Steering and Suspension Update

Post your E12 technical questions and comments here. Please, no off-topic posts.

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gmonsen
Posts: 87
Joined: Tue Mar 30, 2021 1:06 pm

Steering and Suspension Update

Post by gmonsen »

I installed (40mm) H&R lowering springs, the Bilstein Touring Front struts, and Ireland Engineering front and rear sway bars. After initially experiencing some "notable" oversteer, loosening the rear bars changed the car's steering and really turned it into a fun drive. Much more neutral. The slightly stiffer front struts and lowering springs really made the handling come alive. It's been a long time since I have driven a car with worm and roller, I believe, steering. It's really rather nice. I've driven it a fair amount now and it's very satisfying to drive something so basic and analog. Its 45 years old and still a great drive.
Last edited by gmonsen on Mon Jun 28, 2021 1:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
HB528i
Posts: 111
Joined: Mon Dec 09, 2019 7:53 pm
Location: Huntington Beach

Re: Steering and Suspension Update

Post by HB528i »

Which Bilsteins are Touring?
gmonsen
Posts: 87
Joined: Tue Mar 30, 2021 1:06 pm

Re: Steering and Suspension Update

Post by gmonsen »

I installed the B8's ON the front and B6's on the rear.
cory58
Posts: 155
Joined: Thu Aug 25, 2016 8:49 pm
Location: Charlotte, NC

Re: Steering and Suspension Update

Post by cory58 »

Touring = B4 (OEM replacement)
HD = B6 (firmer ride for standard height springs)
Sport = B8 (performance shocks for lowering springs)
1977 530i
1988 320i Touring (euro)
1992 325i Cabrio
2000 M5
2015 328i (wife's daily)
gmonsen
Posts: 87
Joined: Tue Mar 30, 2021 1:06 pm

Re: Steering and Suspension Update

Post by gmonsen »

Sorry. "Sport". Not "Touring"... :)
cory58
Posts: 155
Joined: Thu Aug 25, 2016 8:49 pm
Location: Charlotte, NC

Re: Steering and Suspension Update

Post by cory58 »

What B8 part number did you buy for the front? It's been a couple of years since I searched so I can't remember the part #, but the B8s I currently have on the front are NLA and I could not find a replacement listed for the E12 chassis.

Thanks, Cory
1977 530i
1988 320i Touring (euro)
1992 325i Cabrio
2000 M5
2015 328i (wife's daily)
gmonsen
Posts: 87
Joined: Tue Mar 30, 2021 1:06 pm

Re: Steering and Suspension Update

Post by gmonsen »

These are the strut inserts I bought.

https://www.iemotorsport.com/product/bi ... e3-e9-e12/
PatinaBeforePolish
Posts: 351
Joined: Sun Jan 18, 2015 1:22 pm
Location: Baltimore, Md.

Re: Steering and Suspension Update

Post by PatinaBeforePolish »

“HD/Sport” describes both B6 and B8 struts. The Bilstein part number on the box is the best way to identify the version. It’s very likely you have B6’s.
79 528i
76 530i - Stored since 1992, can it be brought back to life?
86 944- 2023 project
78 F150- Everyone needs a truck
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