I have a 2001 E39 Alpina B10 V8 with 74k miles and have a snapped front left spring (car has been parked outside its whole life and springs are all quite rusted esp. the fronts which were horrific) and it seems a good time to replace the springs and shocks. I only have a vague recollection of what the original ride was like when new - it was sweet - but right now it seems to wallow too much. So I don't feel about about fitting non-Alpina parts as the suspension has stopped being Alpina a long time ago. The ride height could do with being a fraction lower but I don't want it too low to make it look like something other than an Alpina. What kind of height drop can I expect from a Bilstein/Eibach B12 pro kit? And how would that compare with Bilstein B8 shocks with Intrax springs for the 540i in terms of height drop and also ride and handling ont this car? Looking at the specs the B12 kit lowers by 30/20-25 whereas the Intrax claim 35mm for the BMW1203. Prices for both are roughly the same I think, Intrax option might be slightly dearer but no one is listing it for sale in the UK lol which might be a problem. I expect the nose on the B10 V8 compared with the 540i might be a fraction lighter as the block is bored out by 0.2L but then again I have double glazing and no sunroof. From what I can see from the Intrax description it might be harder to fit as the shocks might need shortening although I will be getting an indie to do the work for me. TIA!
On another note, the car has BMW sport anti-sway bars front and rear. The B10 V8S has the M5 rear sway bar. I was thinking of updating the RSB on my car to the M5 one. Would that suit or be enough for the B12 pro kit?
Last edited by PliSsK; 08-08-2021 at 02:24 PM.
Also considering the Bilstein B14 kit, I gather Intrax don't do a coilover for the E39. Anyone thoughts on any of the above kits or springs?
Do the BMW1203 Intrax springs require any modification to fit to the E39 540/B10 V8?
on my RHD 540it Eurosport there are some H&Rs on Bilstein shocks at the front, don't know the model, might be able to sneak a peak under it tonight but it is the OEM Sport-II suspension (or at least thats what I have been told by the BMW VIN decoders)
Current:
2000 RHD Euro Sport Slicktop 540it Glacier Green/Black
2009 LHD e92 335i Sport Black/Black
Former:
1997 5sp locker 4Runner Green/Beige
1991 Buick Park Avenue Gold/Beige
Current:
2000 RHD Euro Sport Slicktop 540it Glacier Green/Black
2009 LHD e92 335i Sport Black/Black
Former:
1997 5sp locker 4Runner Green/Beige
1991 Buick Park Avenue Gold/Beige
I think I will go for the Intrax 540i springs. Anyone else tried them?
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