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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > All-Wheel-Drive (Xi / xDrive) Talk > OEM Springs and shock upgrade question



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      07-26-2014, 09:45 PM   #1
riso1988
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OEM Springs and shock upgrade question

Hey Everyone. I've be doing a bunch of research and still have not come up with a good solution. 330xi with 90+k miles, factory struts/shocks are shot. I live in NYC and the roads are rough. I'm looking for replacement shocks/struts that will be as comfortable (if not more) than stock and maintain the same ride height. I'm on regular tires now. I wanted to keep it simple with the OEM springs.

I was thinking of Bilstein HDs with the OEM springs but I heard with it might actually raise the car a bit which I am not ok with. Anyone have experience with this setup?

Other consideration was the Koni FSDs with stock springs but I heard that may feel too bouncy?

Last, I would be fine with replacing the OEM shocks/springs with OEM. Any major oppositions to that/thoughts on where I could find them for a decent price?

Thanks!
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      07-26-2014, 10:01 PM   #2
riso1988
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Also, I was thinking maybe the Bilstein B4s - touring class. Any thoughts on those?
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      08-18-2014, 03:57 PM   #3
riso1988
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After deciding on the Bilstein B4's to maintain the OEM feel for a lot less $$, I've learned that they are on nationwide back-order from Bilstein. Any input for a plan B? I was thinking FSD's but again, I'm worried about 'bounce' as I'm using OEM springs. Only other thought I had, aside from overpriced OEM, were the Bilstein HD's but am afraid they'll be rough / raise the car. Any thoughts?
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      08-18-2014, 11:52 PM   #4
Julian2485
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I have m3 rear subframe bushing and m3 rear swaybar with bilstein hds and stock springs I have a 2009 335xi and I love how it feels I live in ny also queens village to be exact
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      08-19-2014, 07:46 AM   #5
kisho
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2006 325xi  [9.50]
I've got KW V1 on mine and although I don't live in NYC, I do frequently visit. However, I spend most of my time between Baltimore and DC, where the roads are just as bad.

They're definitely not bouncy when compared to stock but at max height, they are about 1-2in lower than stock. Comfort-wise, I love them, I honestly would never go back to stock. It takes some getting used to since it makes the car feel completely different, in a good way.

Another alternative would be ST Coilovers. I don't have any feed back on these but I've heard they're great.
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      08-19-2014, 04:33 PM   #6
Cir14
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I'm curious to hear the outcome as I'm in the same situation.
90K+ Suspension is shot & I've (07 328xi) had the car for ~4 years & would like to keep it for another 1-2 years.
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      08-19-2014, 09:08 PM   #7
SgtKohRea
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I'm actually getting my suspension worked on as well. I got koni yellows because they're adjustable, and got eibach pro kit springs. The koni yellows were on sale from tire rack for a little over 600 for the set of 4, which was way cheaper than anywhere else I've seen.

Hopefully, I'll get my car back tomorrow and I'll let u know how it feels.

I'm in Boston, so the roads are pretty comparable. XD
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      08-20-2014, 04:43 PM   #8
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Got my car back today and I couldn't be happier with the setup. Feels better over bumps than stock and is stiffer when needed.

While doing research on which shocks I should run, I found out that the FSD's are made for only stock springs, which is why I opted for the yellows. Seeing as how you want to keep the stock springs, this may be a good option. If you go with the yellows, which are basically the same price, they're adjustable, so you'd be able to add on lower springs if you so desired.
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      08-20-2014, 09:54 PM   #9
lakefront
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Replaced the stock shocks/struts at about 70k on my 335 with FSD's. Tremendous improvement in ride and handling. Kept stock springs, if you aren't looking to lower, this is a nice setup.
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      08-20-2014, 09:56 PM   #10
riso1988
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Thank you everyone for your input, it sounds like you can't go wrong with the FSDs
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