Bilstein B16 Damptronic Question

[BzsBimmer]

In middle of install...
Is this correct. Doesn’t go down any further

[BzsBimmer]

The pin is below the clamp point. The end link is too high

[BzsBimmer]

So I’m going to assume it’s correct. I’ve smacked it, flipped it, and rubbed it down... it’s down as far as she’s going to go.

The end link needs to be installed as you’re lifting the strut in place.

Also.... the electric connector has a cap on it. You wouldn’t know it until you try to put the stupid thing together and doesn’t fit. I had a “oh crap, they sent the wrong wire connector” moment.

Lastly, they do not give you any special center strut removal tool like the KW DDC kit does (or at least that’s what they state in their install instructions) so prep your tools in advance.

I’m done with the fronts.... now off to the rears!!

[Alan l.]

Waiting to hear your thoughts on these B16 coilovers.

How does it ride comfort wise?

ANY rattles, clunks, clicks?

Any regrets?

Was the install straight forward?

I am so close to making a purchase on these....

Alan

[BzsBimmer]

Hey Alan,
I’ve got about 1000 miles on these now.

I was on Swift springs and these are a night and day difference.

All of the settings are like one up from stock, but better. A lot less body roll and more predictable in turns.

Install was fairly straightforward if you’ve done suspension before. A few nuances but overall, not bad considering the instructions are to be desired vs the KW DDC you can snag online.

No clunks or weird noises. No regrets other than waiting the day before Bimmerfest to install these. I DO need to give props to Jacob Foster from Vivid Racing since he pulled some mad strings to get me these and at a solid price.

Tried to get these from another source but at the time, they had no inventory.

[BzsBimmer]

Oh and rear headlight aim sensor
https://www.m3post.com/forums/showth...=389548&page=3

Doh!!

[tooshay]

Did you need camber plates?

[BzsBimmer]

You could always use camber plates from GC but I didn’t. I also haven’t done my alignment yet so we’ll see.

[danchee]

Do you have the complete list of tools needed to do the work? It was good that you noted they didn't include the center strut removal tool which means I'll have to find one when I do the install.

[BzsBimmer]

I don’t. I used another DIY to get me an idea.
Top shock nut is a 18mm 12 point
Bilstein top nut is 22mm. You need one with a cutout to keep the center from spinning. I ordered a whole set from Amazon

You’ll need a set of etorx sockets
Regular sockets
Torx bits
Panel clip tools

[tooshay]

Just installed mine. It’s a big difference in handling upgrade. It’s like the beast is awaken from hibernation.

[BzsBimmer]

^ congrats!

What did you settle on for height?
I’m 24.5” from bottom of rim lip to fender on all 4 corners

[tooshay]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

^ congrats!

What did you settle on for height?
I’m 24.5” from bottom of rim lip to fender on all 4 corners

I’m 24.25”, 1 finger gap between tire and fender. I’m on 265/30 and 295/30 mp4s tires. The car feels solid and planted with precise handling. I’m very happy with the b16. I’m going to wait a month before getting the alignment. The car drives straight and doesn’t pull left or right so far.

[danchee]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

I don’t. I used another DIY to get me an idea.
Top shock nut is a 18mm 12 point
Bilstein top nut is 22mm. You need one with a cutout to keep the center from spinning. I ordered a whole set from Amazon

You’ll need a set of etorx sockets
Regular sockets
Torx bits
Panel clip tools

Thanks! Much appreciated.

[BzsBimmer]

May also want some wrenches
A black marker or wax marker to line up your rear camber bolt/washer

[Alan l.]

Still loving your setup? Are the different modes more or less noticeable than stock?

Did you have to access anything from inside the trunk?

Alan

[BzsBimmer]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

Still loving your setup? Are the different modes more or less noticeable than stock?

Did you have to access anything from inside the trunk?

Alan

Pretty satisfied with the setup. Even in comfort mode the ride is pretty solid. I’ve had my parents in the car and no complaints from them.

I’ve logged about 2k miles or more since install, across flat roads and twisty turns. I’ve used all 3 settings and I definitely notice comfort mode and Sport mode. Between Sport and Sport+, a bit less so of a difference. All settings way better than stock EDC on Swift springs. That feeling of sloppy turns and a wiggly, unsettling feel on bumpy roads, is gone.

No need to access anything from the trunk. The EDC connection is tied to the rear shock and comes out from the bottom.

The front wires DO need to be routed to the inside. Passenger side was easy. Went behind the heat shield and into the brake line pocket. The driver side went in a similar pocket but hard to see due to the plastic pieces. I used a flashlight to see where I needed to route the wire.

I wish someone with the KW DDC was near me so we can compare

[A47]

Hi,how does the comfort setting compare to stock?Thanks

[BzsBimmer]

Originally Posted by A47

Hi,how does the comfort setting compare to stock?Thanks

Night and day difference

[djpeetur]

I order Set of Bilstein B6 shocks for my non-edc car, paired with swift also. Haven't installed it yet. But are the B6 shocks similar to the b16. The car is on non-edc stock suspension and it sucks!

[BzsBimmer]

Originally Posted by djpeetur

I order Set of Bilstein B6 shocks for my non-edc car, paired with swift also. Haven't installed it yet. But are the B6 shocks similar to the b16. The car is on non-edc stock suspension and it sucks!

Sorry bud. I have no idea

[A47]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

Night and day difference

Does that mean much more compliant?Thanks