istundra

Hi,

I am planning to replace my shocks & struts for my 2004 BMW 530i Base model.

I have my eyes on Bilstein shocks & struts. I see they offer B4, B6, and B8. I prefer installing the stiffest possible... so B8 would be my choice.

Since my car is base model and i see B8 listed for Sport Suspension... can i install them on my Base model?

Could i continue to use my Base model springs with the B8 struts & shocks?

ranger530i

This is a very good question because I was thinking of doing the same thing! This is a great forum so I'm sure someone will be along shortly to blow our socks off with their knowledge!

KyleB

I have OEM sport springs and B8 Bilstein sport shocks on my non-sport '04 530i. yes they will fit, just make sure you ar pairing them with some type of sport/lowering spring. I would not pair B8 sport shocks with your stock springs. also,expect a stiffer ride than what you had before

BimmerFan52

+1
Yes you definitely want to use B8s with lowered springs, whether they are OE sport or other.

I have a sport suspension and had one of my OE front struts starting to leak pretty badly so last week I put on B8s and reused the stock (lowered) springs. The sport suspension is great to begin with and I never imagined what a difference the B8s would make in cornering. Fantastic. Steering and handling is now as precise as a surgeon's scalpel.

Yes they are firmer, but I like the firmness. I doubt I would do B8s if I had to drive in say Chicago everyday with pot holes large enough to swallow the car, but the roads in Phoenix are largely very good without the freeze and thaw cycle or salt so overall I am very happy with the combination.

I'll do the rears in a few weeks.

istundra

Thanks!

How about the B6, could i continue to use my standard Base springs with the B6?

I want to only replace things as i need to... If i were to replace the springs, which one is with the minimal drop? Eibach Pro-Kit?

BimmerFan52

You might either contact a local shop new you who sells Bilstein or one of the many online distributors. I'm sure Bilstein could be contacted directly for advise also.

I purchased mine from Bavarian Autosport, who happens to be running a sale on Bilstein struts and shocks, and since they focus on BMWs they can give you feedback from other users on springs, struts and your specific vehicle.

KyleB

yes, B6 is the shock to pair with your stock non-sport springs.

Eibach pro-kit or H&Rs are the spring of choice for most E60 owners. You could always pick up a set of used OEM sport springs on the forum here or ebay. Expect about a 3/4" inch drop with OEM sports, with 1.2 to 1.4" of drop with the aftermarkets.

If you are happy with your ride height, keep your springs and put on the B6 dampers.

istundra

Thanks for the feedback! I think i am going to go with the OEM Sport Suspension. I saw some guy in FS section has set that lower 15MM (approx .5")... i think i can tolerate.

I just don't want to throw the alignment off too much...

still need to do some research on the alignment and on spring choice. Pro-Kit vs. OEM Sport springs.

Kyle- how's the alignment w/ this setup (OEM Sport springs + B8)? are the tires wearing evenly?

Do 550 and 545 and 535 springs fit our base 530i? from which model do i reference for the springs for my base model 530i?

nyceric03

I have used both B6 and B8 (Bilstein HD = B6) and Bilstein Sport =B8) on my non-sport 530i. They're basically the same except the B8 is made for shorter sport springs. So if you go for the B8 you'll need lowering springs to get the best effect otherwise itll be a bit bouncey cause of the taller regular springs.

I've used the B8 with H&R sport springs and it handled well but obviously rode rough especially with the crappy roads in nyc. I then went back to the B6 and stock non sport springs which to me gave the best mix of sportiness and comfort.

I've been told 550 springs and 545 springs aren't good for the 530i/525i cause their springs were made to support the heavier weight of the 550/545 so it may make your car ride funny.

You can just google H&R sport springs/ Eibach/ etc for the 530i. Or you can get the oem sport springs for the 530i.

ranger530i

what would be the best setup up for a smoother ride?