Bilstein B6 versus B8?

[MA128]

This is my second 128 Sport and I don't want to go quite as far as I did on the first one to fix the handling. Finally got rid of the run-flats today and now have Michelin A/S 3 on it. I think I will fix the rear subframe with Whiteline 2-piece bushings rather than full M3. Looking for advice for the appropriate shock. I just want a well-controlled ride, not ultimate handling.

Thanks in advance.

[ShocknAwe]

Stock or near stock height go B6, otherwise, go B8. Have fun!

[Olgeezer1]

Yup, Sport springs want the B6's. Did that with mine, combined with square 225/40/18 Sumitomo HTRZ3's and very happy with both handling and ride.

[850tgul]

B6s here paired with Swift Spec R coils, Whiteline 2 piece kit, Dinan plates in front, and Dinan 10mm kit in the rear. I DD mine about 1.5 hours each day and I really think it's a terrific setup. So much sharper than my stock sports suspension and it's also more compliant believe it or not.

But honestly if you just swap out the dampers and subframe bushings that's probably 80% of it as I think those are the biggest issues (along with the run flats) in the stock setup. The Dinan plates are only like $150 and will allow you to run some more negative camber up front which will really help turn in and make the handling more neutral. Since you'll already be paying someone to swap out the dampers or doing it yourself, you may want to think about doing the front plates while you're in there.

[MA128]

B6 it shall be. Thanks.

[Gangplank]

Been looking at similar set up. So w/ the BMW Performance springs would it be B6?

Also do people swap out the bump stops to the Performance/Z8 bump stops?

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Been looking at similar set up. So w/ the BMW Performance springs would it be B6?

Also do people swap out the bump stops to the Performance/Z8 bump stops?

B6 will suit you fine. You can use the e36 bumpstops as well I believe. Not sure its necessary though. Keep in mind the front bumpstops are internal.

[thakid22]

Originally Posted by MA128

This is my second 128 Sport and I don't want to go quite as far as I did on the first one to fix the handling. Finally got rid of the run-flats today and now have Michelin A/S 3 on it. I think I will fix the rear subframe with Whiteline 2-piece bushings rather than full M3. Looking for advice for the appropriate shock. I just want a well-controlled ride, not ultimate handling.

Thanks in advance.

I notice your goal is a well controlled ride. I felt the same way about my E90 330i with Sport package. The handling was fine. But the lack of body control was very disappointing. The rear had a tendency to hop, bounce, pogo and/or float (depending on the road).

Totally unacceptable. I installed FSD Konis and new shoick mounts all around. The rear was still bouncy. Then, I added Bilstein HD shocks, the rear bounce wasd still there.

It wasn't until I installed Dinan rear strut mounts that my rear end stopped bouncing over bad surfaces or dips. I paid $99 good the rear mounts and they are the best thing I did to my suspension. I just wish I had known about them when I hadn't FSDs installed.

Anyway, I say this to say if the only issue you have with the rear is that horrid bounce/pogo, Dinan Rear strut mounts will cure it %100. This, without the expense, labor, or time involved in revamping the subframe bushings.

Others say Monroe 907984 rear mounts do the same thing at 1/4 the price, but I don't have personal experience with those myself.

Before you spend big bucks @ the rear the car DO try the Dinan rear strut mounts. I wish someone had told me this when I bought my E90. The Dinan mounts were so good I almost want to start a new thread about them now. BMW should have used these during production at the factory.


For more info, see my thread below:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1024256