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Z4M Suspension Refresh | Bilstein B12 Pro Kit Review
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- čas přidán 14. 08. 2024
- My Z4M was beginning to feel as though it needed a suspension refresh. It simply wasn't as tight handling wise as I want from a sports car and so I decided to refresh the old OEM suspension with this Bilstein B12 Pro Kit. Having put some miles on the car since installing the kit, I figured I'd make a video with my thoughts on how it changed the car's dynamics.
What an awesome review! Great points made about price range and performance. Honestly one of the best modification review videos I’ve seen! Super informative and completely unbiased. Gained a sub dude.
Thank you, Brad! Glad it was helpful.
Finally someone with a good review for a daily
Hi, I've done around 100 miles since I installed the kit. It's exactly what I wanted. More comfort, great for a daily driver. Better handling overall at high speeds, better cornering. The car feels more agile, more responsive. Best possible upgrade. Highly recommended
Hi John, is it firmer than stock? Looking to upgrade my 2018 f30 328d. I want stiffer suspension around corners, and bumps.
I own a Z4M Coupe, and was looking at the Bilstein PSS110 kit. Pretty sure you convinced me to go with this instead, as I am definitely a 'hard street use/light track use' kind of guy. Keeping the drop relatively light (near OEM) sounds like this kit will deliver exactly what I am looking for. Thanks!
I put a set of b12 today. they took forever to get here. they are everything you said they were. love them. thank you for all you do
Thanks Eddie, glad it’s working out for you. Gets even better after you put some miles on it!
Came across this video while looking for reviews on Bilstein B12s for my e92 335i and then realized I recognized all the roads you were on. Hard to mistake some of those turns out near the hopyard! Great production quality on the videos, I’ll be sure to subscribe.
One of the best non biased reviews I have ever seen on youtube, normally they are full of biased opinions by a vlogger who wants to be famous and prompted links to a sales company etc... being that I work in the suspension industry, I often have to grumble at some of the junk that people post that is so far from the truth it is unreal, great effort mate ;-)
Very enlightening. Thank you Buzzy. The car is still on my dream car list (with OEM ride height and quality, of course).
Glad you enjoyed. Something to be said for keeping one very close to OEM. I’m thoroughly down the rabbit hole of modification on mine, for better or worse ha!
Thank you for the review. I just bought mine and I was a bit afraid of a harsh ride. I haven't installed mine yet but I will get back with my impressions when it's done
how is it?
so? :)
what an awesome review. Great footage, and the ZM M looks spot on
Thank you!
Good review dude! I bought 128i a year ago and was disappointed by its handling considering people were raving how awesome this car is to drive around corners. I had e92 sport package and loved the way that car handled. I’ve recently realized that I have have blown front right shock. I’m thinking about going with KoNi Yellows and Eibach springs. Regardless, it should improve the handling of my car significantly
I have a similar story, but even worse! When I was younger I had an old and very inexpensive Volvo XC70 that handled like a box truck, absolutely INSANE amounts of body roll. Always just assumed that's how they drove. Turned out the sway bar end links had completely rotted away! Replaced them and I was amazed by how much better it drove lol.
I was searching for a new suspension kit for my BMW E30. I didn`t want to go on a KW V1 or 3. The E30 is classy and I dont`t want it too deep. I ordered this Bilstein B12 and now i am waiting for it these days. Thank you for your great review, i hope the shorter B8`s with the Eibach Springs give the car a great performance and a good looking line front to rear.
I did the B8s and Eibach lowering springs on an E46 325Xi and it was awesome. Totally transformed how that car drove.
Thank you, good times 🤗☺
What a pleasure to watch your video's. Amazing editing, quality picture and great sound! 👍
Much appreciated, thanks!
First video I’ve seen on your channel, and I have to say the quality is immaculate. Feels like I’m watching a Gears and Gasoline video. Thanks for the honesty, I’m looking at these coils for my Mk6 GLI
Hey thank you man! Really appreciate that. I see you said “coils”, bear in mind the kit in the video is just a direct replacement spring and damper set, not a coil over setup. The Bilstein coil kit is the “B14” I believe.
Thank you for this honest, realistic, no BS review of the Bilstein B12 kit. You have helped me make up my mind and I will be purchasing this kit for my 09 BMW E60 528I. Too bad its on back order though at FCPEuro. : ( I will also be replacing the shockmounts as recommended by the manufacturer.
Quick question. How do you like the ride of the B12 kit?
Thank you for this. Needed that!
Beautifully produced video! Nice work.
Very interesting video. I'm at 118k on my Z4M and looking at ST's or KW V2's but don't want to get too far away from the OEM ride quality. Thanks for adding another option!
Glad you enjoyed, thanks! Regardless of the hardware you choose, I’d recommend trying to keep the ride height reasonably close to stock if OEM ride quality is the goal.
@@BuzzytheBlue definitely! Your vid was extremely helpful for determining how ride height was impacted by the B12 kit, not to mention budget friendly 😎
I have read the discussion below. Here is my story. I brought a BMW z4 3.0si 2007. Ride is very rough. I first checked on Run Flat Tires but I had Regular Tires. Check. Then, looked at suspension. Apparently, prior owner put in the Blisteine and Eibach Pro Kit. Surprised me. Problem is I live in Dallas and keep hitting pot holes and where I live 8 or more road bumps that are rather high and frequently scarping the bottom of the car. I have have learned about cups (rather expensive) and air bags (very expensive) and it takes up a lot of space to add them to the car. I heard about adding spring spacers both rubber (which fall out over big bumps unless you zip tie them in) and metal spring spaces (makes a lot of sound when hitting bumps) plus both could cause the spring to break. However, a lot of people use the spring spaces for temporary or short term fixes to raise the height of the car. The coilovers that are adjustable soar upwars to 2000 dollars. I read where you noted camber adjustments may increase the ride height a little bit. You noted the 40 mm drop is about 1 and 1/2 inches from stock OEM ride height. I don't know at this moment what the original OEM ride height is for the z4 roadseter 3.0si but will look that up. I watched the video on changing the bump stop from the blistein to a softer and shorter material to increase damping distance (not sure if that would cause the car to drop even further to hit the ground during a bump). My question is this: how to I safely increase the ride height? I saw you said adding thicker spring pads might actually increase the height and will look into that, but it seems you are saying that the blistein strut has an option to drop 40 mm or perhaps less. Do you know offhand how to decrease the 40 mm or 1 and 1/2 drop back up to a higher hight to gain back that 1 1/2 inches using the current system of spring and damper? I will keep looking but perhaps you know what I can change to get back that 1 and 1/2 inch. I barely scrape right now and I think adding that distance back to the height will help. I believe the original spring and strut that came with the car is a MacPhearson strut and spring. I would like it to be more comfortable and not so worried about having it low to the ground. Any thoughts? Thank you. By the way, very cinemagraphic shots and editing, good lighting, nice sound quality, and a touch of Bokey made nice video.
As of now I think you’re on the right track trying the spring pads to see if that slight increase would be enough. These small tweaks you saw in the discussion below is the bit of adjustability I was referencing in the video, the kit itself doesn’t have an inherent adjustment. I should’ve been more clear in the video itself. From the sound of your situation I doubt these small adjustments will be enough, you may want to see whether going back to OEM BMW parts would be affordable. The factory Z4 3.0 setup would probably be far more effective for you.
@@BuzzytheBlue Thank you
Nice I have ST XTA coming from Germany, the M3 is put away for the winter and the OEM is on its lasts legs at 120k
Brother brilliant honest blog respect. Getting these for Audi 6 bitdi black edition.
Great review, exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!
What an excellent video!!
Great review pal.
Very well spoken and great points! Loved the video
Great review. Considering for my 911
Great quality as always.
You production quality and presentation are excellent. Someday soon I expect your subscription rate will explode. I'm planning on moving back to New England (NH specifically) in the next couple of years after having lived in the flatlands of the Midwest for 35 years. My plan is to get a Z4 or similar car to enjoy the roads of my home state. For now, I'm enjoying them by watching your channel.
When did you shoot the b-roll for this video? It's beautiful. I was just in NH last weekend in Wolfeboro looking at land on which to build and the fall colors were almost peaking.
Thank you Dave, that’s very kind. I shot the B-roll for this video last weekend as well. The initial shots are a foggy morning on the CT river and the rest around my hometown in CT. Best of luck with your move back. Glad you enjoy the videos!
@@BuzzytheBlue I'm at 125k on my 06z4mr and was thinking of upgrading the suspension. I see your in CT. I am as well(east haven). Do you know any other local z4m owners?
Really nice review ! Thank you man ;)
Awesome review! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Great explanation, about to put this exact kit in my e85
Awesome video! I am going to put this kit onto my Volvo V50, but with a drop of 25mm. Hoping it's gonna be great👍🏼
How did it went?
My struts recently blew on my 08 Z4 3.0i with 70k miles, when I hit one of the many potholes here in Chicago. I’m going with OE stock height for my Z4 cause my current bump stocks are blown through.
how did you adjust the ride height drop to 40mm? just installed on my a4 and front is sitting a bit high. thank you!
With the change in ride height do you also have to alter the tracking/alignment of your wheels or does it have no effect on the alignment and can be left at the standard settings?
try the z3m bump stops, that should give you a bit more travel before hitting them
I just got an e90 and I’ve had coils on my first two cars but the third and this I’ve gone with springs. It just doesn’t make sense to spend 2-3x more for features I’m never going to use like the ability to raise and lower and adjust dampening. I ordered this same kit for my e90 and I hope to install it soon! Just purchased it an 07 with 149k miles and the struts and shocks are completely blown
Been thinking about a b12 mine has 100k miles.. question whats your alignment??
You can't control the ride height with this set. Bilstein state only 20mm front and 10mm rear for the Z4M. Any way, good video.
Hi Buzzy
Can the B12 not be ordered with stock ride height springs to overcome the bottoming out issue referred to.
Regards
Allan
I ordered the same kit from fcp euro for my mk5 rabbit and it didn’t come with dust covers and spring insulators I don’t understand why. Now I hear knocking in the rear. Can someone explain to me why they wouldn’t include that??
Perfect timing! Mine has 91k km now and have been thinking if I should refresh the brakes and/or suspension. Great to hear this feedback on the Bilstein kit.
Btw have you ever had occasional engine ‘choking’ at around 2800rpm? And it goes again from 3000? I suspect it means Vanos and/or valve timing maintenance..
I haven’t experienced anything like that with my Z4M. However, I know someone with an E46 M3 whose car was stumbling and “hiccuping” during constant throttle and it ended up needing a simple tuneup, spark and coils. Solved it. So hopefully your issue is something relatively simple.
Is Bilstein better than eibach shocks? I got the pro kit for my 2012 charger and over bumps and imperfective in the road it rides very very harsh
You could also cut those bumpstops in half w a knife. Did that w my Bilstein B6 on my former Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo. Made wonders for comfort, made a proper GT.
Interesting, Ive never heard about that. My concern would be whether that would allow the tire to rub on fender under full compression in this case.
BuzzytheBlue True. But if we know if the bilstein piston is shorter than oem bmw then we may be on to something. That was indeed the case with my Fiat
Great useful video! Thank you!
Great review. But did the kit came with new rubbers for the springs. I saw that the button rubber is new under the spring.
Is the ride height adjustable on those Pro Kit?
Great video. Thank you so much
I got this kit installed back in May of 2021 on my c207 coupe and the other day I noticed that the passenger rear side was lowered than the other 3, I measured the height and it's about 1/2" inch lower, (it wasn't like this) made sure it was measured on a level surface and different point of the vehicle, anyone having the same issue?
Great video. May I know how much does B12 cost?
Great video! How can I adjust the ride height when I install B12 pro kit? Isn't it already set ?
Thank you! I overstated how much you can change the height of this kit in the video, my mistake. there’s really only a small amount of adjustment to be had via modifying bump stops/ swapping spring pads. If you want to stay as close to stock height as possible this wouldn’t be the best way to go.
@@BuzzytheBlue thanks for getting back to me so fast. My goal is to use maximum capabilities of the shocks / spring rate. So with the B12 kit do I get all the other parts that should be replaced when restoring shocks/coils? Like struts, and those other things . I got '91 E32 7 series. I use it for family mini trjps and we like lowered look of the classic bmw OEM+ but nothing too crazy. That's why we chose B12 pro kit. From what I heard it is comfortable and also ready for sports driving
Great review Buzzy. These are on my list once my M has a few more miles. Did you consider refeshing any other bushes while doing this? Rods, steering arms etc? Thinking that would make sense to give the M a full refresh.
Thank you! I considered replacing most of the suspension bushings as well but figured I’d hold off for now and see what difference the spring and dampers made on their own. When I do them (I’m sure they’re all original and broken down) I’ll likely be going with OEM style bushings as I have no interest in ones made of stiffer materials.
This is a very helpful overview. I'm shopping for the same idea on my Z3 coupe now, and while I'd like some drop, I really want to keep that to a minimum (not great roads around here, and I'd appreciate the ability to carefully navigate some dirt driveways here and there). It seems the options for this are very slim - everything seems to drop at least 30mm. When you say you'd recommend the kit, but not going with the "full" 40mm drop, what are you suggesting? Are there springs on the market (with rates/heights to work well with the B8 dampers) which are taller than these Eibach or H&R sport springs?
I misspoke a bit in regard to the amount of adjustment this kit offers in ride height; any adjustment will come from modifying bump stops, switching spring pads, or adding camber plates. Even with that, I doubt you could get near stock height again. As far as taller springs, I’m not certain, I’d wonder if you could use new factory springs with the B8 struts in order to retain factory height.
Thank you for the review!!! Having used the B12 Pro Kit on my VW Polo as well, it was my first choice when selecting a kit for my Z4M and your video gave me the push to pull the trigger. After waiting for quite a bit (6 months+), the kit finally arrived two days back and I’m excited to get it installed.
I’ll be pairing it with the Rogue Engineering RSM’s (waiting to get them, hopefully in stock). I had a question on what else you replaced when doing the B12 Pro Kit, for the rear and the front? Any other OEM bushings, I know the front we don’t need to use any bump stop, did you change anything in front?
Thanks for watching! I didn’t change any bushings, although depending on the mileage of your car it could be a good time to refresh some. I replaced any mounting hardware that the kit didn’t include as well, mounts etc.
@@BuzzytheBlue thanks for the swift reply!! Will do the same.
Thanks for the video, are there any other parts that need to be changed at the same time? Bump stops? Is there a point in doing end links?
I know I did bump stops and strut tower mounts at the same time. End links could come down to mileage/wear and tear.
@@BuzzytheBlue I found rear bump stops, but does this kit require front bumps or are they integrated? Thanks again!!
Can you do a follow up video 🙏🙏🙏
great video 👍
I just picked up the B12 pro kit. what did you use for bump stops on the rear?? P.S I love my M so much I picked up a second one. on is 07 the other 08.
Pretty certain I just used new OEM BMW stops
@@BuzzytheBlue keep doing what your doing ! thank you
I got b12 kit for my 2016 340i xdrive after watching your video. Have to say, very impressed with it. Mine only dropped the car for about 20mm. I also ditched my stock run-flats, after a year of driving this kit is everything I wanted. I also noticed after this first year/11000miles I have driven on it, it became slightly softer than brand new, which I liked since brand new they were a bit too stiff. Did this happen to you? I thought shocks are broken in after a week of driving.
Definitely happened to me. Initially, given how low my car became and how soft the tired stock suspension was, I found it almost too stiff. A bit crashy at times. The more I drove it the better it got, after a couple 1000 miles it was perfect I’d say. Definitely took quite a bit of driving.
@@BuzzytheBlue I see, good to know that it's not me imagining it. Weird how the bilstein b6 shocks in the b12 kit need that long of a break in period but honestly I ain't complaining, the ride currently is perfect.
I’m really curious how these will feel on my e46 wagon. My suspension is pretty much blown. I’m afraid these will be to stiff for me? I still want a little comfort. But I’m sure the heavy weight of the car will make it feel right.
If you’re worried about the B12 being too stiff, I did Eibach springs and Bilstein B8 struts/shocks on my last E46. The ride was better than stock. Extremely comfortable and great body control.
Good review man! Mine is about to hit 185k lol. Can you opt to stay at stock height with this kit?
Thank you! No, there’s really only a small amount of adjustment to be had via modifying bump stops/ swapping spring pads. If you want to stay close to stock height this wouldn’t be the way to go.
hi
did you use spacer in front ? if so how many mm ? i did not understand about 40mm drop you are talked about ? is it about drop link ? thanks
Sorry about that, I meant “40mm of lowering”, that is the maximum ride height change the kit offers. I am running 10mm spacers in front and 12.5 rear with no rubbing whatsoever.
Nice setup. Can you please tell me the dimensions of your tires and rims? Do you have spacers?
Stock 18 inch wheels, 245s up front 275s in back. Believe I have 12.5mm spacers up front and 15mm in the rear.
I need new suspension I’ve done 200km on my original ones. I was looking to get b12 but I don’t want it to be too low. I do not care for a low looking ride. I’m looking for something comfortable and sporty. Lots of people say these are good but are they too low?
Depends on the car you’re installing them on. On a Z4M like mine, an already low car, it’s verging on “too low” for an everyday car. At least for me.
@@BuzzytheBlue I have an e90
@Ch. H I had this setup on my E46 325Xi and it was perfect. You can also just get B8 struts/shocks and whatever lowering springs you want. That would work as well.
@@BuzzytheBlue I’ve ordered the b12 pro kit for my car. Which comes with b8 struts. Proper excited to fit everything my car is on its original suspension from 14 years ago so it’s about time
I bought the B12 kit after much research and I’m quite disappointed with the outcome I wonder how much of the slight improvement Is from the whiteline sway bar I upgraded at the same time. I wouldn’t recommend it at all
Did you go from stock suspension to the Bilstein on your Z4M? In what way did it disappoint? I find the ride to be a bit harsher than stock but handling wise it’s night and day.
I went from stock m sport suspension on my 135i to the bilstein b12 prokit. I’m wondering how much better the bilstein kit is over just a new oem replacement. For what it cost (yes I had it professionally installed) it’s such a subtle difference the ride is exactly like stock at low speeds and to get the springs to “load up” better you have to drive it quite fast and pull the wheel. Yes it’s flatter the braking and acceleration is more responsive (that probably the biggest improvement) but it’s only like 10% doesn’t really feel planted as everyone says. Honestly I cannot tell if the slight improvements is from the springs or the shocks it feels like they’re combine a 5% improvement each way giving a 10% overall improvement.
Leaving me thinking should I have just done the shocks and kept the m sport springs? Should I have just done the springs and left the shocks? Combine with the sway bar I’m wondering what did I pay for? I not excited to drive my car any more than I was before. Really disappointed
The front ride height and wheel gap is perfect but the rear is the same as the m sport height just another bit of feed back FYI
Ah interesting, well I’d say that’s likely a testament to the stock M sport suspension on the 135i! There likely just isn’t a huge performance or handling delta between the M sport components and the Bilstein kit. As I said in the video, the suspension on my Z4M was tired and needed a refresh, so it’s hard to say how much better the Bilstein kit is over new OEM Z4M hardware. Perhaps your original hardware was still in pretty good condition. As with many modifications, the benefits are often very incremental unless you’re making a radical change or “fixing” something as I kind of was. Thanks for the insights.
How do you keep your car's height close to OEM when installing this?:
I overstated how much you can change the height of this kit in the video, my mistake. there’s really only a small amount of adjustment to be had via modifying bump stops/ swapping spring pads. If you want to stay as close to stock height as possible this wouldn’t be the way to go.
@@BuzzytheBlue Thank you for your response and for the great video!
What are wheel and tire size
Stock 18s with 245 front and 275 rear
I’m sorry but when you say you went full 40mm on it, is there another option? I mean they fixed springs and struts, does they have two mounting points where the springs sits on the shocks? I’m asking because I’m looking at this kit for my Z4M but I want to keep as close of a stock height
I say that based on what my mechanic told me, that I could bring the car up slightly from where it sits now if I want. As to whether that height is changed via mounting points or other means I don’t know yet. However, I doubt that there will be enough adjustment to keep you as close to the stock ride height as you’d like. Out of curiosity, have you found any other spring options that are closer to OEM?
@@BuzzytheBlue I think you can change the ride height by using different spring pads. Thicker will give you more ride height and thinner will give you less. At least that’s what I read in the forums.
@@grantwheeler5815 Ah thanks for the info, I should’ve asked for clarification from the person who did the install before posting. I know people have said camber plates can also add ride height, so I bet that in combination with different spring pads could add quite a bit.
Did these last? How is it 3 years later?
No issues at all, a tad harsh on this car is my only complaint. Wasn’t the case with this kit on my E46 though.
@@BuzzytheBlue you wouldn't believe this, but my rear b8s blew out after 38 Kms.... 😂 Factory defect. Warranty denied. Never again bilstein
@@alexcohcoaching Duuude, that stinks. Would've been one thing if they covered it, but to deny a warranty claim on that is such BS.
Yep. Never again dude - Bilstein is not what it used to be.
They also had chipped paint the next day. It was so bad that we in fact verified they are not fakes... They were not.
@@alexcohcoaching That's crazy man. I noticed something similar (though less terrible) with some Koni struts I put on my E39. Mind you, I put them on and then parked the car for like a year, and somehow without even driving it, the things are already corroding/paint flaking off. Very disappointing.
Very eloquently put
😂😂😂😂
All new shocks and struts are good until they wear out after 2-5 years of use