[Cerberus]

Hi guys,

I am having the factory shocks and struts replaced on my car which has approximately 80k miles.

What's the best shock/struts for the price utilizing the OEM sport spring? ECS Tuning sell a very affordable Bilstein B4 OEM replacement set. Should these be just as good as the factory shocks?

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bilstein...t/22-135049kt/

Also, what other parts should be replaced? The shop I spoke with recommends replacing the upper front strut mounts and upper/lower rear shock mounts for the rear. Is there anything else that should be replaced on the strut assembly?

Thanks!

[ppointer]

I had a set of B4's put on my 323it two years ago. I did need some parts replaced in the rear (upper mounts I believe) plus two new stock springs, but didn't need anything else up front, other than the new struts. Car had just over 200k miles at the time, and the shocks were original. My opinion? -- the B4s are better than stock, at least for these stock springs on a daily driver.

[blackhawkk22]

B4s are great. I did a refresh on my 335i with 80 on the clock. Its a whole new feeling. Ride significantly better but no increase in roughness. It might be a tad stiffer but in a good way. I used to lose traction on bumpy roads and roads with imperfections. Now its drive much better, smoother and sportier.

For me - handling, traction and ride quality for sure improved for sure. Road noise and high speed stability is better as well - could be a placebo effect as its not everyday I hit 130+.

[Cerberus]

Originally Posted by blackhawkk22

B4s are great. I did a refresh on my 335i with 80 on the clock. Its a whole new feeling. Ride significantly better but no increase in roughness. It might be a tad stiffer but in a good way. I used to lose traction on bumpy roads and roads with imperfections. Now its drive much better, smoother and sportier.

For me - handling, traction and ride quality for sure improved for sure. Road noise and high speed stability is better as well - could be a placebo effect as its not everyday I hit 130+.

Thanks for the detailed required parts list!

Originally Posted by ppointer

I had a set of B4's put on my 323it two years ago. I did need some parts replaced in the rear (upper mounts I believe) plus two new stock springs, but didn't need anything else up front, other than the new struts. Car had just over 200k miles at the time, and the shocks were original. My opinion? -- the B4s are better than stock, at least for these stock springs on a daily driver.

Thanks!

[mayno]

i got those installed last year with 110K on my ride, but with H&R sport springs. i wish i went with factory springs cause it dropped my car too much. i scrape every where and have to drive at crazy angles to avoid scraping. looks good though, but just a bit too low for me. smh.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Cerberus

Hi guys,

I am having the factory shocks and struts replaced on my car which has approximately 80k miles.

What's the best shock/struts for the price utilizing the OEM sport spring? ECS Tuning sell a very affordable Bilstein B4 OEM replacement set. Should these be just as good as the factory shocks?

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bilstein...t/22-135049kt/

Also, what other parts should be replaced? The shop I spoke with recommends replacing the upper front strut mounts and upper/lower rear shock mounts for the rear. Is there anything else that should be replaced on the strut assembly?

Thanks!

B4 sport shocks I don't think would be an OEM equivalent. B6 or B8 would be the equivalent for the m-sport package.

[Manual Transmission]

Originally Posted by Cerberus

Also, what other parts should be replaced? The shop I spoke with recommends replacing the upper front strut mounts and upper/lower rear shock mounts for the rear. Is there anything else that should be replaced on the strut assembly?

Thanks!

I would recommend replacing the bump stops as well. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but at 80K miles they are likely worn or going to be soon. If I remember correctly(this might be 1 series info, but should even then they have the same suspension design) at stock ride height the car actually rides on the bump stops. BMW even calls them auxiliary shock absorbers.

[335e92tx]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

B4 sport shocks I don't think would be an OEM equivalent. B6 or B8 would be the equivalent for the m-sport package.

B6 is SPP
B8 is lowered I think

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by 335e92tx

B6 is SPP
B8 is lowered I think

B8 is lowered yes. m-sport is lower than traditional suspension. One needs to check the ride height before ordering.

A b12 kit would be better than the m-sport to be sure

[mxchris727]

B4s with the sport part number is equivalent to the OEM M-sport shocks.

The B6s and B8s have the same exact valving inside; but the internal bump stop is set differently for stock spring height vs lowering springs.

[blackhawkk22]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

B4 sport shocks I don't think would be an OEM equivalent. B6 or B8 would be the equivalent for the m-sport package.

That's wrong info. Did a lot of research before I went this route. Including calls with FCP, ECS and race shop near me (Fall Line Motorsports if you're wondering)

B4/B4 Sport for OEM replacement. B4 for non sport suspension, B4 Sport for M sport suspension.

B6/B8 and so on are all upgrades.

B6 is a bit stiffer and sportier than B4
B8 is b6 with shorter shaft to be mated with lowering springs (mostly aesthetics)
b12 is stiffer and lower than B8 to be mated with performance lowering springs.

So on and so forth

Having replaced with B4, I can tell you that this is an ever so slight upgrade from OEM but OEM replacement nonetheless. Id highly recommend changing out all the shock mounting components. Makes a huge difference.

[tdavis42]

Originally Posted by Cerberus

Hi guys,

I am having the factory shocks and struts replaced on my car which has approximately 80k miles.

What's the best shock/struts for the price utilizing the OEM sport spring? ECS Tuning sell a very affordable Bilstein B4 OEM replacement set. Should these be just as good as the factory shocks?

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bilstein...t/22-135049kt/

Also, what other parts should be replaced? The shop I spoke with recommends replacing the upper front strut mounts and upper/lower rear shock mounts for the rear. Is there anything else that should be replaced on the strut assembly?

Thanks!

Google: Bilstein application guide. It is a .PDF file and has the correct info in there.
B8 is the correct replacement for MSport suspension.

[lordbmw]

Can I put B8s on an xDrive car?

xDrive E9x cars ride pretty high from the factory.

[Ginobass]

Originally Posted by tdavis42

Google: Bilstein application guide. It is a .PDF file and has the correct info in there.
B8 is the correct replacement for MSport suspension.

Yep

[Joebie]

Originally Posted by tdavis42

Google: Bilstein application guide. It is a .PDF file and has the correct info in there.
B8 is the correct replacement for MSport suspension.

B6 and B8 are performance upgrades, not an equivalent damper to what came on the car from the factory.

The B4 is intended to be the equivalent replacement for OE dampers.

However, if you wanted a performance upgrade for m-sport vehicles, you are correct in saying that you would use the B8.

[tdavis42]

Originally Posted by Joester

B6 and B8 are performance upgrades, not an equivalent damper to what came on the car from the factory.

The B4 is intended to be the equivalent replacement for OE dampers.

However, if you wanted a performance upgrade for m-sport vehicles, you are correct in saying that you would use the B8.

Not according to Bilsteins oficial product application guide.

Where do you get your info from?

[Joebie]

Originally Posted by tdavis42

Not according to Bilsteins oficial product application guide.

Where do you get your info from?

I get my information from Bilstein's website and official product application guide.

It's hard to argue which one is supposed to be the OE replacement with the statements "Bilstein B4 OE Replacement restores original ride characteristics". and "Bilstein B6; better than the original"

[tdavis42]

Originally Posted by Joester

I get my information from Bilstein's website and official product application guide.

It's hard to argue which one is supposed to be the OE replacement with the statements "Bilstein B4 OE Replacement restores original ride characteristics". and "Bilstein B6; better than the original"

Those are great general informers but look at the actual application guide under BMW and you get specific answers.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by tdavis42

Google: Bilstein application guide. It is a .PDF file and has the correct info in there.
B8 is the correct replacement for MSport suspension.

So, Blackhawk owes me an apology...

[Cerberus]

thanks for all the feedback guys. Honestly, I am more confused now if the b4 is the OEM equivalent. Page 105 of the application guide lists the b4 for sport suspension on a 2010 335i sedan.

[Joebie]

Originally Posted by Cerberus

thanks for all the feedback guys. Honestly, I am more confused now if the b4 is the OEM equivalent. Page 105 of the application guide lists the b4 for sport suspension on a 2010 335i sedan.

Man, if only it could somehow be made more clear like if they put "OE replacement" in the B4 name or something.

[PhaseP]

Originally Posted by Cerberus

thanks for all the feedback guys. Honestly, I am more confused now if the b4 is the OEM equivalent. Page 105 of the application guide lists the b4 for sport suspension on a 2010 335i sedan.

factory Msport option maybe different than just sport option. You may get better answer at suspension sub forum.