Replace OE dampers when installing EMD springs?

oemF80 · 11-27-2023, 12:09 PM

Hey all, I recently purchased EMD springs and i've had the thought of replacing the dampers during the installation of the springs. I've read some forum members say the EMD springs or any lowering springs for that matter are not great for the longevity of the OEM strut setup. My car has 60k miles, non comp w/ original dampers.

My question is, should I consider something like the Bilstein B4/B6 to pair with the EMD springs? Would the B8's further emphasize the already significant drop EMD springs provide? Since i already have the springs and cannot return them id rather not switch to a coil over kit now.

Thanks!

jbalabas · 11-29-2023, 01:06 PM

lowering spring will always be hard on any damper since the spring is physically shorter so you're always riding near the end of the stroke. I had EMD springs on my car for 25mins. They massively eroded the ride quality. I too didn't want to buy coilovers but ended up buying them anyways. If I were you I'd install with current dampers first to make sure you're ok with the ride quality before you buy new oem dampers. I put ohlins road and track on andf it's amazing how much better than stock it is. EMD worth then stock for sure.

M3SQRD · 12-10-2023, 08:19 AM

Probably not a bad idea to replace the dampers with b6/b8 dampers because you have 60k miles on your stock dampers. Just be prepared for your ride height to increase by 1/2-1/3”due to Bilstein being a high nitrogen pressure charged monotone damper. The pressure creates a lifting force on damper valve stack.

11-27-2023, 12:09 PM	#1
oemF80 New Member 6 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW M3 Join Date: Aug 2023 Location: Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW M3 [0.00]	Replace OE dampers when installing EMD springs? Hey all, I recently purchased EMD springs and i've had the thought of replacing the dampers during the installation of the springs. I've read some forum members say the EMD springs or any lowering springs for that matter are not great for the longevity of the OEM strut setup. My car has 60k miles, non comp w/ original dampers. My question is, should I consider something like the Bilstein B4/B6 to pair with the EMD springs? Would the B8's further emphasize the already significant drop EMD springs provide? Since i already have the springs and cannot return them id rather not switch to a coil over kit now. Thanks!
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11-29-2023, 01:06 PM	#2
jbalabas Private 33 Rep 60 Posts Drives: f82 Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: canada iTrader: (0)	lowering spring will always be hard on any damper since the spring is physically shorter so you're always riding near the end of the stroke. I had EMD springs on my car for 25mins. They massively eroded the ride quality. I too didn't want to buy coilovers but ended up buying them anyways. If I were you I'd install with current dampers first to make sure you're ok with the ride quality before you buy new oem dampers. I put ohlins road and track on andf it's amazing how much better than stock it is. EMD worth then stock for sure.
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12-10-2023, 08:19 AM	#3
M3SQRD Major General 2482 Rep 5,950 Posts Drives: E92 M3,G20 330ix,F22 240iX,F82 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (11)	Probably not a bad idea to replace the dampers with b6/b8 dampers because you have 60k miles on your stock dampers. Just be prepared for your ride height to increase by 1/2-1/3”due to Bilstein being a high nitrogen pressure charged monotone damper. The pressure creates a lifting force on damper valve stack.
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