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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Wheels / Tires / Suspension / Brakes Bilstein B6 + Dinan Springs + H&R Swaybars
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      01-06-2024, 10:42 AM   #1
bk_mike
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When I traded my E93 M3 for my F10 550ix in 2016 one of my main complaints was the suspension. It wasn't just that the F10 was too soft, it seemed the dampers were just not up to the task.

I initially tried H&R swaybars only, not wanting to swap out shocks on a car with just 19k miles but I still felt like it wasn't enough.

Fast forward to 2022 and I got a great deal on a set of new Dinan springs. They only drop the car 0.5" but the rates and bumpstops are different than stock. I picked up a set of Bilstein B6, new hardware, and mounts.

Install was straightforward but quite involved since I have a xDrive. Axle needs to come out and many of the bolts are single use according to BMW TIS.

I must say I wish I did this upgrade sooner. This is how the M sport cars should have come from the factory. Is it a pure M car? No. But it handles well for such a large heavy car while still being drive able around town.

I struggled with this choice a lot and almost went with coilovers but cost and driveability were big concerns. I wasn't trying to turn this into a track car, just a well handling heavy sedan.

I don't see a lot of B6 reviews for the F10 so I figured I would post this here in case anyone else is contemplating suspension replacement.

Feel free to ask any questions!
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      01-06-2024, 09:12 PM   #2
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I have 2013 535i. I bought the bilstein b12 suspension kit in end of 2022. It is very good for the price. Corners well and cornering grip is increased. Rides well and doesn’t feel like driving big boat. High speed stability is great, even on a windy day.
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      01-07-2024, 11:54 AM   #3
bk_mike
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paul223 View Post
I have 2013 535i. I bought the bilstein b12 suspension kit in end of 2022. It is very good for the price. Corners well and cornering grip is increased. Rides well and doesn’t feel like driving big boat. High speed stability is great, even on a windy day.
Great option for non xDrive cars, unfortunately the front struts are different on the xDrive.
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      01-08-2024, 01:58 PM   #4
n3985
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How would you describe the ride on B6?
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      01-08-2024, 11:09 PM   #5
bk_mike
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Quote:
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How would you describe the ride on B6?
Firm but compliant. I have Dinan springs and H&R sway bars so that stiffens it up a bit. I wish i had done it sooner.
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      01-09-2024, 06:41 AM   #6
n3985
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bk_mike View Post
Firm but compliant. I have Dinan springs and H&R sway bars so that stiffens it up a bit. I wish i had done it sooner.
Is there a comparison for the firmness? Like E9x M3 factory EDC dampers with lowering springs? Or…?
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      01-09-2024, 07:44 PM   #7
bk_mike
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I would say my Dinan springs + B6 would be similar to e92 factory EDC shocks and springs on the softest setting. But this is very subjective since I haven't had my E92 since 2016.
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      01-29-2024, 10:48 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bk_mike View Post
When I traded my E93 M3 for my F10 550ix in 2016 one of my main complaints was the suspension. It wasn't just that the F10 was too soft, it seemed the dampers were just not up to the task.

I initially tried H&R swaybars only, not wanting to swap out shocks on a car with just 19k miles but I still felt like it wasn't enough.

Fast forward to 2022 and I got a great deal on a set of new Dinan springs. They only drop the car 0.5" but the rates and bumpstops are different than stock. I picked up a set of Bilstein B6, new hardware, and mounts.

Install was straightforward but quite involved since I have a xDrive. Axle needs to come out and many of the bolts are single use according to BMW TIS.

I must say I wish I did this upgrade sooner. This is how the M sport cars should have come from the factory. Is it a pure M car? No. But it handles well for such a large heavy car while still being drive able around town.

I struggled with this choice a lot and almost went with coilovers but cost and driveability were big concerns. I wasn't trying to turn this into a track car, just a well handling heavy sedan.

I don't see a lot of B6 reviews for the F10 so I figured I would post this here in case anyone else is contemplating suspension replacement.

Feel free to ask any questions!

Did you have EDC shock absorbers from the factory?
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      01-29-2024, 10:50 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bk_mike View Post
When I traded my E93 M3 for my F10 550ix in 2016 one of my main complaints was the suspension. It wasn't just that the F10 was too soft, it seemed the dampers were just not up to the task.

I initially tried H&R swaybars only, not wanting to swap out shocks on a car with just 19k miles but I still felt like it wasn't enough.

Fast forward to 2022 and I got a great deal on a set of new Dinan springs. They only drop the car 0.5" but the rates and bumpstops are different than stock. I picked up a set of Bilstein B6, new hardware, and mounts.

Install was straightforward but quite involved since I have a xDrive. Axle needs to come out and many of the bolts are single use according to BMW TIS.

I must say I wish I did this upgrade sooner. This is how the M sport cars should have come from the factory. Is it a pure M car? No. But it handles well for such a large heavy car while still being drive able around town.

I struggled with this choice a lot and almost went with coilovers but cost and driveability were big concerns. I wasn't trying to turn this into a track car, just a well handling heavy sedan.

I don't see a lot of B6 reviews for the F10 so I figured I would post this here in case anyone else is contemplating suspension replacement.

Feel free to ask any questions!
show your car, the fit of the car is interesting
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      01-29-2024, 08:28 PM   #10
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I'm running H&R VTF coils over my stock shocks wit edc and Eibach sways in my '15 rwd best thing I could have done. Oh yeah i put the insert in my rear also which I think helped too.
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      01-29-2024, 09:02 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hornet-01 View Post
Did you have EDC shock absorbers from the factory?
My F10 did not have EDC. My E9X did.
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      01-29-2024, 09:06 PM   #12
bk_mike
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hornet-01 View Post
show your car, the fit of the car is interesting
Pics with the winter wheels.
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