Options for struts/shocks?

[SilverSlug]

B6 or B8 struts/shocks to replace our M shocks?

I installed Eibach Pro Kit springs with shaved top hats and E36 bump stops (Dinan Ride Quality and Handling kit) to maintain stock shock travel with the lower springs.

The bump stops and top hats were trashed (I'm at 93k mileage), so I can help but wonder if my shocks are also toast (or close to it).

Wondering what are my options for new shocks?

I understand the Bilstein B4 are equivalent to OEM shocks…

How do the Bilstein B6 compare to stock?

Or should I consider the slightly shorter B8 shocks since I'm on Eibach springs?

Any thoughts?

[shimmy23]

You can't go wrong with either bilstein shock

[SilverSlug]

Reading up more about it, some people say B8 is a bit more harsh (especially for street driving), while B4 is an OEM replacement.

I hear great things about B6, so will likely go for that option.

[romero1990]

I love the b12 prokit with camber-caster plate so far. granted that is a longer lead time

[GeorgeA]

I doubt B4’s are equivalent to OEM M3 shocks - even B8’s didn’t work as well as OEM (I had them taken off after a few weeks, the damping isn’t as good as original and the car has more movement at speed). I’d either stick to OEM or move up to Ohlins coilover system.

[SilverSlug]

Hmm so B6 is also not an improvement over stock?

Did you track your car? From my understanding B8 are more track oriented? Just like B16, which is comparable to Ohlins RT, no?

[MouseMike]

well if you look at the B12 kit, it's B8 and Eibach Pro-Kit springs so that should give you an Idea.

[SilverSlug]

Wow… didn't realize that.

So are the B6 shocks too tall for the Eibach Pro springs? Or still possible to pair B6 with Eibach Pro springs without blowing them out?

I understand that the B8 shocks are significantly harsher than the B6, ya?

[SilverSlug]

And the B12 kit ($850) is actually much cheaper than B6 shocks ($1,850), since the B6 shocks are Damptronic..? Meaning, it can work with EDC?

[SilverSlug]

What concerns me about that B12 is that the Eibach springs that come with it are universal for E90, E92 and E93…

While when purchasing the Eibach Pro Kit directly, each model comes with its own unique Eibach springs for the varied spring rates.

I'm thinking the B8 paired with specific Eibach springs might be the way to go, but then I would need to disable my EDC functionality?

Is there a Damptronic version of the B8 shocks?

[SilverSlug]

Okay… I guess B8 do also come in a Damptronic version for different cars… Did they make them for the E9X M3 as well?

(I haven't been able to find one specifically for the E9X).

[4130]

Originally Posted by SilverSlug

And the B12 kit ($850) is actually much cheaper than B6 shocks ($1,850), since the B6 shocks are Damptronic..? Meaning, it can work with EDC?

I have had B6 EDC paired with Swift Spec R springs for quite a few years. They work and feel great for NYC area driving, as well as hitting the interstate.

[Ajolives]

I've had B8 non-EDC with lowering springs on my car for about two years now. My butt tells me that they're a tad stiffer than sport mode in EDC but have a tad bit more dampening when the road gets harsh, but not by much. Once they've settled in the ride really isn't that bad at all, but you do notice the lack of dampening, the car doesn't hide a single bump on the road. It's muted but still there.

I'd consider them a like an EDC sport+ with lower ride height. Also, I don't miss having the adjustability either if you do decide to go that route if coding it out.

[chutak]

B6 EDC shocks work just fine with Eibach Pro-kit springs. Bilstein suggests using this setup for EDC cars. On their website, they actually sell 2 types of B12 Pro-kits for non-EDC and EDC cars: 1) B8+Eibach and 2) B6 EDC+Eibach. Of course they're never in stock though.

I run the B6 EDC+Eibach and I like it. I shaved the front strut mounts 8mm (similar to Dinan) just make sure there's enough strut travel but probably not necessary. If you go this route though, just know that ride height will be taller than OEM shocks+Eibach.

[SilverSlug]

I currently have Eibach springs and the Dinan Ride Quality and Supplemental Handling package, which comes with shaved top hats and E36 bump stops to retain stock shock travel, so the same set up as yours.

How much taller is the B6 + Eibach setup than OEM shocks with Eibach?

[SilverSlug]

Also, do you know what the ride height is like with the B4 shocks? Or the HD shocks, as in this thread?

https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=946223

[chutak]

B6 EDC + Eibach = 2 finger gap up front. Sorry, I don't have an actual measurement. And B4 shocks would probably be a downgrade to OEM shocks. Go for B6 or B8.

[SilverSlug]

Ah okay, and you're also running the leveling shock adapters in the rear as well, ya?

[chutak]

Yes, OEM spring adapters in the back. Raises the rear maybe 1/4". I'm probably sitting almost at competition pkg ride height.

[kimiraikkonen]

Originally Posted by chutak

B6 EDC + Eibach = 2 finger gap up front. Sorry, I don't have an actual measurement. And B4 shocks would probably be a downgrade to OEM shocks. Go for B6 or B8.

chutak You are a life saver. Big thanks on sharing your experience using the rear spring spacer cup. I'm running the Bilstein B6's and this helped fix the rear being a tad low. Here's my E90 M3 with B6 shocks/Eibach springs + 15mm spacers on both front & rear.

[VtecforV8]

I'm thinking I may go this route for a slight OEM plus build, no rebuild requirement like you'd get w/ the Ohlins, and not to pay for adjustability I won't use.

Just to make sure I've got the package here, thoughts seem to be B6 (EDC for me), plus Pro Kits, plus rear spring cup/adapters, and that's it? Anything else? I'm at 98k miles, so considering whether it makes sense to refresh strut mounts, too and, if so, whether there's anything to look out for there. (And I assume one needs to reset the EDC adaptation once install is complete.) Thanks.