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.
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
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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! 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
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?
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??
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
@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 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?
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.
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
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.
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.
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.