Bilstein B6 review

[menelaos]

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?

Don't try it sir

[mikew2069]

I just returned to stock springs and put B4 shocks in because I'm handing the x5 down to my wife.

Coming from being lowered with coilovers, I have to say, the ride is very comfy. The rear actually feels planted and firm but the front is floaty AF. I know its not recommended but I almost think the B6 up front would match well with the B4 in the rear. Again, not recommended but if I was keeping this ride, I'd definitely give it a shot to test.

My tinkering with this platform is done unfortunately. It was fun while it lasted.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by mikew2069

I just returned to stock springs and put B4 shocks in because I'm handing the x5 down to my wife.

Coming from being lowered with coilovers, I have to say, the ride is very comfy. The rear actually feels planted and firm but the front is floaty AF. I know its not recommended but I almost think the B6 up front would match well with the B4 in the rear. Again, not recommended but if I was keeping this ride, I'd definitely give it a shot to test.

My tinkering with this platform is done unfortunately. It was fun while it lasted.

Thanks for the feedback!

New B4s were installed all around?

[mikew2069]

Originally Posted by tlow98

Thanks for the feedback!

New B6s and B4s were installed all around?

Just B4s

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by mikew2069

Just B4s

Whoops, I misspoke there. Got it and thanks. Not looking forward to 'floaty' up front but am looking forward to 'comfy'. Guess you can't have both with 'base' suspension unless you're willing to do some FCM B6 custom rebuilds. Can't have everything, I suppose!

[hanggaw]

Originally Posted by mikew2069

I know its not recommended but I almost think the B6 up front would match well with the B4 in the rear.

This is exactly what I had in mind when I asked my question but I won't do it until I read a feedback on someone who has actually done it.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by hanggaw

This is exactly what I had in mind when I asked my question but I won't do it until I read a feedback on someone who has actually done it.

It wouldn't do anything bad to the car. It's an suv not a race car.

[mikew2069]

Originally Posted by hanggaw

This is exactly what I had in mind when I asked my question but I won't do it until I read a feedback on someone who has actually done it.

Originally Posted by Maverik259

It wouldn't do anything bad to the car. It's an suv not a race car.

Just try it. I would 100% give it a try if I was keeping it.

[jmack123]

Anyone else have B6's on the forum? I've only seen a couple of reviews and am looking to see some other opinions on these. Particularly as it relates to comfort and reducing body roll.

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by jmack123

Anyone else have B6's on the forum? I've only seen a couple of reviews and am looking to see some other opinions on these. Particularly as it relates to comfort and reducing body roll.

What's the matter w/you brother... You don't trust us?

[jmack123]

Originally Posted by menelaos

What's the matter w/you brother... You don't trust us?

Lmao I trust you but I like to gather as much feedback as possible. Really I'm just looking for enough people to talk me into pulling the trigger

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by jmack123

Lmao I trust you but I like to gather as much feedback as possible. Really I'm just looking for enough people to talk me into pulling the trigger

Ain't gonna happen..F15 is long gone, who's gonna wait for 3 months to arrive on a "stale" model?

[Jambo1]

Originally Posted by jmack123

Anyone else have B6's on the forum? I've only seen a couple of reviews and am looking to see some other opinions on these. Particularly as it relates to comfort and reducing body roll.

I do - B6s front and rear, for two years now I think. The car rides way better, but noticed whenever I have rear passengers, they all complain way to much about a harsh ride. I’m entertaining putting in B4s in the rear and calling it a day.

[RED_Y_]

Originally Posted by Jambo1

I do - B6s front and rear, for two years now I think. The car rides way better, but noticed whenever I have rear passengers, they all complain way to much about a harsh ride. I’m entertaining putting in B4s in the rear and calling it a day.

I don't think this is a good idea to have different types of struts front and rear.

[MizikeTSK]

Originally Posted by Jambo1

I do - B6s front and rear, for two years now I think. The car rides way better, but noticed whenever I have rear passengers, they all complain way to much about a harsh ride. I’m entertaining putting in B4s in the rear and calling it a day.

Are you on aftermarket or stock springs?

[beattiecj]

Just put a set of B6s on my 35i, couple of thoughts

1. I drove around for a couple of weeks with the B6 in the rear and stock struts upfront, was totally fine to drive you can def tell the rear is much stiffer and when loaded up it handles it much better. (had to wait a few weeks until it was warm again to do the fronts).

2. Overall first impressions stock vs B6 - a bit stiffer/firmer but nothing to complain about makes the overall feel of the X5 better. I think this will be a much better option for towing as well and will provide input on that in a few weeks. I also had 65k on the original suspension - it felt fine, a little worn of course.

3. Install this was pretty straight forward
- Rears make sure you have a jack to push up on the strut to get it in place or have super human strength to compress it enough to get the bottom re-connected
- Fronts - just work your way from top to bottom (biggest headache was the top control arm (need to have a wedge to keep it open and a 4lb hammer with a small socket extension knocks it out no problem. A pass through socket set is a must for the sway bar end-link and removing the nut on the top of all struts.

Question when inserting the fronts the top hats found that it there is only one way to line up the 3 holes into the top assuming that is to keep the caster alignment? Just need confirmation. I tried to mark it as i pulled the old struts out, but also replaced the top hats with URO replacements which seemed very on par with the BMW original.