01-29-2018, 08:44 PM | #1 |
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Suspension - Xdrive and Bilstein
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.
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01-29-2018, 09:42 PM | #2 |
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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.
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01-30-2018, 10:47 AM | #5 |
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01-30-2018, 11:08 AM | #6 |
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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.
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01-30-2018, 12:00 PM | #7 | |
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01-30-2018, 02:34 PM | #9 | |
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01-30-2018, 03:33 PM | #12 |
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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 |
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01-31-2018, 08:06 AM | #15 |
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That's what I decided on as well! I ordered from ECS Tuning earlier this month, but UPS lost the damn package...
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328i RWD | MW on CRed Slick Top | 6MT | BM3 | MPE | GPlus FMIC | CSF Radiator | Millway Street Camber Plates & Monoballs | KW V2 6k/18k Swift Springs | F80 LCA/TS | SPL Bump Steer Kit | APEX SM-10 | R-S4 | DS2500 | RBF600 | SS Lines | Past: E36 328is & E38 740i |
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01-31-2018, 08:29 AM | #16 |
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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 ... |
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01-31-2018, 11:29 AM | #17 | |
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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~.
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328i RWD | MW on CRed Slick Top | 6MT | BM3 | MPE | GPlus FMIC | CSF Radiator | Millway Street Camber Plates & Monoballs | KW V2 6k/18k Swift Springs | F80 LCA/TS | SPL Bump Steer Kit | APEX SM-10 | R-S4 | DS2500 | RBF600 | SS Lines | Past: E36 328is & E38 740i |
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02-01-2018, 06:28 AM | #18 |
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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) |
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02-01-2018, 11:05 AM | #20 |
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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. Last edited by pjkbrit; 02-01-2018 at 11:06 AM.. Reason: typo |
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