Suspension change advice Bilstein B14
 

Hi all,

It's about that time to replace my suspension. I have a 2007 550i with sport package. I also have the full Wald front bumper which is lower to the ground than the stock M sport bumper. My springs are shot so the front end is about an inch off the tires. The ride is firm but the handling is GREAT. Cornering is great as well. I don't mind the firmer ride.

I'm looking to replace the suspension but need the following
Great Cornering
No bouncy cheap feel
Don't want the slammed look
Trying to stay under $2000 including the install.

I'm leaning toward the Bilstein B14. Seems to be the entry level coilover kit on the market

I like the St coil overs but I know they won't last in the East Coast snow and salt. Kw's are pricey for me.

Does anyone have info on the Bilstein B14 kit? Please advise.

Thanks so much.

I ended up with STs. Have not installed yet but do not think they will get rusted that soon if you wash them and remove road salt. Just spraying with water would be enough. I going to put some good long lasting paint sealant on before installing them.

After trying some different setups I've found that the M-sport suspension is the best compromise on this vehicle for daily street driving. Stay away from the ST setup if you don't want bouncy and cheap. You might look into some springs and Koni's which seem more tailored for the street / autox. I have not had good experiences with coilover setups on the street..

I checked into the Koni FSD's and they state they are not meant for lowering springs. If coilover's are not the best for the street should I be considering the Bilstein B12 prokit. I've seen the B12 sportline (H&R springs) and it sits pretty low in the front and heard the ride is harsh. The B14's have adjustable ride height so I thought they would be better.

I was so exited to put the ST. But after seeing your post I am a little bit concernd. Every one has deferent likings but all I've read good reviews about ST and coilover in general. Is there someone how's running ST and happy with it before I install them.
Thanks

As stated in a separate post. I had ST installed on a different car. Overall I didn't like the feel of those coilovers. They tend to be very stiff and have a harsh ride.. Which I changed out to a different brand.

In the 1k price range I suggest going with BC BR coilovers.

It's pretty tricky to get a set of coilovers to both handle well on the street and have an acceptable ride... as myxyzxo found out on another vehicle. Our cars are even more severe because of the weight and heavy wheels/tires.


It really depends what you want to do, or in other words how much of a handling improvement you want vs. what you're willing to accept for ride quality. Even with higher end coilovers, I found the trade-off between better handling and ride quality to be too much. Therefore like I suggested above, if your suspension is old and tired I'd look into replacing with the M-sport springs and dampers. On my 07 550i they've been the best trade-off, but I do have ARS and active steering so my experience might be different than yours if you don't have these features.

So would I get the M sport springs and dampers from BMW and if so is there a specific year that I'm requesting?

After reading a thread from member G530 and checking with my mechanic I've decide to go with Bilstein B16 PSS10. The feedback seems good. I'll post an update once complete. If anyone has wheel specs pushed to the limits based on the new suspension that would be great. I would like to do the following.
19"s
245x40x19"
285x35x19"
These specs are the same as the standard 20" spec w/ 245x35 & 275x30
Or
255x35x19
295x30x19
Wheels are AG M359
19x9 et18
19x10 et25