buying new after reading the reviews but I got the B6 used for half price with a few hundred miles covered.

Matthewricha · 06-06-2020, 04:12 AM

Agreed, your 440i looks lovely! The rear end is so much better than the 2 series! Miss my old E92 335i for the shape. Your Eibach springs seem to give just the right amount of lowering and a level stance. I had Eibach Pros on my e92 335i and there was more of a raked stance.

Here is my car with B4 DT and BMW M Performance Springs:

OEM vs B4 DT:

M140_BCS · 06-06-2020, 08:34 AM

Thought it might end up with a raked stance but sits well, big improvement over the standard 4x4 look.

Last on the list of mods is some decent aftermarket 19s. One of the rear 442M has started with white worm under the clear coat from round the centre cap...

Possibly looking at BBS CI-R or CH-R?

I agree with you on the E92 335i, had a few of them over the years.

Great looking cars.

Hali_Mark · 06-06-2020, 02:10 PM

Are the oe bump stops needed when replacing with B4s? I've seen conflicting info on whether they have internal stops as the B6s do. Any harm in keeping the oe even if they do?

Edit: They are needed with B4s, confirmed with Farkle.

thatBimmerBloke · 06-26-2020, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M140_BCS

Recently replaced the OEM adaptive dampers and springs on F36 440i RWD.

Went for the B6 Damptronics with Eibach pro springs and F8X bumpstops.

In comfort setting the B6 are definitely stiffer but more compliant, before it felt like a boat, too soft and bouncy.

In sport setting it's quite harsh on the UK roads but still manageable.

I only use the 440i as a weekend car so it works for me but I could see it being hard work as a daily driver when in sport.

Standard OEM dampers and springs.

Did you have to get an EDC cancellation kit? Also, did you consider trying just the springs first, I've read many posts stating that the Eibach springs work pretty well with adaptive dampers and you also retain the adaptive suspension. Some of them also supplemented it with Dinan shockware.

Lancelot · 06-26-2020, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thatBimmerBloke

Quote:

Originally Posted by M140_BCS

Recently replaced the OEM adaptive dampers and springs on F36 440i RWD.

Went for the B6 Damptronics with Eibach pro springs and F8X bumpstops.

In comfort setting the B6 are definitely stiffer but more compliant, before it felt like a boat, too soft and bouncy.

In sport setting it's quite harsh on the UK roads but still manageable.

I only use the 440i as a weekend car so it works for me but I could see it being hard work as a daily driver when in sport.

Standard OEM dampers and springs.

Did you have to get an EDC cancellation kit? Also, did you consider trying just the springs first, I've read many posts stating that the Eibach springs work pretty well with adaptive dampers and you also retain the adaptive suspension. Some of them also supplemented it with Dinan shockware.

Used to have ST lowering springs and not too happy with stock EDC dampers, perhaps Eibach are better suited but i doubt they differ much.

Now on Koni sport non EDC dampers and damping force is well matched with springs, much better

thatBimmerBloke · 06-26-2020, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lancelot

Used to have ST lowering springs and not too happy with stock EDC dampers, perhaps Eibach are better suited but i doubt they differ much.

Now on Koni sport non EDC dampers and damping force is well matched with springs, much better

Looks like people have had good results with Eibachs and Dinans paired with adaptive dampers, I think Eibachs mostly. I was looking for Koni and Bilstein for my car but Bilsteins were back-ordered and Koni does not make dampers for 4 series xDrive. Ended up with KW V1. I did not have adaptive dampers though.

M140_BCS · 06-26-2020, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thatBimmerBloke

Quote:

Originally Posted by M140_BCS

Recently replaced the OEM adaptive dampers and springs on F36 440i RWD.

Went for the B6 Damptronics with Eibach pro springs and F8X bumpstops.

In comfort setting the B6 are definitely stiffer but more compliant, before it felt like a boat, too soft and bouncy.

In sport setting it's quite harsh on the UK roads but still manageable.

I only use the 440i as a weekend car so it works for me but I could see it being hard work as a daily driver when in sport.

Standard OEM dampers and springs.

Did you have to get an EDC cancellation kit? Also, did you consider trying just the springs first, I've read many posts stating that the Eibach springs work pretty well with adaptive dampers and you also retain the adaptive suspension. Some of them also supplemented it with Dinan shockware.

No cancellation kit needed. Replaced the OEM adaptive dampers and springs with B6 Damptronic (Adaptive) and Eibach pro springs.

Considered the Eibach springs on OEM adaptive dampers but found a set of B6 adaptive dampers used so went for that setup. Impressed so far!

Matthewricha · 09-16-2020, 03:07 PM

GSband how you finding the B4's?

I've done about 1500 miles on mine and i have to say I'm a little disappointed in the compliancy over small sharp bumps, I get quite a bit of rebound thud through my strut mounts. Perhaps this is due to the M Performance springs not matching with the B4 shocks gas pressure. Never had this with OEM adaptive with M P Springs. Things do tent to soften up a little bit after driving for a while, but not much. Perhaps my lighter 2 series plays on this too. There is no doubt the B4's make the car handle better and there's less lean, I guess that's at the compromise of a little comfort.

Matthewricha · 12-30-2020, 10:53 AM

I've come across the following:

Eibach B12 Damptronic Suspension Kit E90-20-030-07-22

Lowering Front (mm): 20
Lowering Rear (mm): 10

https://www.eibachshop.co.uk/eibach-..._p32474683.htm

Anyone know what this is? I assume it is a packaged B6 damptronic shocks with Eibach lowering springs. Seems a silly price though at ~£2800, as would be cheaper to buy parts separately and also more expensive than the B16 Damptronic kit sold by Bilstein.

M140_BCS · 01-01-2021, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthewricha

I've come across the following:

Eibach B12 Damptronic Suspension Kit E90-20-030-07-22

Lowering Front (mm): 20
Lowering Rear (mm): 10

https://www.eibachshop.co.uk/eibach-..._p32474683.htm

Anyone know what this is? I assume it is a packaged B6 damptronic shocks with Eibach lowering springs. Seems a silly price though at ~£2800, as would be cheaper to buy parts separately and also more expensive than the B16 Damptronic kit sold by Bilstein.

If you buy them separately it works out around £1470 for the dampers, eibach pro springs - £150 autodoc.

Shouldn't be much more than £1600 all in.

I got lucky, bought a used set of B6 damptronic dampers for £800 which had only covered a few hundred miles.

Got a set of Eibach pro springs on Autodoc - £135

Matthewricha · 01-01-2021, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M140_BCS

If you buy them separately it works out around £1470 for the dampers, eibach pro springs - £150 autodoc.

Shouldn't be much more than £1600 all in.

I got lucky, bought a used set of B6 damptronic dampers for £800 which had only covered a few hundred miles.

Got a set of Eibach pro springs on Autodoc - £135

totally agree, seems a mad price

Acuavit · 03-04-2021, 07:56 PM

Greets,

Had B6 DT and Eibach Pro Kits just installed on my 2018 340xi at 41k. Took a short ride home through some twisties and lots of frost heaves.

The good:

Comfort mode: really really nice. Steering and chassis are tighter and the car is far more responsive. I do agree with some folks comments that the ride is actually more compliant. My initial reaction is I will likely live in Comfort mode and simple change the Sport chassis setting to Comfort to get the Sport throttle response

Sport mode: I didn't spend too much time in it as I was hitting monster frost heaves (NH). The car firmed up even more and I liked it. I think Sport will be reserved for better pavement. More testing needed

Sport+ Did not try... yet

To anyone who is worried that the B6DTs will be too stiff I don't think so and I'm old (50+)

The not so good:

Car is definitely raked. The rears have dropped and the front has raised pretty dramatically. Maybe the front will settle. Not crazy about the look but the car drives really well. Any thoughts appreciated.

2 odd notifications:
- My right LED front light assembly went dark after install at my indy: Notification: "Lighting system: Front right malfunction" Weird!
- Second notification: "Headlamp vertical aim control malfunction" Maybe because of the rear drop rake? Once the car settles will need to realign

I will drive more tomorrow and report back. Any input appreciated!

FaRKle! · 03-05-2021, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acuavit

2 odd notifications:
- My right LED front light assembly went dark after install at my indy: Notification: "Lighting system: Front right malfunction" Weird!
- Second notification: "Headlamp vertical aim control malfunction" Maybe because of the rear drop rake? Once the car settles will need to realign

I will drive more tomorrow and report back. Any input appreciated!

Check that your headlight levelling sensor are properly attached. It's easy to forget to reconnect them or set them in the right orientation.

Acuavit · 03-05-2021, 06:49 AM

Thanks @farkle! Will check

Took the 340 out on the highway and again comfort mode was really great... tight and compliant.

Sport setting was tighter yet but seemed to lose the ability to absorb road imperfections. Got quite a bit more vertical jostling.

Still only 25ish miles on em so still evaluating. I’m running r18 blizzaks currently.

Matthewricha · 04-06-2021, 04:09 AM

Come across a "new" set of Adaptive Damper from Bilstein, but appear to be for the Gxx cars (I know this thread is for Fxx, but useful info)

BILSTEIN EVO SE coilover kit (DAMPTRONIC)

https://www.bilstein.com/int/en/blog...e-driving-fun/

Looks cool in metallic grey coating with better anticorrosion apparently. Would be Interesting to understand if they differ from the 49-255935 Fxx B16 kit.

49-303391:
https://www.schmiedmann.com/en/bmw-g...duct=49-303391
https://www.autodoc.co.uk/bilstein/15483621
https://shop.bilstein.com/de/evo-se/...nic-_49-303391
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-640612-evo-se/

Also passive version (S and R) (47-300118):
https://www.demon-tweeks.com/bilstei...-bls47-300118/

I've bought some Eibach Pro springs for my car, so will see how they work with the B4 DT's over the MP Springs, when I get a chance to fit them.

435gc · 04-06-2021, 08:25 AM

Those that installed the b4s, did you notice the vehicles's ride height change at all?

Ride higher?
Ride lower?

05-29-2020, 08:08 AM	#397
GSband New Member 27 Rep 11 Posts Drives: BMW F30 335i (05/2013) Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	Hi, OEM variable dampers had a huge spread between pos 1 (comfort) and pos 2 (sport). Perhaps for marketing reasons ("I can really feel the difference"). In pos 2 the car would just bounce up and down. Pretty useless if the road isn't completely flat. On B4 DT the difference between pos 1 and 2 isn't that big. Pos 1 is more sporty than OEM pos 1, while still comfortable enough. Pos 2 is less sporty than OEM pos 2, so the car doesn't bounce, I'd call B4 DT in pos 2 sporty-efficient. Sorry, I can't comment on MSS products. It took me some time already to describe the suspensions I've tried out. I'm not gonna venture into comments on products I don't know. Cheers, GSband
	Appreciate 1 Solid67187.00 Quote

06-05-2020, 01:34 PM	#398
Matthewricha Private First Class 43 Rep 132 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Very interesting reading the experiences of someone who has gone through OEM, B6 and B4. I have experienced OEM adaptive (which maybe tauter than non Mlite cars? Certainly different PN's) and now have B4 Damptronic dampers. No experience of B6'. After all the reviews of harsh ride with B6, decided to go B4, but I can see how a B6 would yield a very sporty handling. For me I too wanted a compromise for comfort and the B4's for me address the shortfalls of the OEM shocks. It seems reviews of the B6 DT's are rather subjective as on a UK forum some have said they are more compliant and comfortable, but sporty and handle really well. Perhaps they are used to a fast road setup. I sometimes wonder if I should have spent a little extra and gone with the B16 damptronic kit for height adjustablility. I guess one can add MSS springs to get a similar effect with B4 DT, albeit without being matched springs. I went to visit MSS in March and test drove their M140i. The springs where remarkably compliant considering how low the car was on passive OEM shocks.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-05-2020, 03:21 PM	#399
M140_BCS Lieutenant 238 Rep 413 Posts Drives: 440i Gran Coupe Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Recently replaced the OEM adaptive dampers and springs on F36 440i RWD. Went for the B6 Damptronics with Eibach pro springs and F8X bumpstops. In comfort setting the B6 are definitely stiffer but more compliant, before it felt like a boat, too soft and bouncy. In sport setting it's quite harsh on the UK roads but still manageable. I only use the 440i as a weekend car so it works for me but I could see it being hard work as a daily driver when in sport. Standard OEM dampers and springs. __________________ 2017 440i F36 - Drexler LSD - B58TU HPFP - MHD Stage 2 - xHP - 200 Cell DP - MPE Last edited by M140_BCS; 11-05-2022 at 11:43 PM..
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06-05-2020, 03:22 PM	#400
M140_BCS Lieutenant 238 Rep 413 Posts Drives: 440i Gran Coupe Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	B6 Damptronics, Eibach Pros (E10-20-031-02-22) and F8X bumpstops. __________________ 2017 440i F36 - Drexler LSD - B58TU HPFP - MHD Stage 2 - xHP - 200 Cell DP - MPE Last edited by M140_BCS; 11-05-2022 at 11:44 PM..
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06-05-2020, 03:41 PM	#401
cfm56d7b Lieutenant General 5876 Rep 10,251 Posts Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (2)	M140_BCS, thanks for sharing. Great car, by the way! To what extent do you think Eibach Pro springs contribute to a harsher ride in Sport setting?
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06-06-2020, 04:12 AM	#403
Matthewricha Private First Class 43 Rep 132 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Agreed, your 440i looks lovely! The rear end is so much better than the 2 series! Miss my old E92 335i for the shape. Your Eibach springs seem to give just the right amount of lowering and a level stance. I had Eibach Pros on my e92 335i and there was more of a raked stance. Here is my car with B4 DT and BMW M Performance Springs: OEM vs B4 DT:
	Appreciate 1 M140_BCS237.50 Quote

06-06-2020, 08:34 AM	#404
M140_BCS Lieutenant 238 Rep 413 Posts Drives: 440i Gran Coupe Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Thought it might end up with a raked stance but sits well, big improvement over the standard 4x4 look. Last on the list of mods is some decent aftermarket 19s. One of the rear 442M has started with white worm under the clear coat from round the centre cap... Possibly looking at BBS CI-R or CH-R? I agree with you on the E92 335i, had a few of them over the years. Great looking cars. __________________ 2017 440i F36 - Drexler LSD - B58TU HPFP - MHD Stage 2 - xHP - 200 Cell DP - MPE
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06-06-2020, 02:10 PM	#405
Hali_Mark Enlisted Member 17 Rep 47 Posts Drives: 2014 F31 M Sport Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Halifax, NS iTrader: (0)	Are the oe bump stops needed when replacing with B4s? I've seen conflicting info on whether they have internal stops as the B6s do. Any harm in keeping the oe even if they do? Edit: They are needed with B4s, confirmed with Farkle. Last edited by Hali_Mark; 06-06-2020 at 08:36 PM..
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09-16-2020, 03:07 PM	#410
Matthewricha Private First Class 43 Rep 132 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Hampshire iTrader: (0)	GSband how you finding the B4's? I've done about 1500 miles on mine and i have to say I'm a little disappointed in the compliancy over small sharp bumps, I get quite a bit of rebound thud through my strut mounts. Perhaps this is due to the M Performance springs not matching with the B4 shocks gas pressure. Never had this with OEM adaptive with M P Springs. Things do tent to soften up a little bit after driving for a while, but not much. Perhaps my lighter 2 series plays on this too. There is no doubt the B4's make the car handle better and there's less lean, I guess that's at the compromise of a little comfort.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-30-2020, 10:53 AM	#411
Matthewricha Private First Class 43 Rep 132 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Hampshire iTrader: (0)	I've come across the following: Eibach B12 Damptronic Suspension Kit E90-20-030-07-22 Lowering Front (mm): 20 Lowering Rear (mm): 10 https://www.eibachshop.co.uk/eibach-..._p32474683.htm Anyone know what this is? I assume it is a packaged B6 damptronic shocks with Eibach lowering springs. Seems a silly price though at ~£2800, as would be cheaper to buy parts separately and also more expensive than the B16 Damptronic kit sold by Bilstein.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-04-2021, 07:56 PM	#414
Acuavit Registered 2 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 340ix Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: NH iTrader: (0)	Greets, Had B6 DT and Eibach Pro Kits just installed on my 2018 340xi at 41k. Took a short ride home through some twisties and lots of frost heaves. The good: Comfort mode: really really nice. Steering and chassis are tighter and the car is far more responsive. I do agree with some folks comments that the ride is actually more compliant. My initial reaction is I will likely live in Comfort mode and simple change the Sport chassis setting to Comfort to get the Sport throttle response Sport mode: I didn't spend too much time in it as I was hitting monster frost heaves (NH). The car firmed up even more and I liked it. I think Sport will be reserved for better pavement. More testing needed Sport+ Did not try... yet To anyone who is worried that the B6DTs will be too stiff I don't think so and I'm old (50+) The not so good: Car is definitely raked. The rears have dropped and the front has raised pretty dramatically. Maybe the front will settle. Not crazy about the look but the car drives really well. Any thoughts appreciated. 2 odd notifications: - My right LED front light assembly went dark after install at my indy: Notification: "Lighting system: Front right malfunction" Weird! - Second notification: "Headlamp vertical aim control malfunction" Maybe because of the rear drop rake? Once the car settles will need to realign I will drive more tomorrow and report back. Any input appreciated!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-05-2021, 06:49 AM	#416
Acuavit Registered 2 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 340ix Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: NH iTrader: (0)	Thanks @farkle! Will check Took the 340 out on the highway and again comfort mode was really great... tight and compliant. Sport setting was tighter yet but seemed to lose the ability to absorb road imperfections. Got quite a bit more vertical jostling. Still only 25ish miles on em so still evaluating. I’m running r18 blizzaks currently.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-06-2021, 04:09 AM	#417
Matthewricha Private First Class 43 Rep 132 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Come across a "new" set of Adaptive Damper from Bilstein, but appear to be for the Gxx cars (I know this thread is for Fxx, but useful info) BILSTEIN EVO SE coilover kit (DAMPTRONIC) https://www.bilstein.com/int/en/blog...e-driving-fun/ Looks cool in metallic grey coating with better anticorrosion apparently. Would be Interesting to understand if they differ from the 49-255935 Fxx B16 kit. 49-303391: https://www.schmiedmann.com/en/bmw-g...duct=49-303391 https://www.autodoc.co.uk/bilstein/15483621 https://shop.bilstein.com/de/evo-se/...nic-_49-303391 https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-640612-evo-se/ Also passive version (S and R) (47-300118): https://www.demon-tweeks.com/bilstei...-bls47-300118/ I've bought some Eibach Pro springs for my car, so will see how they work with the B4 DT's over the MP Springs, when I get a chance to fit them.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-06-2021, 08:25 AM	#418
435gc Lieutenant 174 Rep 462 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Gran Coupe xdrive Join Date: May 2019 Location: Charlotte iTrader: (0)	Those that installed the b4s, did you notice the vehicles's ride height change at all? Ride higher? Ride lower?
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