Need answers about replacing dampers

2012one35i · 06-22-2012, 11:50 PM

I have a 2012 135i with the linear springs and am trying to fix some of the suspension weirdness that became evident since I changed out the runflats.

M3 bits may be in my future, but for now I have decided to keep my stock springs and replace the dampers with Bilstein HD's. Some of the shops in my area have tried talking me out of it. They say it's more trouble than it's worth, BMW made it perfect the way it is, blah,blah, blah.

Is there something magically difficult with our suspension that I am unaware of, or is it pretty straightforward to replace dampers on this car? Is any reputable shop capable of doing this job?

I am a little spooked by the fact no one wants to do this.

nikijack · 06-23-2012, 09:50 AM

Hi: I did the job on my 128i. Easy job, a vast improvement, and the shocks should last for life.

Jack

Fireflyer239 · 06-23-2012, 09:54 AM

Bizarre! Any tech with a trace of enthusiast blood in his veins knows that stock dampers are typically a weak link. Anyway, they don't need to make the decision for you. It will be a great move for you. I was out driving this morning on local backroads and I'm still overwhelmed at the improvement I've gotten and the satisfaction it brings me each time I'm behind the wheel. Yeah, I did the performance springs too, but just the superior damping action of the Bilstiens makes me grin!

CentralPA E82 · 06-23-2012, 10:04 AM

I am running HDs with the stock springs, made a world of difference. Nothing but praise for Bilsteins here.

Elsabor67 · 06-23-2012, 02:03 PM

Bilstein Sport was my shock/strut of choice on my E30 and they were marvelous. Go for it. And the shops that are advising you not to do it...............I guess they don't want your business.

Dackelone · 06-23-2012, 03:41 PM

Also be aware that the only difference in Bilstein Sports vs HD's is that the Sports are designed to work with a lowered ride height. HD are designed for OE ride height or close to it. Otherwise both shocks have the same dampening.

2012one35i · 06-23-2012, 04:37 PM

Thanks for the info Dac! I'm not lowering the car, which is why I went with HD's. Well that, plus the price ($468 shipped), was too good to pass up.

MaC-N54-E82 · 06-23-2012, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2012one35i

Thanks for the info Dac! I'm not lowering the car, which is why I went with HD's. Well that, plus the price ($468 shipped), was too good to pass up.

Can you let me know where you picked up your HDs for that price?

INDPNDT · 06-24-2012, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaC-N54-E82

Can you let me know where you picked up your HDs for that price?

+1

2012one35i · 06-24-2012, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaC-N54-E82

Can you let me know where you picked up your HDs for that price?

http://www.bavauto.com/

yaymitch · 06-24-2012, 05:20 PM

Which Bilsteins would be good with the BMW performance springs? HD or Sport?

Fireflyer239 · 06-24-2012, 07:17 PM

HD, since the BMWP springs are so close to stock height. I have this combo and it's great.

yaymitch · 06-24-2012, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fireflyer239

HD, since the BMWP springs are so close to stock height. I have this combo and it's great.

Sweet, thanks!

Black Gold · 06-24-2012, 09:37 PM

They don't make sport dampers for the 135i.

Also, the reason the sports are designed for lowered cars is that they are shortened one inch to account for a shorter spring. The valving and everything else is the same between sport and hd.

This is one of the only shocks you can buy (not for the 135 unfortunately) that truly is a good match for a 1" drop or lower spring.

06-22-2012, 11:50 PM	#1
2012one35i Private 11 Rep 72 Posts Drives: Alpine White 2012 BMW 135i Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Troutdale, Oregon iTrader: (0)	Need answers about replacing dampers I have a 2012 135i with the linear springs and am trying to fix some of the suspension weirdness that became evident since I changed out the runflats. M3 bits may be in my future, but for now I have decided to keep my stock springs and replace the dampers with Bilstein HD's. Some of the shops in my area have tried talking me out of it. They say it's more trouble than it's worth, BMW made it perfect the way it is, blah,blah, blah. Is there something magically difficult with our suspension that I am unaware of, or is it pretty straightforward to replace dampers on this car? Is any reputable shop capable of doing this job? I am a little spooked by the fact no one wants to do this.
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06-23-2012, 09:50 AM	#2
nikijack Second Lieutenant 37 Rep 246 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i, Grey, manual Join Date: May 2010 Location: Markdale, On, Canada iTrader: (0)	Hi: I did the job on my 128i. Easy job, a vast improvement, and the shocks should last for life. Jack
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06-23-2012, 09:54 AM	#3
Fireflyer239 First Lieutenant 19 Rep 349 Posts Drives: BMW, Jeep, Ducati & Harley Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: New Haven, CT iTrader: (0)	Bizarre! Any tech with a trace of enthusiast blood in his veins knows that stock dampers are typically a weak link. Anyway, they don't need to make the decision for you. It will be a great move for you. I was out driving this morning on local backroads and I'm still overwhelmed at the improvement I've gotten and the satisfaction it brings me each time I'm behind the wheel. Yeah, I did the performance springs too, but just the superior damping action of the Bilstiens makes me grin! __________________
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06-23-2012, 10:04 AM	#4
CentralPA E82 Rookie 7 Rep 264 Posts Drives: 2009 128i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: New Cumberland, PA iTrader: (1)	I am running HDs with the stock springs, made a world of difference. Nothing but praise for Bilsteins here.
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06-23-2012, 02:03 PM	#5
Elsabor67 aiming for 450..... 304 Rep 2,910 Posts Drives: Totaled :-( Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Louisiana iTrader: (28) Garage List 2009 135i [10.00]	Bilstein Sport was my shock/strut of choice on my E30 and they were marvelous. Go for it. And the shops that are advising you not to do it...............I guess they don't want your business. __________________ Quote from Ezeedee regarding car mods: "you're only done when you sell the car "
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06-23-2012, 03:41 PM	#6
Dackelone European Editor 10628 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	Also be aware that the only difference in Bilstein Sports vs HD's is that the Sports are designed to work with a lowered ride height. HD are designed for OE ride height or close to it. Otherwise both shocks have the same dampening. __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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06-23-2012, 04:37 PM	#7
2012one35i Private 11 Rep 72 Posts Drives: Alpine White 2012 BMW 135i Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Troutdale, Oregon iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the info Dac! I'm not lowering the car, which is why I went with HD's. Well that, plus the price ($468 shipped), was too good to pass up.
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06-24-2012, 05:20 PM	#11
yaymitch Major 959 Rep 1,265 Posts Drives: 2020 M2CS & 2022 RSQ8 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Houston iTrader: (2)	Which Bilsteins would be good with the BMW performance springs? HD or Sport?
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06-24-2012, 07:17 PM	#12
Fireflyer239 First Lieutenant 19 Rep 349 Posts Drives: BMW, Jeep, Ducati & Harley Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: New Haven, CT iTrader: (0)	HD, since the BMWP springs are so close to stock height. I have this combo and it's great. __________________
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06-24-2012, 09:37 PM	#14
Black Gold Major General 593 Rep 5,396 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (15)	They don't make sport dampers for the 135i. Also, the reason the sports are designed for lowered cars is that they are shortened one inch to account for a shorter spring. The valving and everything else is the same between sport and hd. This is one of the only shocks you can buy (not for the 135 unfortunately) that truly is a good match for a 1" drop or lower spring. __________________
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