Bilstein B6 review

[mikew2069]

Originally Posted by menelaos

Wow, B6s are really a beast by the numbers above. Ride is really good, however there is still some body roll on turns, which I was entertaining to reduce by HRs, but I guess it will kill the ride altogether. B4 could do the trick.

That’s interesting that you feel like there’s too much body roll. I felt like this truck was on rails when taking turns with the B6 in. Turns definitely put a smile on my face.

[jmack123]

Originally Posted by mikew2069

That’s interesting that you feel like there’s too much body roll. I felt like this truck was on rails when taking turns with the B6 in. Turns definitely put a smile on my face.

Do you have any experience with KW V3s? I'm curious as to how the B6s stack up from a value perspective. Obviously I don't expect them to be anywhere near KWs, but ultimately are they a good value alternative?

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by mikew2069

That's interesting that you feel like there's too much body roll. I felt like this truck was on rails when taking turns with the B6 in. Turns definitely put a smile on my face.

Did you try them w/stock shocks, or HRs to capture "turn" experience above?

[mikew2069]

Originally Posted by jmack123

Do you have any experience with KW V3s? I'm curious as to how the B6s stack up from a value perspective. Obviously I don't expect them to be anywhere near KWs, but ultimately are they a good value alternative?

Yes I had KW V3 for a while. They’re probably the most well rounded option out there if your goal is to go low and you still want comfort. I personally felt they were too bumpy up front so I moved on to tinker with other options. But The backs were perfect.... if you’re goal is keep stock ride height, I think B6 should pair great with the stock springs.

Looks like I’ll have to sell these rear B6 shocks since I can’t return them once they’ve been mounted.

[mikew2069]

Originally Posted by menelaos

Did you try them w/stock shocks, or HRs to capture "turn" experience above?

Did you mean to ask if I tried them with the stock springs? I did not. I only had them in with the H&R springs.

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by mikew2069

Did you mean to ask if I tried them with the stock springs? I did not. I only had them in with the H&R springs.

Yeah, that's probably why there was no body roll.

[jmack123]

Originally Posted by menelaos

Yeah, that's probably why there was no body roll.

How would you rate stock performance vs B6 performance? Worth the investment?

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by jmack123

How would you rate stock performance vs B6 performance? Worth the investment?

Unquestionably, it's a hurdle-jumping horse on acceleration. Stock ride is like being on a boat.
Only issue is you can't be lowered. If you're on a snow belt area, like I am, it's perfect!

[jmack123]

Originally Posted by menelaos

Unquestionably, it's a hurdle-jumping horse on acceleration. Stock ride is like being on a boat.
Only issue is you can't be lowered. If you're on a snow belt area, like I am, it's perfect!

Yea I'm in the Northeast U.S. and am interested in improving handling/performance. I love the idea of KW V3's, but not the price. How much did it cost you to get the B6's installed (i.e. what was your all in price)?

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by jmack123

Yea I'm in the Northeast U.S. and am interested in improving handling/performance. I love the idea of KW V3's, but not the price. How much did it cost you to get the B6's installed (i.e. what was your all in price)?

$1000 for the set (took nearly 3 months to arrive!) + $400 to install.

[mikew2069]

Originally Posted by mikew2069

I just did some informal testing. I basically put each shock on a scale, zeroed it out and then applied just enough pressure to get the shock moving. Here are the results. Each of these should probably be posted with a +/- 7lbs because it was hard to keep the pressure constant so that the shocks would barely compress.

Stock - 25lbs
Silver - 70lbs
B4 - 32lbs
B6 - 95lbs

As soon as I get the B4 in, which should be Monday or Tuesday, I'll test those and add to this list. I'm hoping they are in the 60-80lb range which I think will pair nicely with my H&R springs. We'll see!

Updated to include the B4 that I just got in.... I have to say, I'm pretty shocked (no pun intended) with how much stiffer the B6 is. That's basically 3x!

[Silververtu]

Originally Posted by mikew2069

Updated to include the B4 that I just got in.... I have to say, I'm pretty shocked (no pun intended) with how much stiffer the B6 is. That's basically 3x!

It was a few years back and i can't find it anymore, but there's a post mentioned that B4 strut is OEM strut. How does B4 compare to stock, in terms of shape, size, diameter, weight, etc?

[mikew2069]

Originally Posted by Silververtu

It was a few years back and i can't find it anymore, but there's a post mentioned that B4 strut is OEM strut. How does B4 compare to stock, in terms of shape, size, diameter, weight, etc?

They're very similar but there are some differences in the weight, body, etc. The B4 weighs 6.2lbs and the stock shock is 5.6.

B4 vs stock X5 by mikew2069, on Flickr

B4 vs stock X5 by mikew2069, on Flickr

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by mikew2069

They're very similar but there are some differences in the weight, body, etc. The B4 weighs 6.2lbs and the stock shock is 5.6.

B4 vs stock X5 by mikew2069, on Flickr

B4 vs stock X5 by mikew2069, on Flickr

Tested w/H&Rs yet?

[mikew2069]

Originally Posted by menelaos

Tested w/H&Rs yet?

No not yet. Honestly not sure when I’ll be able to. Maybe a week or two.

When I put the Silver shocks back in, I added a little more preload and it’s driving pretty amazing so I’m in no rush. But if I get bored and get a wild hair, I’ll do it and report back.

[MizikeTSK]

@menalaos Do you have a 35i or 50i? I wonder if the extra weight will make a differene with the B6 up front.

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by MizikeTSK

@menalaos Do you have a 35i or 50i? I wonder if the extra weight will make a differene with the B6 up front.

35i sir. As per testimonial, this set can handle extra weight.
Don't see an issue, so long as Bilstein says so.
Am pretty sure they tested it thoroughly!

[tlow98]

Really appreciate the info in this thread. I'm about to put B4s on and will report back in here or in my build log, if anyone's interested. I'm using them as stock replacements, so sadly, won't have a great comparison to B6s, which I'm always interested in.

To the OP - your experience with B6s mirrors mine on other BMW platforms. Highway beast and around town a tad more bump feel.

These are going on 35i x5 that has the mission of the do-it-all cruiser so I'll hold off on the B6s... for now :-)

[jmack123]

Originally Posted by tlow98

Really appreciate the info in this thread. I'm about to put B4s on and will report back in here or in my build log, if anyone's interested. I'm using them as stock replacements, so sadly, won't have a great comparison to B6s, which I'm always interested in.

To the OP - your experience with B6s mirrors mine on other BMW platforms. Highway beast and around town a tad more bump feel.

These are going on 35i x5 that has the mission of the do-it-all cruiser so I'll hold off on the B6s... for now :-)

I'd def be interested in hearing your experience with B4s. I just crossed the 50k threshold and plan to keep it till the wheels (almost) fall off, and am considering multiple options (coilovers, B6s, B4s).

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by jmack123

I'd def be interested in hearing your experience with B4s. I just crossed the 50k threshold and plan to keep it till the wheels (almost) fall off, and am considering multiple options (coilovers, B6s, B4s).

Yeah, mine is 68k, and coming from all original all around. I'll also be replacing front thrust arms and lower control arms. So, that will be an additional variable.

[hanggaw]

Been reading around but I can't find anyone mentioning combining the B6 and B4 on the SUV. Like putting the B6 shocks on the fronts and using the B4 shocks on the rear. Would this work?

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by hanggaw

Been reading around but I can't find anyone mentioning combining the B6 and B4 on the SUV. Like putting the B6 shocks on the fronts and using the B4 shocks on the rear. Would this work?

Not generally a good idea to mix/match front to rear. At the limit handling will be pretty unpredictable. Can you do it? Sure. Would any shop or automotive related company advise you to do this? No.