Does a simple lowered spring/shock setup with EDC exist?

[ntg44]

Hey everyone,

Currently on a base model M3 on Macht Schnell springs with stock shocks. Installed the springs last year and they felt great. But after barely driving it this winter, I'm not sure if it's the larger bumps in the road from the cold weather or not, but the extra bounciness from these springs are really starting to become apparent. I only have about 2k miles and less than a year on these springs, and 8k total miles on the car. I'm starting to get the itch to replace the suspension, which leads me to my question.

Are there any cost effective spring/shock kits that lower the car but keep EDC? I'm looking around and can't seem to find anything but adjustable sleeve over or coil overs, which I'm not interested in. I also am not interested in removing EDC functionality. I have thought of a few options:

1- Get less aggressive drop, thinking Eibach v2 springs, and get Bilstein B6 Damptronic fronts. The B6 would be better damping for the 20mm drop in the front, and the rears would be raised about 15mm in the rear vs MS, which is more in line with MP HAS, and just a less aggressive drop overall. The B6 rears aren't available in the US it seems, but not sure if this would be safe to run B6 front stock rear

2- Get Comp Pack/CS EDC dampers front/rear, and Eibach v2 springs. Code in CS damper settings. This is my least preferred option, really not interested in changing any software settings, but maybe would consider if others like Eibachs on their M3 CS. Not sure if this would even be cost effective - would need to look up pricing. But I"m just brain storming.

3- Swap MS springs for Eibach v2 and call it a day.


I like the idea of option 1 the best, but have no idea if it would ruin the handling. I'm curious why the B6 fronts could be sold but not the rears in the US if it wasn't feasible to run them with stock rears.

Anyways, does anyone think option 1 would work well or know something I haven't even thought of?

Thanks in advance.

[allinon72]

I wouldn't do #3 because it sounds like your struts are already blown.

[EvoFire]

You can get Bilstein B6 Damptronic shocks, which they tout as a high performance upgrade to the stock shocks.

That way you can keep your MS lowering springs and just replace the blown shocks.

[ntg44]

Originally Posted by allinon72

I wouldn't do #3 because it sounds like your struts are already blown.

It’s not impossible, but I also live where a ton of streets have buckled everywhere from the cold weather. All my cars are riding like crap right now. I just never experienced these roads in the M3 on the MS springs until now. I’ll just need to wait for the streets to smooth out a bit after a few weeks and reevaluate.

[ntg44]

Originally Posted by EvoFire

You can get Bilstein B6 Damptronic shocks, which they tout as a high performance upgrade to the stock shocks.

That way you can keep your MS lowering springs and just replace the blown shocks.

Just had a conversation with a vendor about this. Bilstein has product shortages nationwide and basically everything is on backorder. So in practical terms, not really feasible at this point.

Looks like coil overs are my only realistic option.

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by ntgarage44

It’s not impossible, but I also live where a ton of streets have buckled everywhere from the cold weather. All my cars are riding like crap right now. I just never experienced these roads in the M3 on the MS springs until now. I’ll just need to wait for the streets to smooth out a bit after a few weeks and reevaluate.

I get it, I'm not that far away from you. I'm going by the fact that MS springs aren't that aggressive and if you're getting any type of bouncing that usually means the shock has no more rebound left. Going over rough pavement should be harsh but not bouncy.

[ntg44]

So I actually reached out to Bilstein USA about this and here’s what they came back with:

“Thanks for contacting us about our products. You can run the B6’s in the front and the stock shocks in the rear but the B6’s all-around will provide the best handling. The rear B6 should be available later this year. It is acceptable on this application to use the B6 with the stock and an aftermarket lowering spring.”

So with the eibach v2 drop being much less aggressive in the rear, I may try the B6 in front if I can get ahold of a set. Otherwise if the B6 rears do become available at the same time, I can stick with my MS springs. I’ll just wait for whatever becomes available first. I still think this could be a viable alternative to coil overs for EDC folks.

[ctgeorge]

The B6 Front and rears are readily available in Europe. You can get a set for roughly 2k. I've listed two vendors who have them in stock

I'll be getting a set shortly to go with my Eibach V1

https://www.mk-fahrwerkstechnik.de/

https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/

[sdstatestud88]

@ntgarage44 are these what you're referencing? Looks like turner has a ship date of April 11 and $900

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...2f87-m2-m3-m4/

[ntg44]

Originally Posted by sdstatestud88

@ntgarage44 are these what you're referencing? Looks like turner has a ship date of April 11 and $900

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...2f87-m2-m3-m4/

I think this is for non EDC dampers. But at that price, if I can actually snag a set, the difference in price might actually convince me to EDC delete. Thanks

[domino_z]

Yeh a few sites list the b6, but when you go to order they'll tell you the rears aren't available. The part numbers have been in bilsteins online catalogue for over 3 years now

I waited for them for 2 years and ended up going all in with the tractive setup

[SE7EN335]

I Currently have the full set of Bilstein B6s waiting in my garage to be installed.

Im waiting to get some funds to get the MP HAS and pair it with the B6s and then code it with the CS EDC settings.

Has anyone tried that set up that I am aiming for?

[TR930]

Originally Posted by SE7EN335

I Currently have the full set of Bilstein B6s waiting in my garage to be installed.

Im waiting to get some funds to get the MP HAS and pair it with the B6s and then code it with the CS EDC settings.

Has anyone tried that set up that I am aiming for?

Where did you order the B6's from?

[Encanto]

Eibach V1 front and OEM rear springs is another option.

[SE7EN335]

Originally Posted by TR930

Where did you order the B6's from?

Evolve Automotive in the UK.

[HiFi]

Originally Posted by SE7EN335

Evolve Automotive in the UK.

care to post how you are finding them since install? which springs did you go with.

I have B6s with eibach V1s but am sitting higher than id like in the front, wondering whether i should order the v2s