B8 with stock springs is ok?

[sadhish]

Hi all,As you all know, I've been needing to get my absorbers changed. I took the car to the mechanic, and he told me that my suspension set up is ok. Ball bearings, tie rods, bushes and mounting are pretty new.So just need to change the absorbers. Originally I wanted the Bilstein B4 (Black). But having tried a car with those, I found that they are too soft. It's almost like the setup I have (Saachs, not sure if that's the right spelling). So I'm thinking of going for the Bilstein Yellows. I'm not a racer and I won't take the car to track, neither will I push it to the limit (for now lol).I asked around and there's two Bilstein Yellows, the B6 and the B8. Both are the same price. They say that the B8 goes with sport (lowered springs) and the B6 is designed for stock springs.My question is:Can I put the B8 on with stock springs? Would there be any adverse effects? Like shortening the lifespan of the shocks?The reason is that if I get the B8, then I can slowly experiment with changing the springs, or keeping it with the stock springs if that's good enough for me. If I get the B6 and then find that it's not hard enough, I'm stuck and can't do anything about it anymore. Coz using B6 with sport springs will kill the B6.

 

[IsaacVky]

B8 with the oe spring will most probably get bad result. I would say a bad combination.
Although I haven't try this combination on a BMW, I believe is the same as the other cars I tried.

The absorber is hard, spring is soft, ride becomes very sensitive. When you pass a hump with higher speed, your rear wheel will feel like flying. Oe spring has got lots of stroke but the absorber quickly bounce back.


However I find highway ride is good, though I believe B6 is sufficient.

 

[sadhish]

Thanks IsaacVky. I'm getting the impression that we should always go for shocks and springs that are designed for each other.

Can you guys also share your experience between B6 and B8s ? Thanks,
Sadhish

 

[Crymson]

Thanks IsaacVky. I'm getting the impression that we should always go for shocks and springs that are designed for each other.

Can you guys also share your experience between B6 and B8s ? Thanks,
Sadhish

Had my ride on B6 with Eibach springs last year but now back to standard spring and just fit back Sachs (my B6 almost end of life). The B6 & Eibach combi gives me best feel when I take corners, no body roll. But sakit when going over high bumps. Superb when going over highways. :top:

 

[Crymson]

The B6's shaft is thicker that standard absorbers, hence harder ride. My opinion, if you want a sport feel without overspending, get the B6 with Eibach or H&R sport springs. Good combi.

 

[turbology]

The things is, he don't want to lower it, just firmer ride.

I did try adjustable shocks(KYB AGX) with stock springs. ( not in BMW )
It alot firmer, and very firm at max settings. But body roll remain unchange, or very little change. (still have significant roll)

 

[sadhish]

Thanks turb. He's quite right. Right now I don't want to lower it.

Reason:
1. Ferrying family members occasionally
2. Penang roads
3. Penang floods.

And right now if I get the B8 at least I have the option of lowering it later. But if it's going to throw things way off then I think I'll be happy with the B6.

 

[Crymson]

If thats the case, just get the B6 and use your standard springs. Later you can lower by just buying the sport springs.

My previous suspension setup:
1) Sachs touring with standard spring
2) Bilstein B6 with Eibach spring
3) Bilstein B6 with standard spring (sold the Eibach)
4) Sachs touring with standard spring (Current setup)

Btw sadhish, in your first posting. Using B6 with sport spring will not kill the B6 laa.

 

[turbology]

Crymson,
Interesting to see you switch from Sachs, to Bilstein B6, then back to Sachs.
Any reason ? How is it between Sachs and B6 (with stock spring) ?

 

[infinityKL]

i finally got the B8 after much hesitation.. surely a stiffer and firm ride... still in da process of getting a feel of it...

 

[loafer]

B8 has shorter stroke if I'm not mistaken which makes it unsuitable to be paired with stock springs.

B8 usually works better with sport springs kits like Eibach or H&R.

 

[Lionel_Koh]

very simple ......

wrong spring and absorber set up will .....

1.shorten ur absorber lifespan

2.not optimum d full potential of d spring or absorber

 

[bmw7833]

Can we use B6 in front & B8 in rear? :stupid:

 

[Lionel_Koh]

Can we use B6 in front & B8 in rear? :stupid:

for wat purpose ?????

 

[bmw7833]

for wat purpose ?????

To lower the rear and mantain the front hight.

If the car tilted, what is the solution?

 

[Lionel_Koh]

To lower the rear and mantain the front hight.

If the car tilted, what is the solution?

No ....will no solve d problem and ur handling also out ........

The solution is to put a spacer at d rear spring mounting to increase d rear height .......

 

[bmw7833]

No ....will no solve d problem and ur handling also out ........

The solution is to put a spacer at d rear spring mounting to increase d rear height .......

But the problem is the rear higher than front. Put spacer in front then?

 

[bmw7833]

Just want to clarify, i want to lower more in rear but maintain the front hight. So putting the spacer is not the way for me.

 

[Lionel_Koh]

Just want to clarify, i want to lower more in rear but maintain the front hight. So putting the spacer is not the way for me.

for E36 and E46 ......its always rear lower then front ........normaly ppls just to increase d rear to make d car looks better .......

meaning now ur car rear is too high and u wish to lower it ????

 

[bmw7833]

for E36 and E46 ......its always rear lower then front ........normaly ppls just to increase d rear to make d car looks better .......

meaning now ur car rear is too high and u wish to lower it ????

Yes..!! A bit like Ag Beng now.