Replacing EDC with Non EDC Bilstein B6

[sibhusz06]

Im curious has anyone replaced their ZCP EDC with the bilstein B6 non adjustable dampeners? Price wise its about 1500 cheaper and frankly I just don't use my edc much and am wondering where the dampening firmness is of the B6. Also im guessing an error message would pop up, so can this be coded out or do you need bilsteins dummy box to code out the error.

Thanks

[sdbmwcoding]

Originally Posted by sibhusz06

Im curious has anyone replaced their ZCP EDC with the bilstein B6 non adjustable dampeners? Price wise its about 1500 cheaper and frankly I just don't use my edc much and am wondering where the dampening firmness is of the B6. Also im guessing an error message would pop up, so can this be coded out or do you need bilsteins dummy box to code out the error.

Thanks

Can't comment on the bilsteins as I don't have anything to base my comments off of but as for coding you can code out edc without any box or "edc delete" module. You'll need to disconnect the edc module in the trunk (very easy to access) and code it out with protools or ncs expert.

[TDW_Nero]

I had the OEM EDC replaced with the Bilstein B6 paired with stock springs and am satisfied with comfort and handling. Worth the money saved in my book, for the price of EDC you're better off with coilovers (Really depends if you plan to drive the car hard though.)
As for the error message:
I did not bother to get the EDC delete module. The only issue is that everytime you start your car you will get an EDC error message. I just click okay and continue with my day.

If you have lowering springs I'd recommend the B8's to pair with.

[sibhusz06]

Nero, thanks how would you put the firmness of the B6 relative to the 3 factory positions of the EDC selection?

[Ajolives]

Do you miss the adjustability at all?

I'm thinking of going this route as well. Already have my lowering springs and have been waiting for the adjustable Bilsteins to be available. Don't feel like waiting any longer to pay double the price.

[SYT_Shadow]

I've run the Bilstein B12 kit (bilstein b6/8+eibach springs) on 4 cars so far. It's excellent.

I recently installed the B12s on a friend's E90 that had EDC. The EDC you just code out.

Although I enjoy the adjustability of EDC, there is certainly something to be said in favor of a simple, cheaper system that is well designed for no adjustability.
It blends comfort and sportiness very well. Similar to how I almost always run EDC on the Sport setting (one light)

[TDW_Nero]

Originally Posted by sibhusz06

Nero, thanks how would you put the firmness of the B6 relative to the 3 factory positions of the EDC selection?

From memory of how the EDC shocks felt firmness is what the "Normal" setting is. Just a tad on the stiffer side (5-10%)

Originally Posted by Ajolives

Do you miss the adjustability at all?

I'm thinking of going this route as well. Already have my lowering springs and have been waiting for the adjustable Bilsteins to be available. Don't feel like waiting any longer to pay double the price.

Not really, I've recently started tracking the car at ThunderHill and Laguna Seca. If/when the B6's start to go I will be moving onto coilovers next.. with that said..
If you're going to daily/light spirited driving bilstein is the way to go
Lowering springs should be paired with the B8 dampers, OEM with the B6.
Hope that helps!

[GORDON.M3]

I have the Bilstein B8s, they ride excellent. If you have ZCP or Lowering Springs then do it and have the EDC coded out.

The shocks are great for driving the car on the roads and can handle a light-duty track day.

[sibhusz06]

Thanks for the feedback guys, so just to confirm the ZCP springs are 0.4" or 10mm lower than the non zcp, so is it the B6 or B8 for the ZCP. Thanks

[4130]

I have Swift SpecR springs on B6 (with EDC). It's my understanding that the ZCP and Swift drop isn't too different and both are hardly a huge amount. My B6 have been fine for over 2 years. I would imagine if you were going for a lower than ZCP drop then the B8 would totally be the right call. Otherwise, with a small drop either will be just fine.

[GORDON.M3]

Originally Posted by sibhusz06

Thanks for the feedback guys, so just to confirm the ZCP springs are 0.4" or 10mm lower than the non zcp, so is it the B6 or B8 for the ZCP. Thanks

I would go with the B8 because the ZCP springs are close to what the Bilstien B12 kit is, the B12 kit is B8 shocks with Eibach springs.

[GeorgeA]

I had the B8's and really didn't think the damping worked well with this car. The rear was bouncy on high speed highway dips. I upgraded to Ohlins R&T in a month later.

[s0ldats]

Originally Posted by GeorgeA

I had the B8's and really didn't think the damping worked well with this car. The rear was bouncy on high speed highway dips. I upgraded to Ohlins R&T in a month later.

what springs were you using?

[GeorgeA]

Originally Posted by s0ldats

what springs were you using?

Swift, which worked VERY well with the OEM EDC dampers.

[Denny347]

Originally Posted by GeorgeA

Swift, which worked VERY well with the OEM EDC dampers.

I have a set of Swifts just waiting for me to install on my factory EDC dampers...looking forward to it.

[mthreecpe]

I'm in a similar situation WRT replacing OE EDC shocks at some point. I'm on ZCP springs, but non-ZCP OE EDC shocks. Assuming I code out EDC, any thoughts on B4 vs B6 vs B8? This is a street car for me so stiffer/lower is not the goal.

[GORDON.M3]

Originally Posted by mthreecpe

I'm in a similar situation WRT replacing OE EDC shocks at some point. I'm on ZCP springs, but non-ZCP OE EDC shocks. Assuming I code out EDC, any thoughts on B4 vs B6 vs B8? This is a street car for me so stiffer/lower is not the goal.

The B8 is amazing in terms of comfort. Just the right amount for the street. At higher speeds, and track some might find it a bit bouncy and not suited for the car.