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Bilsteins B4 or B6?

14K views 15 replies 11 participants last post by  Bali  
#1 ·
2004 convertible 325
I would like to change my shocks and springs to Bilstiens but I am not sure if I should go down the B6 or B4 way .
I do not wish for a hard ride but something which is close to OEM but not the cost and Bilstien are highly recommended .
Thoughts please ?

Mart.
 
#2 · (Edited)
I've had both.

B6 (yellow) is quite a bit firmer than factory sport. Beyond optimal for a road car, in my experience. Not only are they jarring over sudden bumps they don't keep the tyres in contact with the road as well as less firm dampers. Stiffer isn't always faster on British B roads.

B4 (black) is also a little firmer than factory sport, but is closer and there's not much in it. If you have to have Billies, go for the B4. They're also significantly cheaper.

Also look at Koni. I've heard good things about the orange STR.T Konis, although not tried them myself. (I'm currently running the red Special Active Konis but those were expensive.)
 
#3 ·
Have a read through this:

I personally have Bilstein B4s all around and stock springs as well (although replaced rears with bilstein B3 OE equivalent springs). Regret not going for the Eibach pro-kit but the ride is nice otherwise.

I'd highly recommend Z4 strut mounts in the front as I found the Bilsteins raised my ride height a little and those mounts put them back to stock - perhaps a touch lower.

The best price for both the B4s and Sachs m-sport shocks are on Autodoc. Cheapest on the app and wait for a 38%+ discount.

If you want to lower the car a touch I'd recommend Eibach pro-kit springs as on the thread linked above, just make sure you get the shorter bump stops. That's very important.
 
#7 ·
I currently have the Bilstein B6 shocks and Eibach springs, and I really like that combination.
I agree. I had that combo (Eibach Pro Kit) on my E39 and one of my past E46 coupes. The B6 with Eibach springs is very nice if you want lowered height and very firm handling. They are much stiffer/harsher compared to stock springs with either Sachs or B4 shocks and struts.
 
#8 ·
I have the Koni Special Actives with my original stock springs and really enjoy them. I've not always heard good things about B4 quality and I didn't want something that is harsher in ride quality.
 
Prev. Owned 2001 BMW 325i
#13 ·