E93 M3 strut replacement options

Hello!

I recently purchased a 2011 E93 M3. It is in great shape but has 140k miles. I had it looked at by the dealership and there is a leak in the front left strut. They quoted me $7800 to replace the front struts, which seems high.

I’m have been searching a lot, looking at options. I want to keep the EDS. The car is a weekend driver to enjoy, though any improved performance is always welcome. I doubt it will see track time.

Is the Bilstein B16 damptronic a good option? I’m not really looking to lower the car, but the Bilsteins look like you can adjust to only 10mm, which is acceptable. Would bilstein b6 struts with stock springs be a good option to keep the ride height? Is there anything else I should be considering?

Thank you in advance for any advice!

You do not have many options when it comes to replacement struts if you want to keep EDC.

B16 damptronic is one that comes to mind, should it be readily available. I ordered a set in early 2023, the vendor cancelled my order after six months since there was no availability.
Turns out that these had been backordered for years, there are a couple of threads on Bimmerpost.

Ended up buying an evolve/b6 damptronic set. If you can readily source one of those, get it.

gnx wrote

You do not have many options when it comes to replacement struts if you want to keep EDC.

B16 damptronic is one that comes to mind, should it be readily available. I ordered a set in early 2023, the vendor cancelled my order after six months since there was no availability.
Turns out that these had been backordered for years, there are a couple of threads on Bimmerpost.

Ended up buying an evolve/b16 damptronic set. If you can readily source one of those, get it.

There’s a decent selection of EDC direct plug-n-play options:
Stock
TracTive Touring
TracTive Track
TracTive Race
Nitron eRoadsport
Nitron eR1
Nitron eR3
KW DDC
Bilstein B16D
Bilstein B6D (springs needed; only MSS HAS fits)
Evolve/Bilstein B6D (springs needed; only MSS HAS fits)

Think I’ve read the various Bilstein threads and the Tractive Touring… has anyone given any feedback on the Nitron EDC options?

I can’t find good information or pricing on the Tractive in the US. The nitron looks interesting, but is a good kit more expensive than the bilstein b16d. The bilstein b16d looks like the most cost effective option, even compared to new stock struts and springs (with better performance).

Is there a good reason to avoid the bilstein b16d? I really don’t want to go much lower than stock, but like that the bilsteins are adjustable.

One more thing, any comment on the $7800 price tag to replace TWO front struts? I have a fair amount of experience working on cars — but admittedly little BMW experience. That seems pretty high

That quote is crazy. You should be able to get both front struts for less than $2k depending where you shop.

For example:
https://www.bmwpartsnow.com/oem-parts/bmw-2008-2013-bmw-strut-31312283978?c=Zz1zdXNwZW5zaW9uJnM9c3VzcGVuc2lvbi1jb21wb25lbnRzJmw9MzQmbj1Bc3NlbWJsaWVzIFBhZ2UmYT1ibXcmbz1tMyZ5PTIwMTImdD1iYXNlJmU9NC0wbC12OC1nYXM%3D

There is nothing special about the M3 suspension as spring/strut replacement goes, on the easier side honestly.

This link will help, and removing the strut at this stage isnt tough.
https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=183011

GOFAST M3 wrote

That quote is crazy. You should be able to get both front struts for less than $2k depending where you shop.

Are stock replacements considered to be a good option, or are all the aftermarket ones better?

This link will help, and removing the strut at this stage isnt tough.
https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=183011

This link is just what I needed to get past a roadblock on the rear shock reinstall. Thank you!

tjames975 wrote

Are stock replacements considered to be a good option, or are all the aftermarket ones better?

It just depends on your goals and budget.

For comfort, stock EDC is great if not the best. Many threads discussing the options if youre looking for something specific with your car.

Going with stock parts is also the only route I know where you can get just the struts you need(if not buying all 4 corners).

EDC shocks by BMW are like $1200 a shock. The OEM manufacturer sells them for $600. Same shock minus a BMW logo on it. You have to code them in. The estimate you were provided is wildly high, unless they are doing all 4 corners and even that is insane! Are they replacing the whole assembly at each corner? That 7k estimate might be ok with springs, shocks, boots and hardware with alignment.

Scrippy wrote

EDC shocks by BMW are like $1200 a shock. The OEM manufacturer sells them for $600. Same shock minus a BMW logo on it. You have to code them in.

Where is this? Are you talking about Bilstein B6? I thought there were ride height issues with those.

tjames975 wrote

Where is this? Are you talking about Bilstein B6? I thought there were ride height issues with those.

Bimmerworld. Use the correct part number though! EDC comp package Vs EDC non comp….etc.

Scrippy wrote

Bimmerworld. Use the correct part number though! EDC comp package Vs EDC non comp….etc.

Yeah I just see Bilstein B6. Not the best option, in my opinion.

I replaced my EDC front struts about a year ago, with the OEM ones, they are made by Sachs, best if you get them with the BMW logos removed like I did from a supplier not from BMW

zstone wrote

I can’t find good information or pricing on the Tractive in the US. The nitron looks interesting, but is a good kit more expensive than the bilstein b16d. The bilstein b16d looks like the most cost effective option, even compared to new stock struts and springs (with better performance).

Is there a good reason to avoid the bilstein b16d? I really don’t want to go much lower than stock, but like that the bilsteins are adjustable.

One more thing, any comment on the $7800 price tag to replace TWO front struts? I have a fair amount of experience working on cars — but admittedly little BMW experience. That seems pretty high

Contact Chris at Inertia Lab. They are the official US importer of TracTive dampers.

He also works with the Nitron elec-Tron damper options so he can give you his recommendation between the different Nitron and TracTive options for your specific use case.

If you can afford to replace them with original Genuine BMW parts, do that. Just take it to an independent shop so they don't kill you on labor charges.

If I went with stick struts, would you recommend replacing the springs since it has 140k miles?

zstone wrote

If I went with stick struts, would you recommend replacing the springs since it has 140k miles?

Yes, and mounts etc as well. Mounts are frustratingly expensive.