Bilstein B8 Review (Short/Sweet)

[MdnytRyder]

Hey guys! Just got my Bilstein B8's, from Matt at ECS, installed last Friday to pair with my Emmanuelle Design springs. In short, it's the best riding performance car I've ever driven. The whole reason I started down this path was that after lowering the car it became apparent that my passenger front strut was weak and allowing the car to scrub when taking left hand turns and over uneven pavement. When I added the VMR 810's it became worse. So something had to change. The long and short of it is that I chose Struts/Shocks over coilovers and couldn't be happier.

The ride with the ED springs and B8's is far better than stock. Harsh road surfaces are dealt with with little fuss and it feels planted and confident. Thrown into a corner the car is very stable and uneven pavement or bridge spans in the middle of the curve do not upset it. Everyday driving is smooth and complaint while still feelin sporty.

I also added the ECS Dogbone and had the 034 Rear mount Insert. These together are a great combination for drivability.

All together, very satisfied with the combination.

Big thanks to ED and ECS for the help!

Oh and they look good behind the wheels also.




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[burn1]

That's great news. I have the same suspension setup for my 16 A3 Sline. Hopefully I will be installing all of it this weekend. I will reply back with my opinion and hope it is inline with yours!


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[MdnytRyder]

I hope so as well. I love mine!


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[oblique]

How's it feel when going over speed bumps or small pot holes? I'm in CT with the worst roads.
I have MSS kit's springs which are really good, but the last few weeks its been feeling like the bumps are getting harsher
while going over these bad roads. I'm thinking it's the stock struts dying out from being paired with the lowered springs.

[VWVW]

The ride with the ED springs and B8's is far better than stock. Harsh road surfaces are dealt with with little fuss and it feels planted and confident. Thrown into a corner the car is very stable and uneven pavement or bridge spans in the middle of the curve do not upset it. Everyday driving is smooth and complaint while still feelin sporty.

I have the Bilstein B12, which has the Eibach prokit springs + Bilstein B8 shocks. I second your opinion that the Bilstein B8 shocks are much better than stock. I am really glad I went with my setup.

[MdnytRyder]

How's it feel when going over speed bumps or small pot holes? I'm in CT with the worst roads.
I have MSS kit's springs which are really good, but the last few weeks its been feeling like the bumps are getting harsher
while going over these bad roads. I'm thinking it's the stock struts dying out from being paired with the lowered springs.

Honestly we are in the same boat. Our roads are laden with sunken pavement and potholes. Wouldn't think it would be that bad in the south. These soak them up better than any performance suspension I've owned. What I didn't mention is that when the struts/Shocks went on my ride height went up ever so slightly. Proof to me that the stockers, even with only 12k Miles on them, weren't up to the task of supporting the ED springs. I highly recommend them.


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[MdnytRyder]

I have the Bilstein B12, which has the Eibach prokit springs + Bilstein B8 shocks. I second your opinion that the Bilstein B8 shocks are much better than stock. I am really glad I went with my setup.

Man I was so close to doing those but I already had the ED springs. Really happy with the combination. Glad you like yours! Was wondering what people's thoughts of them might be.


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[VWVW]

Man I was so close to doing those but I already had the ED springs. Really happy with the combination. Glad you like yours! Was wondering what people's thoughts of them might be.


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The B12 is very good. Handling is great and the car is very comfortable. FTG is 25.5" for both front and rear. It is a very mild drop, so it may be too mild for some.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...12-Mini-Review

[oblique]

That's good to hear. I definitely will be looking into these soon. Thanks for the feedback!

[MdnytRyder]

The B12 is very good. Handling is great and the car is very comfortable. FTG is 25.5" for both front and rear. It is a very mild drop, so it may be too mild for some.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...12-Mini-Review

Yeah I am very happy with the total drop. I did put the rear pads on the springs, forgot to mention that. I can get one finger depth between the fender and the tire. Before the Bilstein's I couldn't get a finger in.


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[MdnytRyder]

That's good to hear. I definitely will be looking into these soon. Thanks for the feedback!

Hope you enjoy them! Really makes the car feel far more planted.


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[burn1]

Finally got around to installing the B8s and ED springs. Also, installed White Line adjustable front end links to go along with 034 Motorsports rear sway bar and end links. So far I am loving it! Definitely more of a planted feel versus OEM sport suspension.


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[MdnytRyder]

Finally got around to installing the B8s and ED springs. Also, installed White Line adjustable front end links to go along with 034 Motorsports rear sway bar and end links. So far I am loving it! Definitely more of a planted feel versus OEM sport suspension.

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Man that looks great. I will one day get the rest of your setup. Still love mine after a few weeks on.


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[MdnytRyder]

Does anyone know if the B14 coilovers have B8 shocks or other?

I am not 100% but I think they are dampened the same way. Pretty sure they are the same. Bilstein should be able to tell you though.


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[jp1seattle]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but how are the Bilsteins compared to the magnetic ride?

I'm in the market for an S3 and am not sure how crucial the mag-ride is compared to an upgraded stock suspension.

I've had Bilsteins in 3 of my mustangs and I love them.....would Bilsteins for the S3 be better than getting the magnetic ride?