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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BMW E90/E92/E93 3-series General Forums > Regional Forums > UK > UK Technical Forum > Bilstein B4 v B6 v B8



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      06-30-2023, 04:58 PM   #1
adammcf
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Bilstein B4 v B6 v B8

I upgraded the worn original M Sport shocks on my E91 330D 5 years ago with B4's and they were brilliant. Much better than the originals however they now need replaced again.
Im considering getting some Eibach lowering springs to go with them as the original springs have done 145k miles now and it cant be long before one of them snaps.

After reading through loads of posts on here I was going to get the B8's to match the lowered springs however a lot of people said they were far too harsh.
Does anyone on here have B6's or B8's on UK or Irish roads that can give their opinion?
I'd be quite happy to get the B4's again as they were very good if the B6's and B8's are too harsh.
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      07-01-2023, 05:00 PM   #2
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The B4’s and the eibach springs do not match.
I fitted that to my e91 as everyone says to online….

Till you find the threads that say don’t lol

You’ll be sat on the bump stops and it’ll ruin the ride.


I’ve fitted e30 front spring seats and thicker spring pads and smaller bump stops to give me shock travel again and it’s better now.
Also cut the rear bump stops.

This all kinda negated the drop in the front tbh
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      07-03-2023, 05:34 AM   #3
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Thanks for pointing that out, I hadn't come across any of the threads saying the Eibachs don't work with the B4's.
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      07-03-2023, 07:05 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy198712 View Post
The B4’s and the eibach springs do not match.
I fitted that to my e91 as everyone says to online….

Till you find the threads that say don’t lol

You’ll be sat on the bump stops and it’ll ruin the ride.
That's strange, I fitted B4 bilsteins with eibach pro springs to my E91 and the ride is fine. Feels soft initially then firms up as it should with progressive springs. Definitely not on the bump stops. Are you sure you had B4 shocks? There is definitely plenty of movement of the suspension on mine.
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      07-03-2023, 10:50 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Silver Streek View Post
That's strange, I fitted B4 bilsteins with eibach pro springs to my E91 and the ride is fine. Feels soft initially then firms up as it should with progressive springs. Definitely not on the bump stops. Are you sure you had B4 shocks? There is definitely plenty of movement of the suspension on mine.
I've read through loads of posts on the topic since reading this and I'm wondering if those B4s were the longer length ones for non M Sport cars and they were fully compressed and hitting the stops?
I know when I ordered my first set of B4s five years ago I had the option to get the longer or shorter ones and I got the shorter ones to replace my M Sport shocks.
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      07-03-2023, 11:52 AM   #6
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If you want a lowered setup without the harshness that comes from high pressure monotube shocks like Bilstein B6/B8, consider Koni Yellows. That with some lowering springs would be a great combo.
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      07-04-2023, 04:54 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by whyzee125 View Post
If you want a lowered setup without the harshness that comes from high pressure monotube shocks like Bilstein B6/B8, consider Koni Yellows. That with some lowering springs would be a great combo.
The more I read the more I'm tempted by these. I had Koni's on one of my cars years ago and they were very good.
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      07-04-2023, 04:41 PM   #8
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OK, you need to understand this:

B4 - This is a replecement oe for standrd not Mtech.

B4s - This is the replacement damper for Mtech

B6- This is the replacement damper for standard

B8 - This is the replacement damper for Mtech


- Ive been told by Bilstein that B6 and B8 are valve the same, the only difference is a plastic buffer to shortened the travel artificially on the damper rod.

Therefore unless you are going for greater than 30MM you can getaway with B6, although B8 is the right choice.

hope that helps..

See my other posts recent for a B8 shopping list with the other bits you need to go with it - check the Monroe top mounts for the rear which give a OEm + for little money via Amazon US.
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      07-05-2023, 04:17 AM   #9
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i have had the B4s (the lower Msport version of the B4) on my previous 330i with Msport springs. ride was fine, sporty but comfortable. only occasionally hit the bumpstops when i went too fast over speedbumps/potholes (as expected).

now on KW Street Comfort with my new car, that is even better (but also more costly)
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      07-06-2023, 05:57 AM   #10
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So unfortunately my turbo has started leaking oil and my Integra is almost ready at the bodyshop so I couldn't splash out on a full set of Koni's.
I've gone for a new set of the shorter B4's again as they were super comfortable and the car handled well. Also got a set of Eibach Pros and all the top mounts and bumpstops etc.
The whole lot ordered from Autodoc and saved around 40% on everything which was a huge amount!
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      07-06-2023, 05:58 AM   #11
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I'll put some before and after pics up just in-case anyone else is wondering in future.
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      07-16-2023, 06:33 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy198712 View Post
The B4’s and the eibach springs do not match.
I fitted that to my e91 as everyone says to online….

Till you find the threads that say don’t lol

You’ll be sat on the bump stops and it’ll ruin the ride.


I’ve fitted e30 front spring seats and thicker spring pads and smaller bump stops to give me shock travel again and it’s better now.
Also cut the rear bump stops.

This all kinda negated the drop in the front tbh
Consider XD top mounts to drop the front end ~10mm without affecting travel
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      07-26-2023, 06:53 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy198712 View Post
Till you find the threads that say don’t lol
Any links to these threads?
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      07-27-2023, 01:14 AM   #14
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Garage List
I do travel ones a week 200mi each way.
My E90 335d (sport) ride is fantastic: B8 on smooth highway.
However, the "last 10mi" in SF is by far less desirable experience.

My E91 328i (non-sport) will need a refresh soon - I'll go with B4 this time
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      07-29-2023, 04:33 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1 AKY View Post
Any links to these threads?
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1976713


My experience here and showing how to fix it
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