Bilstein B6 Damptrnic installed e90 M3 ZCP springs

[osukf09]

Why not get the shorter b8 shocks and pair with the zcp springs? I haven't seen anyone mention that as an alternative to the b6 height issue. Damping is consistent across both b6 and b8, and b8 is for "mild drop" which zcp springs are.

[akkando]

Originally Posted by osukf09

Why not get the shorter b8 shocks and pair with the zcp springs? I haven't seen anyone mention that as an alternative to the b6 height issue. Damping is consistent across both b6 and b8, and b8 is for "mild drop" which zcp springs are.

b8 doesn't support EDC.

[osukf09]

Yes, I realize that's the rationale for b6 in your case, but I've also seen others in similar situations complain about b6 non-edc

[akkando]

Originally Posted by osukf09

Yes, I realize that's the rationale for b6 in your case, but I've also seen others in similar situations complain about b6 non-edc

Well in that case, they should have definitely bought the b8.

I have some Eibach springs I might try but that's never going to make it look really low, probably just three fingers to two. Swift R would look better I'm sure but I'm worried about ride quality and going lower than Bilstein recommends for the b6.

[derbo]

Originally Posted by akkando

Well in that case, they should have definitely bought the b8.

I have some Eibach springs I might try but that's never going to make it look really low, probably just three fingers to two. Swift R would look better I'm sure but I'm worried about ride quality and going lower than Bilstein recommends for the b6.

theunholy is in SF, he has swift springs + zcp EDC shocks. you can see how that feels?

[Mimmer]

i will be goin with swift too but im on a coupe zcp edc....hopefully it keeps it down on fronts and not effect the handling....if it does, hope so minor that i cant tell lol.. i did the rear replacement b6 and honestly could not tell the height difference probably .1-.2 increase at most.. front waiting to install and add on swifts on f/r

[chutak]

Could you run shaved strut mounts (like Dinan) to gain a little more shaft travel when using Swift springs?

I know the Bilsteins are inverted struts with an internal bump stop, but a shaved strut mount would allow the shaft to be less compressed at resting height, as well as any other height. Thus giving it additional shaft travel.

With the strut mounts shaved about 0.3", this should more than allow comfortable use of lowering springs like Swift and H&R, no?

[wyatth]

^ Perhaps. The shocks would bottom out less, but they'd still be operating in a different range of the stroke than intended (whether or not material, I don't know).
I drove Akkando's car and while the front gap is noticeable in person if you look for it, his overall setup felt quite nice and ZCP+'ish.

[buldogge]

Originally Posted by chutak

Could you run shaved strut mounts (like Dinan) to gain a little more shaft travel when using Swift springs?

I know the Bilsteins are inverted struts with an internal bump stop, but a shaved strut mount would allow the shaft to be less compressed at resting height, as well as any other height. Thus giving it additional shaft travel.

With the strut mounts shaved about 0.3", this should more than allow comfortable use of lowering springs like Swift and H&R, no?

I "shaved" my struț hats, when I installed my B6s and Eibach combo (2011 E90 ZCP)...zero issues.

-Mark in St. Louis

[chutak]

The Eibach springs are supposedly just fine to use with B6 Damptronic shocks; this was verified by a Bilstein tech rep. It looks like they may even start selling it as a complete suspension kit.

https://cart.bilsteinus.com/details?...89795458000806

This leads me to believe shaved strut mounts would make it OK to use with Swift or H&R springs. I think Swift and H&R are both 0.2" lower than Eibach.

[Ajolives]

Originally Posted by chutak

The Eibach springs are supposedly just fine to use with B6 Damptronic shocks; this was verified by a Bilstein tech rep. It looks like they may even start selling it as a complete suspension kit.

https://cart.bilsteinus.com/details?...89795458000806

This leads me to believe shaved strut mounts would make it OK to use with Swift or H&R springs. I think Swift and H&R are both 0.2" lower than Eibach.

H&R is pretty low as far as mild drop goes - this is with B8s

[akkando]

Originally Posted by kimiraikkonen

Hi. How have the shocks settled since? I have a set of B6 EDCs sitting around and debating whether to put these on (w/ stock springs) or to go with Dinan.

Curious to see what your specs are (measuring from the top of the fender well to the bottom of the wheel rim).

Mine on a stock EDC E90 M3 (w/ 100K shocks):

Front Wheels (623 mm BMW spec for 19" wheels)
616 mm (left F)
620 mm (right F)

Rear Wheels (607 mm BMW spec for 19" Wheels)
610 mm (left R)
600 mm (right R)

Measured the other day

Driver side no one in car


Passenger side no one in the car



Driver side someone IN driver seat apparently evens it out. By design?

[chutak]

Makes sense that it evens out with driver in the car. I recently installed some new OEM sport springs on my other car and both front&rear driver side is taller by maybe 5 mm's at most.

Didn't you swap in some Eibach springs?

[akkando]

Originally Posted by chutak

Makes sense that it evens out with driver in the car. I recently installed some new OEM sport springs on my other car and both front&rear driver side is taller by maybe 5 mm's at most.

Didn't you swap in some Eibach springs?

I have the springs, but they are not yet on the car.

[chutak]

Adding to this thread. Installed B6 EDC with Eibach Pro-kit springs. Did it 3 weeks ago so should've settled in. Previous set-up was worn out OEM ZCP shocks (78k miles) and H&R sport springs.

New set-up raised the front 3/4" and rear about 1/4". Two-finger gap in front and less than 1 finger rear (maybe 1/2?). I'm happy with the ride height, glad to not be scraping the front tray on everything.

E90 is on stock ZCP rims, OEM tire size, and no spacers.

[ES BMW]

Originally Posted by chutak

Adding to this thread. Installed B6 EDC with Eibach Pro-kit springs...

chutak Can you share an impression of the difference in ride quality?

[chutak]

Originally Posted by ES BMW

chutak Can you share an impression of the difference in ride quality?

What can I say, the ride is definitely tight and composed on the street, but not harsh. H&R springs felt more race-car but I like how the Eibachs dial it down a tiny bit. They seem better all around. I haven't really pushed the car too much in corners, but handling feels excellent.

Comfort mode isn't exactly comfortable, but is very compliant for an M3. I'm glad I kept EDC because my M3 is both a family car and Daddy's toy. Comfort is fine for most of the time, Normal gets used when getting squirrelly, and well Sport is quite stiff. If I went to the track I would use the Sport setting. In my previous set-up, suspension modes were not too discernible. Probably bc the ZCP shocks were so worn out; seem to take all day to rebound when compressed by hand.

Just to note, I replaced all of the rubber suspension parts at the same time. This includes strut/shock mounts, spring pads, as well as new bumpstops in the Bilsteins. Also, strut mounts are shaved by 8mm and rear shock mounts are from Dinan to help ensure there wasn't any lack of shock travel.

I'm very happy with the suspension. I like how the Bilstein/Eibachs feel OEM+. Works great for a street car.

[ES BMW]

Great to know for future upgrades. Thanks!

[kimiraikkonen]

Originally Posted by akkando

Measured the other day

Driver side no one in car


Passenger side no one in the car



Driver side someone IN driver seat apparently evens it out. By design?

Hi. Just saw this...next time, measure from the top of the wheel arch to the bottom most point of the wheel rim (not top). That way you can compare vs. stock OEM spec (per BMW Shop specs).

Nevertheless, how are you liking your setup. Did you end up getting lowering spring?

[akkando]

Originally Posted by kimiraikkonen

Hi. Just saw this...next time, measure from the top of the wheel arch to the bottom most point of the wheel rim (not top). That way you can compare vs. stock OEM spec (per BMW Shop specs).

Nevertheless, how are you liking your setup. Did you end up getting lowering spring?

It's just "fine". I have lowering springs but they're on the shelf not on the car. Not sure when they'll go on.

For my purpose I'm okay with it, because they should be durable relative to coil overs. I won't have to rebuild them any time soon, but they're not amazing. I think you could make a strong case for just refreshing the stock zcp suspension. You would give up some performance and money but gain availability in parts if you needed replacement.