I run Bilstein B6's on my supercharged S52 M Roadster on the stock springs. For comparison I have another S52 M Roadster with a completely stock suspension. The B6's are "harsher" than stock (marginally) in that I feel every blemish in the road surface more directly than stock. God forbid I should actually hit a pothole--I don't (or haven't in any event), but I do find myself driving around the sealing lines in the road surface and crawling over RR tracks in the SC S52. The SC S52 is more sure footed in the twisty turnies and more stable at speed (say, over 90), but that may also be attributed to the 100 or so additional HP. SC S52 has poly LCA, subframe, and stabilizer bar bushings; the other has stock bushings all around. Both cars have RE rear shock mounts. Both cars have Hankooks in the stock sizes mounted on Roadstars--the SC S52 has RS3's and the stock S52 has Ventus V-12's. I run both cars at the same tire pressure--36 all around. Both cars are only driven on over 60 sunny days. For more reasons that I can relate I prefer the SC S52. In the end, the Bilstiens are harsher but provide better handling.
When I bought my car it had the stock suspension which I thought felt like I was driving a boat. With 47,xxx miles they were probably wore out. I replaced them with tc Kline's DA thinking it would be harsh but handle well. I was surprised at how well the ride was.
Why do so many call the Bilstein B6 the Sport shocks? B8s are Sport; B6 are HD.
These are Sport (B8):
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...s/z3mcupkitkt/
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bilstein...35-044048~bil/
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bilstein...35-044055~bil/
These are HD (B6):
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bilstein...35-043935~bil/
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bilstein...35-043942~bil/
Nathan in Denver
1999 M Roadster, VFE V3 S/C, Randy Forbes Reinforced, Hardtop, H&R/Bilstein, Apex PS-7, Supersprint
1999 Z3 2.8 Coupe, Headers, 3.46, Manual Swap, H&R/Koni, M Geometry/Brakes, M54B30 Manifold, Style 42
I have no direct experience other than the stock set up on my Z3 2.8 and after adding M style FCABs The more solid M rubber bushings made a huge difference in controlling sway and tramlining. I'm thinking that if ride comfort is a high priority, a stock or close to stock set up would be best. Though I have never tried them, the Bilstein B4s claim to be near OEM ride quality. So if I were wanting a more gentlemanly ride, I would opt for stock M FCABs and RTABs, Poly subframe bushings, stock springs with Bilstein B4 shocks and struts. If my reading of the advertising claims is right, that should give you a close to stock feel with just a little bit of improvement in handling.
I don't know if it is possible to get the type of ride that your wife is looking for on a Z3. They are roadsters after all and are meant to have a firmer ride than a typical sedan. One thing that might satisfy both of you is to get a gel seat cushion for her. My wife used one on our motorcycle tours and it cut the complaining way down.
Anyway, just some thoughts from a guy with limited experience.
Last edited by Hoyt Clagwell; 02-23-2021 at 01:24 PM.
BC coilovers. Cost $1000, have knobs for adjustment between "my wife complains," and "my wife is placated."
I haven't anything to compare them to, though. Something more spendy may give you better results, idk. What I liked about them was the adjustment. You can make the suspension hard enough to leave you aching like a prison bitch, or soft enough to bottom out at 5mph. I turn them up a few clicks on track day, then dial them back for daily driving. you can also "tune" them to manage over/understeer which is nice.
You can also adjust ride height. I raised mine ~1" over stock so that it can gracefully handle city streets.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bc-racin...0-br-10k-8k~b/
Last edited by Master Crash; 02-23-2021 at 01:45 PM.
If you want to improve comfort, why not just get a set of Monroe struts and Shocks, and source a set of Sport 2.8 / 3.0 springs? I'm sure the ride will be quite compliant if that's what you're looking for. I would assume things like M springs (or Koni, etc.) would only tighten the handling and ride so I'm confused (or am I misunderstanding?)
1987 L6
1997 840ci
2000 740i Sport
2000 M Roadster
2001 M5
2002 540i Sport
2002 X5 4.6is
2003 530i Sport
2003 M3
2003 Z3 3.0
2005 X5 3.0 Sport
I'm dumb - M Roadster... Duh.
1987 L6
1997 840ci
2000 740i Sport
2000 M Roadster
2001 M5
2002 540i Sport
2002 X5 4.6is
2003 530i Sport
2003 M3
2003 Z3 3.0
2005 X5 3.0 Sport
I bilstein B4 struts/shocks (black bilsteins) on the 2002 roadster - non M. Other mods to the suspension are polyurethane subframe bushings and sway bar mounting bushings. Ride is great with factory 16 inch wheels and touring tires, firm and controlled, but not harsh.
My 2001 M roadster has B8 struts and shocks (yellow bilsteins) The rest of the suspension in stock. The ride in the 2001 more sporty, but not harsh. Other mods to come include polyurethane subframe bushings and sway bar mounting bushings. I drove this car from Minnesota to Arizona and survived!
Regards,
Brian
Cave Creek, AZ
I would love to know where he would source 2.8 or 3.0 sport springs actually. Been looking for a year as I want 15 15mm lowering. I have been told the only way is to get 30mm lowering springs and use 15mm of spring pads.
Last edited by Sajk; 04-03-2021 at 10:44 AM.
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