The SHOCKING Truth - Bilstein B4 vs B8 (B12) E46 330ci
Testing the differences between the Bilstein B4 Mtech version vs Bilstein B8 shocks. Both using the same eibach springs that would make the B8 shocks into the B12 pro package then. The same goes for b6 shocks. Theyre identical to b8 shocks but for standard rideheight instead
B12 Package tested
www.autodoc.dk/bilstein/1044580
752euro
Bilstein B4 Front left partnr 22-139931
www.atp-autoteile.de/de/produ...
Price as of purchase euro 61,99
Bilstein B4 front right partnr 22-139948
www.atp-autoteile.de/de/produ...
Price as of purchase euro 61,99
Bilstein B4 rear partnr 19-103150
www.autodoc.de/bilstein/638549
Price as of purchase eur39,08 (2 needed for a set)
Springs eibach prokit E2067-140
www.atp-autoteile.de/de/produ...
Price as of purchase eur129,99
Total B4 with Eibach Springs
332euro
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Im running a set of B8 on my 330 sedan. It is definitely as stiff as adjustables, especially over pot holes. But it makes the car feel very planted on the highway/freeway and during canyon/mountain runs. Man i love your ride, your undercarriage is so clean
Thanks for the input. The b8 (b12) feels great on the highway no doubt. But the b4 did as well imo. Maybe the b12 slightly edges it out but i think it could be placebo. And thank you for the kind words. I atill need to do the front but will remove the engine/trans when i do the rest
I really appreciate you taking the time and showing the comparisons between the B4, B6 and B8's as i need to change the ones on my E92 320D m sport Highline. The suspension was already lowered from Factory and originally fitted with B4's as OEM the SE models with Sachs, i changed the rear shocks in 2018 the differences were night and day but having some money to spare i want the car to feel good again, so i was thinking about installing coil overs the BC racing until i seen many reviews of negativity for street driving, so i think i am going to get the B8's after your experiences (thank you so much) and for showing how to install 💯 Professional.
Suspension parts with rubber bushings should be torqued with the car on the ground.
From the first moment of your video... I knew I liked your style... Clean... Budget conscious...precise... So glad I found your Chanel.... Good to meet you mate!
Thats very nice of you. Im glad you found my channel. Happy holidays mate
😊🤙@@OEMplusRESTO
First moment for me....just some guy doing a video to hopefully make money.
thanks for the review, maybe in the future do a Koni comparsion
This is great timing am getting ready to order up some shocks for my 330ci.
Happy i could help
Guys plz read this: The biggest difference between B8 and B4s is the LONGEVITY. One of my front B4s was shot after 20.000miles/ 32.000km (1 1/2 years of use). The B8 shocks/struts last MUCH longer. B8 shocks/struts and OEM msport springs is a very very good combination. Eibach sportkit springs and B8 shocks/struts will be a bit on the harsh side. In any case the tyres are very important/ more important than B8 vs B4s. In normal temperatures (not very cold) try Michelin Pilot Sport 4 or 5 or the very very good Falken Azenis FK 510 / 520. These tyres will last less than others but the grip they provide is amazing.
Your channel is gold, please keep it up.
Thank you for the support ❤️
I had my wife's 2010 Golf struts replaced with B4 and they are excellent. The Bilstein website says it's about 10% stiffer, I think maybe 15-20%. The motions is quicker but much smoother. When you are going over speed bumps at low speeds; it feels very compliant but will firm up when you are driving at higher speeds. The price is very good also. I just placed an order for a set of B4 on my 2018 Q5. Can't wait to have them on my car.
Thank you for the insight. I think for vag cars you can sometimes do it cheaper with sachs kits on ebay but you cant really go wrong with billies either:)
The perceived 15-20 percent is likelt because shocks get mushy and "soft" after a while
Thank you mate! That BMW underside looks like new! I just ordered the B4 because there is no more gas in my OEM shocks and it started handling dangerously. In the NL we have so many speed bumps on the roads that any cheap suspension can wear out fast.
Thank you for the compliment. Im honestly considering going back to b4’s again but want to wait until i hve compared the b8’s to the b14’s as it will be easier to compare them like that. Im a bit worries the b4’s wont last long though. Maybe 50k before needing replacement. Please let me know how you like them and if you have any annoyamces with them once installed:)
Really informative video, thanks! About to upgrade to B8's. What is the model number of the Eibach's you used?
Thank you:) I cant remember off the top of my head but i know its somewhere in the cheap mtech vs bilstein b4 video. There i use the same springs. Should be in the description.
I’m not on a track so I’m running Monroe’s and I’m enjoying them just as much daily.
Bang on! Thanks!
The b8 are made for lowered cars. The b6 is for stock springs.
Usually Bilstein B6 are fitted with Eibach pro kit black lowering springs
My Touring wagon E46 has the B8 lowering kit from factory, and I'm going to switch to the taller stock B4/B6 suspension... Lowered, I can barely take on speed bumps, railroad crossings, etc. 🤦 Feels great on smooth roads, but I need the clearance. Good to know they're almost identical, aside from height
B4/B6 are for OEM ride heights or moderate drops with lowering springs. The B8s are for use on cars lowered 30mm+. B12s are coilovers.
B12 is b8 shocks with eibach springs. B14 and b16 are the coilovers
@OEMplusRESTO It varies by car. For my Mazda, the B12s are coils. They don't offer the B14 or B16 for it. I have B8s with H&R springs that work well.
What Mazda? Did you trim the rear bump stops when installing the B8? Or did you keep the OEM ones?
@@stefanosilimbani9285 Depends on the springs, but B8s on my car are intended for 30mm drops or more. You'd need to trim (top portion) or find a suitable aftermarket option.
What you recommend to me i have e46 on einbach pro kit, B6 or B8?
Thanks for informative vid. Nice that you put captions, and torque. Had b12 kit on mine, so harsh in the town(felt like it didnt even compress, alao on speedbumps). Once at speed, perfect. Couldnt live with it daily, also ride height not nice. Would be nice you inserted a sideshot of the car. Bought HR komfort kit, as comfy as stock, low(bit too much riding bumpstops but livable for a grown man😂. Keep up the good work :) What else do you have planned for e46 platform?
Thanks for the insight. Rideheight remained unchanged due to using the same springs but i’ll try and do so next time. Take before/after photos Right now im working on a video of steering couplers. Worn vs oe vs solid. And then id like to test koni dampers vs the b12, and b12 vs b14.. but after that im probably done with suspension Just got a different ratio diff so ill be testing some diff ratios as well, and hopefully also a torsen conversion later down the line. And a million other things lol Really glad you find it informative. What e46 do you have?
@@OEMplusRESTO oh cool, thought you are gonna lose interest in your car! Interesting plans!! M54b30 touring with shorter diff:) (a b22 one)
@kwaki82 ooh. Id love a 330ia touring for a daily driver. My best daily driver ever was a e39 530ia Well yes and no. Once the car is fully restored and i have tested out all mods that make sende i will probably go for a e82, e90 or maybe an e30.. but thats probably a few years down the line as im a bit slow (and poor lol)
@@OEMplusRESTO mine is manual. If gearbox is not zf6 than no thanks... Drove e39 525, GM auto, it kills the car. Doesnt lock soon and just "scooters away"... Maybe 530 was different?
@@kwaki82 mine had the zf. Ok not sure about the zf or getrag or what they call it. But it wasnt a gm that i do recall. Its been a few years. Normally i prefer manuals as well. But i spend a lot of time (relatively) in traffic to and frem the factory i work at, so having an automatic for a dd is just that much easier. Which makes me kinnda stupid because i dd an up gti(manual) now that i sold the e39.. but i miss it more than my m5 for reasons i cant quite make sense of lol
Running B8 and H&R sport/sport springs in my e39. Loving it so far. I don’t find it a bad ride given the roads around my area here in Auckland New Zealand are pretty poor, car feels very planted and level through hard cornering. Interestingly, the combo I have didn’t require spring compressor to stitch together. Used new spring pads and plates with all new hardware and they just slotted together only needing a press with the palm of my hand to get thread started with top nut. I probably have different expectations but I can see and feel the added value in the B8’s.
Its aleays nice when theyre easy to assemble:) which e39 if i may ask. I have had a 530i and a m5.. oddly i miss the 530i the most!
@@OEMplusRESTO 530i. The facelift Msport variant(2001) I’ve had it around 5 years and probably neglected it for most of that time if I’m honest. I decided to take a good look at it 6 months or so ago and came to realise it’s actually a really well constructed vehicle and worth my time putting some effort into it, hence new suspension when I saw a leaking front shock. I was going to buy another e34 540i but decided to just refresh everything on the 39 because it’s been such a reliable car. I’ve replaced the entire cooling system over the 5 years as parts broke but apart from oil changes it’s had no other maintenance, but been used daily.
@@sonic_attack my fuel pump went out but otherwise was pretty bulletproof. Well maybe except for the abs acting up. Had it not been for the abs units taking a crap on you in virtually all e39’s it had been the ultimate bmw imo
@@OEMplusRESTO That and the cup holders!
Lol too true.. spilled a monster energy drink in mine because of it.. theyre truly horrible
Im thinking to go for B4 setup as I want my 2012 Mercedes E350 close to OEM as my current stock setup is too bumpy and rusty, Idk if they are good anymore. I dont need a sporty setup as E-class is more as a luxury car and want it to be more comfortable but this is a great video!! This is really what I wanted to hear about B4
Thank you. B4’s will differ between cars as the b4 is “just” the oem option. The b4 is tested were the mtech ones so theyre valved a bit stiffer than the non mtech ones. I hope yours will serve you well:)
Hi, im looking for better comfort in my bmw f10 , which bilstein are best for me ? Eibach b12 ? Thanks !
Here are the facts: The B4s felt as if they were "dancing" because, they were fitted with Lowering Springs. Thus, the shock was already compressed. The B8s (on the other hand) felt more composed because, the tube is shorter - thus, not compressing prematurely when on lowering springs. In order to make a comparison - each set-up needs to be tested under the conditions they are designed for. If anyone wants a more "Track" capable car, then B8s and lowering springs are your option. If you wish to refresh your suspension and keep the stock ride height, then B4s do provide a slight dampening advantage over stocks. B8's will ride hard, so if you daily - then be prepared for a jolting ride.
Got my hduty rears fitted last week. 2009 FG Ford Sedan. 253K km Brilliant. AUSSIE MADE😊 Front B8 Struts next Week. Just the struts. SPRINGS are good enough for now. So i'll Update in a couple of weeks. 1000km drive coming up...😂❤... Ozzie John. Good video. Thanks. Potenza tyres are brilliant Ctype...
Thanks
You should check Koni Active Special - FSD technology stiff on corners, fluffy on low speeds and bumps. It is not so expensive, but as I hear great compromise.
Id very much like to:)
I have the old model, Koni FSD ( gold yellowish sand color ) and they are the best of both worlds, Koni Special Active are the red ones and replaced the old FSD. I like the FSD's and I have them paired with Eibach Pro-Kit and H&R Anti-Roll bars. I haven't tried any of Bilsteins yet but I plan to...
Im looking for shocks and apeings for my e61 525d. I just want something that doesnt feel like a boat in the swings. Do you have anything you recommend?
Id say b12 just to be sure.. or b6 woth the original springs if you want to do it cheaper and without lowering
I have an audi a4 b8 avant with confort suspension. I wanna go eibach pro kit + bilstein b4 sport. I hope this is a good combination for more sport feeling and keeping some confort. :)
Sounds cool:) beware its not all standard shocks that can take a lowering spring without hitting the endstops during speedbumps etc..
Had a b6 avant quattro 1.8t.. loved that car to hell and back. Its what started my german car fetish truth be told
@@OEMplusRESTO well, audi a4 b8 comes with 3 suspensiom, confort sport and s line so i should be fine with 3 cm lower considering s line is 5 cm lower than confort, right ?
@alexandru2373 not necessarily. A stock comfort shock will most like have not that much compression ledt once the lowering springs remove the first maybe 2 or 3cm or so. Its impossible for me to tell without having researched it myself though. For my 330ci there was barely enough travel left once the lowering springs were on, ans i needed shortened bumpstops to get the most possible range of motion of the shock I dont know if your car will have problema with lowering springs though. Id i were you id google eiback springs om comfort shocks or join a fb group dedicated to b8’s and ask there if anyone has done it.
@@OEMplusRESTO ah no.. i will put bilstein b4 sport shoks 😃
I am on B12 set from 2016(Bilstein shocks+black Eibach springs).Car is E46 320 Ci.I like that setup.😎
I do too. Enough that i wont bother to switching back to the b4 setup as the difference in comfort is not enough to justify it. And i like that the handling is better at the limit as well
Btw. Have they gotten worse since 2016? and how many miles? I have a feeling the monotuve setup is more durable
@@OEMplusRESTO Since I've put that set on the car I done around 60 KKm.I have a nice road in my area,so when I drive on bad road,that suspension is a bit too hard,but in faster driving in corners an bumps in highway it works good for me,and on hard brakeing also very good.
Well put. I hope someone reads your review before making a decision then.
Hej tak for en lærerig video 👍🏼 Ved du om bilisten b4 med Eibach fjeder passer til en Skoda Octavia III Combi (5E5) 2017 ?
Både og. Jeg ved det findes. Men feks på min 330ci måtte jeg bruge forkortet støv manchetter for det ku lade sig gøre. Ved ikke nok om mk3 platformen til jeg ved om det også bliver et problem for dig, eller om du ligesom på min up! vil have rigeligt med plads til de originale manchetter og stødpude. Hvis det er tilfældet kan man måske bruge stødpude og manchetter fra en vrs? Kender ikke nok til platformen til jeg tør udtale mig om du får samme problem som på min 330ci eller om du er skånet som det var tilfældet på min up!
@@OEMplusRESTOtak for svar og indput 👍🏼 Jeg har fundet noget som hedder B12 pro kit. Og det ser ud til de passer til skodaen. Kender du noget til B12 og Kan du anbefale dem eller fortælle noget om dem?
@@mo84dk b12 kittet har jeg testet og kører med stadigt. Det lidt mere hårdt og sporty end standard synes jeg. Men ikke sådan at man skal til kiropraktoren bagefter. Men rigtig meget komfort/eller mangel på komfort, kommer også fra din hjul afhængig af hvad du kører med. Som tommelfingerregl vil større diameter kører mindre komfortabelt grundet mindre dækside.
The rear shock bottom mounting bolt, should be torqued with the suspension loaded. Otherwise it all looks good. Bouncing is more due to the spring rates, a bit less so about the dampers. Monotube is better overall. Most ppl will get the spring rates wrong, and even the manufacturers sell spring rates that are not suited for the car. Look up "flat ride" harmonics.
Thanks for making me aware of it. Monotube vs twintube there are advantages to both imo. And i think youre right about sprinrates. My omd e36 m3 i tried 3 different sets of oe springs before buying eibachs for ir. Not only did i not loose any comfort, it handled better too. And looked better(though that is subjective)
hey in the links in the description the b4 front left shock is for standard suspension and the link for the right is the m tech version??
Theyre both for mtech. One ends in 31 and the other in 48 in part numbers.
Hello and thanks for excellent video. I am considering shock replacement for my 2004 330CI M-Sport 2, 142.000kilometers. EU-version. In my mind i think i would like to keep it in standard ride height, as the car is 100% original. M-sport 2 ride height works for me just fine. Do you agree, that Bilstein B4 M-sport shock version would be ideal replacement for old tired shocks? I dont do track driving or anything like that it is automatic cruising machine for summer season. Do you have part numbers for M-sport 2 package Bilstein B4 shocks, front+rear? Best regards from Finland.
Hi. Sounds like a lovely car. You can find the part numbers in the description. They sre really good so can only recommend.
Where did you get the tourqe specs for this job? Great video
Thank you. Got them from a manual online. You can find most e46 torque specs very easily:)
Would be nice to see a comparison between the Bilsteins and the Koni yellows
I would too. And have been contemplating it for some time. First id like to do a b12 vs b14 though:-)
I' ve been using the B6 in different cars and they work best for me👍👍
The more i drive the car the more i begin to appreciate the b8(b6) tbh. Maybe because i have forgot how great the b4’s felt but still. theyre still really good
@@OEMplusRESTO You can also try an emergency stop and you will see a clear difference👌👌
@krustysfunbodegas thats a really good idea. Thanks. Im gonna try that when i compare it with the b14
Can I use b6 with lowered springs? 😅 my mechanic did that in the rear and need to replace oem m sport suspension in the front which is on oem lowered springs
@henrik1743 it depends on the car. Normally b8’s are for lowered springs but if the springs are super low you’ll likely be fine yes
How much did the lowering springs and the B8s lower the car? It sounds like the Eibach springs were well matched, any thoughts?
This video goes into detail about that subject The SHOCKING Truth - Eibach vs H&R vs OE vs Budget Lowering Springs kzhead.info/sun/qrKmesqwemNrhn0/bejne.html
this video explains it The SHOCKING Truth - Eibach vs H&R vs OE vs Budget Lowering Springs kzhead.info/sun/qrKmesqwemNrhn0/bejne.html
I ordered Bilstein shock absorbers for my E60, I have an M chassis, so I chose the Bilstein shock absorbers adapted for M chassis and I would also like to change the springs but I cannot find any suitable for the M chassis of this brand. Should I then buy M springs from another brand or Bilstein springs but not suitable for M chassis?
Im no expert on E60's though i love them too. But id go for a m chassis spring as the normal rideheight will have to be compressed alot to fit on a (what i assume) is a shorter M chassis shock. But if the old springs arent rusty or looks to be liek theyre about to break id reuse them. Springs are almost non service items if rust doesnt get to them first
@@OEMplusRESTO ok thank you for your answer 👍
why did you install bump stops ( 4.17) on the rears when the bump stop is built into the rear B6?
Afaik its only the fronts that have internal bumpstops. But i could be wrong and have made a mistake. Will have to look into it further now. Thanks for bringing it to my attention
@@OEMplusRESTO FCP Euro explanation of the Bilstein differences kzhead.info/sun/p9d_Zc15q5uaY4E/bejne.html
i think the internal bump stop is for rebound not compression.
what is then point of using a torque wrench when you give it an extra shove AFTER the click .
Im just a bit weird here but youre the first one that notices it. Before wrencing on bmw i never used torque wrenches and did everything but headbolts by hand feel. That sometimes sticks to me if feel its not quite enough. Occupational hazard? Dont know. But thanks for making me mpre aware of it. Its stupid i know
So I have a couple questions I have a 2004 BMW 330xi and I am wrapping my head over and over on what's suspension to get I want to keep it comfortable but I want to lower it and I just want to the ride feel to be nice what I've been thinking about b6's with ibach loring springs or b8s with h&r lowering springs or vice versa what do you think would be the best for me to still drive with comfort I live in Chicago tons of potholes but like I said I wanted to lower my stance and I was going to put some 10 or 15 mm extenders on my wheels
Or any other suspension you would suggest like I said it's a daily driver and sometimes I have a lot of luggage in my trunk cuz I fly out of the country every week so and I always have tools in my trunk also so like I said anything advised would be great
The best you can do to keep it comfortable is throw aome 17” wheels on it:) i have tried the above mwntions and theyre not as far apart comfortwise as youd think when running those tires. How long do you plan to keep the car? The last time i was in chicago the roads seemed decent? I was only in and around the airport area snd 15mimuted away from the airport area. If thats the case you could definitely get away with a lowered b8 with eibachs (b12 package)
@@OEMplusRESTO I'm about 20 minutes from the airport.. and I have the stock 17s on it.. I plan on keeping it for another 7 years or so... As I already did the whole refresh cooling system and vanos solenoid and rear axle and center bearing gebo... Belts vanos reseal.. all new diff fluids with transmission filter, fluid and pan gasket...
@@christophervillarrealdelao1177 the b6 with eibachs will be sligtly more comfortable than the b8/hr setup. Shocks are the same valving so it will come down to the springs. And the difference isnt huge. But its there. And if the roads are full of potholes id feel better about the slightly higer rideheight of eibachs vs hr’s
@@OEMplusRESTO also while I'm doing the suspension I will be doing the lower control arms and Ball joints front and rear...
Is it possible you contact you with email about this B12 pro kit / suspension question?
IG is probably easier but yes:)
Would you care to see a b14 review? Its not much more expensive than the b12. Or possibly a koni srt vs b12? Let me know and leave a comment. Hit that sub to if you want to support me🙌
Hi, would be very happy to see review about b14. Now thinking about buying them, but have doubts about whether to pay extra for b16 or look towards KW
Yes, absolutely.
@arkadyvishnevsky9315 b14 is fine for a street car. Only go adjustable if you actually track the car frequently.
er du fra dk? or are my ears cheating me 😅
@dan64654 dansker❤️
Just one thing, aren't you supposed to tighten the rear lower shock bolts at ride height?
In practice, it doesnt matter as tigthening it down doesnt add any load on the rubber bushing. All other bushings more or less you have to yes
@@OEMplusRESTO good, glad it doesn't matter that much in this case. I'm asking for a friend, of course . That friend might have tightened them on my car...
@fransb8543 im happy you asked. There might be shocks for the e46 that does but neither of the bilsteins ive tested needed it. I have done it on other cars that had a slightly different construction
@@OEMplusRESTO my E46 convertible had B4's in the rear too so I guess it's the same. I'm currently dusting it off out of winter storage and preparing it for some repair and maintenance, so I'm massively enjoying a binge watch of your channel on a cold and rainy Dutch sunday here. Cheers!
@@fransb8543 thank you. Im happy to have someone to share it with. Greetings from denmark. I hope ypu get that convertible ready for summer:-)
Why did you put bump stops on the B6? They have internal bump stops so the externally ones are unnecessary.
Only in the front. The rears still meed them
@@OEMplusRESTO true! Just finished doing B6's on my 968.
@jeffhammond8969 i was in doubt myself but some googling saved me lol. 968 you say?? Sweet ride
@@OEMplusRESTO thanks! Will be glad to get it back on the road as soon as I get restored calipers installed.
@jeffhammond8969 i can imagine. Daily driver? Weeekend car? Track car?
👍🏼
Just ordered b12 pro kit from autodoc for my 135i for 484 euros! What a steal :D If not discounts, i would get koni strt.
That is a steal!! Congrats. Having done more miles on them since video i really like them too. They soften up a bit after a few hundred miles too
And a 135i too.. im jealous. When this car is done im going after a 335 or 135 myself.. but first i need to finish a few things and do a follow up to this video with the b14 version!!
@@OEMplusRESTO thats good to hear, I am really woried that they can be very stiff, i have bad roads in my town 😅👍.
@@OEMplusRESTO i had experience only with ta technix coilovers, on a bad roads they was terrible, very bouncy… coilovers for around 1.5k euros HAVE to ride better 😂
@@OEMplusRESTO i went for 135i because its more individual then 335i, in my country Latvia its only around 15 135i’s… also e82 is lighter and have 6pot performance brakes, its more sportier imo.
i have the b8 in the eibach package (B12) and i dont like them.
I've had both B8 and B4 in my 1 series and prefer the B4. The current B4 variants I have are custom tuned for UK roads in collaboration with a UK tuner and there fantastic. People are quick to judge them!
Theyre great and budget friendly too. Whats not to like! Thanks for the insight
@@OEMplusRESTO Better than original BMW is all that matters!
Why do you prefer the b4?
@danh9225 same question, I have a leaking strut and I'm going over and over on what to get, b4, b6, b8... b12, wish I could afford b16. Don't wanna get coilovers bc of the family.
@@JuanLeury It needs some thought. My mate has the same car as me. He replaced (rears only) with B6 or B8 (Ill update when I ask him later) I've been in it a few times without knowing at the time what shocks he used honestly felt good planted don't remember being unduly uncomfortable but Its also a question of economics as well the b4s are half the price! I'm leaning toward B4 at the moment
I have the same shocks. Are these shocks rebuildable?
I dont think they are no. Maybe by bilstein but i dont think mere mortals like me have the tools and parts access tp do so
@@OEMplusRESTO from Bilstein B6 front shock absorbers all the way to the most expensive , yes they are rebuildable. Only the fronts if i am not mistaken
Monotube shocks are always less comfortable on small bumps due to their design.
I did not know that. Thank you
Due to their internal gas pressure
Thank you for this information but I have some feedback. While the video was good and I found the information I was looking for, this video could've been 70% shorter than it had to be. The installation part could've been cut much much shorter. And when you started driving the car you could've said the conclusion first (tldr) and then start talking about the differences. Whatever the case, thank you for this and i hope your youtube takes off sir
Thank you for the input. I appreciate any help i can get. Glad you found the i fo you were after
Euro Newton Meters SMH!
just buy b12
what’s the difference between b8 and b12?
The b12 comes with eibach springs. B8 are just shocks
No rust!!!
Hopefully not:)
What a waste of energy