Bilstein B6 - Spring Perch Failure

[yupetc]

Originally Posted by engineerofsorts

I'm going to have to ask a question. Were these the front struts that failed?

From looking at the design of the spring perch, these look like Billstein's b6 rear design. B6 struts for the front have a spring perch that is able to support much more weight as it actually sits atop the strut itself.

Everyone's first conclusion is to jump to the most complex answer... but I must ask... (not even sure it would be possible but)

Did they install the rears in the front?

Rear shocks got no perch, those cannot be mixed with the front. Your question is moot. Try another.

[cjbryant]

Originally Posted by engineerofsorts

I'm going to have to ask a question. Were these the front struts that failed?

From looking at the design of the spring perch, these look like Billstein's b6 rear design. B6 struts for the front have a spring perch that is able to support much more weight as it actually sits atop the strut itself.

Everyone's first conclusion is to jump to the most complex answer... but I must ask... (not even sure it would be possible but)

Did they install the rears in the front?

For what it’s worth. I was able to source 2 new B6’s not from FCP Euro and had them installed by the exact same shop/exact same installer. They’ve been on the car for a year now with no issues. I still feel that there was a manufacturing defect with the first set I received.

[beattiecj]

Originally Posted by engineerofsorts

I'm going to have to ask a question. Were these the front struts that failed?

From looking at the design of the spring perch, these look like Billstein's b6 rear design. B6 struts for the front have a spring perch that is able to support much more weight as it actually sits atop the strut itself.

Everyone's first conclusion is to jump to the most complex answer... but I must ask... (not even sure it would be possible but)

Did they install the rears in the front?

I don’t think this is possible the rears have totally different mounting options, I.e. the bottom of the strut has a round hole for a bolt to attach to the car vs the fronts that slide into a sleeve. Also the front collars are not easily removed and there is no way you could attach the front shocks to the rear.
Have been running these bilsteins, towing over 3k miles with at least a total of 8k miles and have been solid.

[tfunk88]

Originally Posted by cjbryant

For what it’s worth. I was able to source 2 new B6’s not from FCP Euro and had them installed by the exact same shop/exact same installer. They’ve been on the car for a year now with no issues. I still feel that there was a manufacturing defect with the first set I received.

Yep, something was definitely wrong with those perches. Even if you don’t clock the spring correctly in the rubber mounts that shouldn’t happen, it’d just make the ride height uneven

[lonestar22]

You've talked me out of B6's successfully

[tfunk88]

Originally Posted by lonestar22

You've talked me out of B6's successfully

I’ve had them on my X5 since mid-summer and love them. Though if you’re looking for more comfort vs handling I’d go with the B4’s

[WhiskeyTangoFox]

I think I know what happened here as it almost happen to me. The struts come with the lower perch in a parked position other than the installed position. It’s about 1” higher and usually at about a 10 degree angle. It looks and feels like the perch is made that way for final fitment, but trust me it’s not. You need to wack the perch with a rubber mallet and it will break free and drop, it will also spin freely when in its final resting place. It’s very deceiving and will take full coil spring pressure with it in the wrong position. I can picture his exact failure happening once it broke free. That potential to kinetic energy would be enough to break the lower perch. I imagine this is what happened to the OP. Hope this saves somebody else.

[yupetc]

I've recently moved onto a set of KONI Active Sport (FSD) shocks. Way better than the B6's in terms of comfort, and handling is still pretty taught when paired with the Eiback Pro springs. I now have a set of H&R springs and B6 shocks left, wouldn't push anyone to buy these because of how harsh and jarring the ride is; however, tracking it makes these a dream set to have; just sucks at everyday grocery getting.