[wallsmk2]

This kit seems to be a popular consideration when updating shocks and springs but there seems to be a difference in opinion as to how they feel and how much they drop the car - I have had a few messages asking about how they feel. To set the scene, I have a 325i e91 se with 17" alloys with vredestein ultrac vorti extra load tyres. The dampers or guide supports were worn as I've been getting a harshness and vague feeling for a few thousand miles now, which replacing other suspension components only ameliorated slightly.

The choice I had was a common one - Koni FSDs with perhaps Eibach pro springs or a Bilstein package - between £600-800. I'd had enough of the harshness from the standard shocks so I was leaning towards the Koni FSD, but a niggle in my head said they weren't perhaps right for the kind of roads I drive - Dartmoor, undulating bumps, excessive camber etc. The last thing I needed was to be boinging down the road being sea sick. And I carry some heavy loads so wanted something which didn't go all French on me.

With a 50/50 opinion of the B8s in the B12 kit, I bought the Bilsteins and all other rubber bits for a full spring & shock overhaul. Dropped it into an indy including an alignment.

When I picked up the car I thought they hadn't fitted the fronts. There seem to be very little change in ride height. I don't care one bit for ride height but was expecting a change there. On pulling out of the garage the steering felt the same (still heavy being made out of old school elastic bands, liquid stuff and a tree branch), at low speeds nothing seem to be different. Then I pulled out on to a seemingly smooth bit of A road and wow! ouch! I can feel my moobs having a work out...no need for a late night QVC purchase now! It was very bumpy. I could imagine all those FSD adopters resting a cappuccino on the dashboard, nibbling on a biscotti looking very pleased with themselves.

Too late, the deed was done. I had heard others saying they take time to settle, get into their groove, but I wasn't convinced. I had a trip from Devon to the Peak district the same evening so I thought I'd give it this trip to show me something, or else I'd put in an order with the Dutch.

The motorway was bumpy, more from the rear. Plastics I never knew existed decided to join in the party. It was like Toy Story when Andy goes to summer camp. Not fun. But not tiring as the car was holding its line even when windy and changing lanes didn't require an in flight turbulence announcement. So, I was warming up to them.

Once off the motorway I decided to go all top gun and see what they could do. Well, the wheels gripped so hard that the dampers got together to haben einen chat and decided I need a bigger engine. And the ride seemed to be improving. Pot holes were felt but the car didn't crash onto the floor and have a dribbly tantrum, small bumps that resembled mole hills (rounded lumps) were comfortable. It dipped and dived with the road but stayed in a straight line. On the old struts I would've made a good impression of a carrot in a field by now. Yes it had more vibration, yes it threw the toys out of the pram and kicked the pram over, over roads which horses would need walking boots to navigate...but now I could control where I wanted to go and it wasn't like I was driving a 1980s Pontiac, in black.

Arrived at the hotel and out of the corner of my eye the front had dropped by an inch (I dunno). I thought I'd snapped a spring so must need some miles to settle. The next day I went on a personal homage to find the perfect Bakewell tart. I was in Bakewell. I happened across a sewing shop where I thought I'd pop in and see if they had some felt with the view to stuffing it wherever I could squeeze a credit card in.

The trip home was a whole different car. I can still feel vibrations and the road noise has increased, in part I think, due to the tyres as they felt pretty wooden on the old suspension due to the stiffer sidewalls. No more rattles though, which means that some of the bumps which were registering as an 'oh my feckin lord, what have I done to this poor car, I'm going to need a new bum bone' are now oily, firm, thuds.

Mpg is up, averaging just over 30mpg at between 80-90mph with some screaming, GPZness at times - a couple of mpgs up from normal runs. Acceleration is positive. I get a bit of a pull which I know is due to things settling in so will get aligned again. In summary, if you buy these, wait to make a judgement, put miles on them, perhaps lower the rear tyre pressures a bit...go to Bakewell and buy some felt.

[danb21t]

Well written I would say.

I also fitted the B12 kit about 3/4 weeks ago

I have traveled some miles now and can confirm pretty much the same as above.

The ride is firm but smooth from the off but seems to have loosened up over time.

The rear is much stiffer and a little bouncier than the front, I have put this down to the spring rates being slightly too high.

My OE suspension components were completely shot, to the point where the rear shocks did not extend once compressed. Along with my o/s/f shock which had been leaking for a few months resulted in virtually no difference in ride height. This isn't a worry for me as that wasn't the aim of the fitment.

I have to agree with the rattles, my plastics do seem to have piped up since fitting.. which in a way is disappointing as it reflects a poorness in build quality.

I am due to revisit the Hunter to check on spec after the "run in" period, this wont be until I replace the rear wheels bearings soon.

I dont love the kit yet, but on the same token I dont hate the kit either...


Maybe this should be a sticky thread..??