Bilstein HD and OE spring

[fx740cs]

I have '97 740i and it has 110k miles.
I am trying to replace all suspension related components to give brand new feeling. All the bushings and Bilstein HD struts and shocks.
I am not sure about the springs. UUC or H & D are sports spring that seem to provide stiff ride. I have to go with my family's choice of smooth and comfy ride. I am not keen about lowering either so my questions to fellow members;
1. Do you think I should replace the springs after 110k miles of torture?
2. Would H&D OE Sport Springs(OE ride but lower 0.6") and Bilstein HD combination be good?
3. While at it go with Sport Springs?

Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

CS

[408BMW740]

1. The springs should still be fine at 110K miles, your shocks, however, should probably need replacing about now.
2. If you are trying to keep a smooth and comfy ride, obviously, go with the H&R Sports (1.3F/0.6R) and Bilstein HDs.
All in all, if you just want that "brand new" feeling, you can always get OEM replacement parts. Otherwise, if yo want better handling, go with the setup mentioned above.

[fx740cs]

Thanks for the reply. Now that helps.
I figure that Bilstein HD with sports spring may give me stiff ride that my wife may object so maybe not a good choice.
I was trying to find Boge shocks, but I can only find struts, but no shock for the rear. I can only find KYB GR-2. Has anyone tested KYB on the OE spring?

[fx740cs]

Could not find the OE shocks from non-dealer.
What about the following combinations?
1. Use the current spring and just change the Bilstein HD. Will this give smooth ride?
2. Use Bilstein HD for front struts and KYB for rear shocks. Change to H&R sports spring for front and rear?

Can anyone give me some advice?
It seems I don't have much options when choosing struts and shocks.

CS

[TitaniumSeeker]

Could not find the OE shocks from non-dealer.
What about the following combinations?
1. Use the current spring and just change the Bilstein HD. Will this give smooth ride?
2. Use Bilstein HD for front struts and KYB for rear shocks. Change to H&R sports spring for front and rear?

Can anyone give me some advice?
It seems I don't have much options when choosing struts and shocks.

CS
FX740CS,
You can find the answer to your questions by using the search function for this forum. Use the keywords "UUC Springs" or "Bilstein HD" or "Lowering" and you will receive tons of info on the subject. To answer a couple of your questions: The Bilstein HD's are direct OEM replacements and will give you that OE ride. Mixing front and rear struts is not recommended if you are looking for a consistant OE ride feel. Check out the threads covering this subject.

[fx740cs]

Thanks for your help!

[fx740cs]

I have finally upgraded my '97 740i with Bilstein HD and H&R Sports Spring Stage I(1.3" Front, 0.6" Rear).
It had 110k miles so I had to replace control arm and camper strut and a couple other bushings.
The ride became definitely firm and I can feel that it has become rather stiff. The cornering has definitely improved. It is no longer bouncy with stock suspension. I feel that I have both sports and luxury. The only upgrade I have to make is the tires. I am still looking for 18" rim with low profile tires. I am not so geared up to change it to 19" or 20" wheels. 18" should be good enough.
When I look for the wheel, would anything fit as long as
18" x 8.0 or 18 x 8.5
5 x 120mm bolt pattern?

I am not planning to go with replica since they usually do not reveal where they are made from.

All in all, it worked out for me with the suspension upgrade. Everyday the ride seems to be getting better as all parts are adjusting. :redspot
Anyone wants to know how to save money on parts, I can give you some recommendations.

Charlie

[TitaniumSeeker]

I have finally upgraded my '97 740i with Bilstein HD and H&R Sports Spring Stage I(1.3" Front, 0.6" Rear).
It had 110k miles so I had to replace control arm and camper strut and a couple other bushings.
The ride became definitely firm and I can feel that it has become rather stiff. The cornering has definitely improved. It is no longer bouncy with stock suspension. I feel that I have both sports and luxury. The only upgrade I have to make is the tires. I am still looking for 18" rim with low profile tires. I am not so geared up to change it to 19" or 20" wheels. 18" should be good enough.
When I look for the wheel, would anything fit as long as
18" x 8.0 or 18 x 8.5
5 x 120mm bolt pattern?

I am not planning to go with replica since they usually do not reveal where they are made from.

All in all, it worked out for me with the suspension upgrade. Everyday the ride seems to be getting better as all parts are adjusting. :redspot
Anyone wants to know how to save money on parts, I can give you some recommendations.

Charlie
The sport wheels for an E38 are 18x8, 13mm offset front and 18x9.5, 25mm offset rear. You can get up to a 9.5 in the front but that would require you to have a very high offset and a lower profile tire to avoid rubbing issues.
When ordering wheels make sure you get the manufacturer to confirm the offset with you so you do not have the headaches I've experienced with one of the wheel manufacturers.
Now having said that: Mounting a low profile tire on an 18 inch rim would alter the rolling diameter of your wheel and thus affect the accuracy of your speedometer. Also IMO, a low profile tire on an 18 inch wheel with your vehicle lowered using the H&R springs will make a most uncomfortable ride. Remember that the E38 is not a light sports car.

Good Luck!

[TheRide]

I have an E39 528 with bilstein HD and they raise the front of the car. you dont want that as it looks horrible.

[fx740cs]

The sport wheels for an E38 are 18x8, 13mm offset front and 18x9.5, 25mm offset rear. You can get up to a 9.5 in the front but that would require you to have a very high offset and a lower profile tire to avoid rubbing issues.
When ordering wheels make sure you get the manufacturer to confirm the offset with you so you do not have the headaches I've experienced with one of the wheel manufacturers.
Now having said that: Mounting a low profile tire on an 18 inch rim would alter the rolling diameter of your wheel and thus affect the accuracy of your speedometer. Also IMO, a low profile tire on an 18 inch wheel with your vehicle lowered using the H&R springs will make a most uncomfortable ride. Remember that the E38 is not a light sports car.

Good Luck!

Thanks TitaniumSeeker!
I understand that it would make the ride more stiff that it may cause uncomfortable ride. However, the current tires, 235 65 16 do not offer the full benefit of the sports spring.
Also H&R sports spring is Stage I and not II so the ride is forgiving. Just like you mentioned, I am a bit worried that it may become too uncomfortable if I go with low profile. But you can't just neglect the look though.
Do you know if 745i (2003 model) wheels would fit E38 models? I am looking other than just M-parallel, but not too expensive though.

Weren't you installing KYB struts and shocks on your E38? Any success story on those?

[TitaniumSeeker]

Thanks TitaniumSeeker!
I understand that it would make the ride more stiff that it may cause uncomfortable ride. However, the current tires, 235 65 16 do not offer the full benefit of the sports spring.
Also H&R sports spring is Stage I and not II so the ride is forgiving. Just like you mentioned, I am a bit worried that it may become too uncomfortable if I go with low profile. But you can't just neglect the look though.
Do you know if 745i (2003 model) wheels would fit E38 models? I am looking other than just M-parallel, but not too expensive though.

Weren't you installing KYB struts and shocks on your E38? Any success story on those?

There are some on the board who have fitted E65 (745) OE wheels on the E38. You will have to get longer lug bolts if you do. BTW, The search feature is a wonderful tool. Use the key words 745i Wheels or E65 Wheels to bring up threads related to your search.

Justin AKA Shadowchaser is the one who installed the KYB setup. My setup is Bilstein HD and UUC Springs.http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/533000-533999/533247_130_full.jpg

[fx740cs]

Oops! I was confused with Shadowchaser. Sorry about that!
I took your note and asked around to see if longer lug bolts are the only needed parts.
Thanks anyway! :stickoutt

[Mungrin]

i am also awaiting the verdict on those KYBs.I want to know how they ride.

[smooth]

i am also awaiting the verdict on those KYBs.I want to know how they ride.

I have OE springs and KYB all around on my E30.
They feel great to me. I got a great deal on some bilsteins so I'm going to throw them in when I put in the H&R sports. But I've only got like 1K miles on my KYB's so I don't know what I'll do with them...oh well.