[bk_mike]

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!

[paul223]

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.

[bk_mike]

Originally Posted by paul223

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.

[n3985]

How would you describe the ride on B6?

[bk_mike]

Originally Posted by n3985

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.

[n3985]

Originally Posted by bk_mike

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…?

[bk_mike]

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.

[Hornet-01]

Originally Posted by bk_mike

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?

[Hornet-01]

Originally Posted by bk_mike

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

[Double Nickel]

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.

[bk_mike]

Originally Posted by Hornet-01

Did you have EDC shock absorbers from the factory?

My F10 did not have EDC. My E9X did.

[bk_mike]

Originally Posted by Hornet-01

show your car, the fit of the car is interesting

Pics with the winter wheels.

[Stinkyxy]

bk_mike

A little late to the thread but considering this option. Worried it might be too harsh on torn up roads where I live. How is it if you hit a pothole or a sunken drain cover?
Highways are fine for me. I was thinking of not upgrading the away bar and that might make it smoother on rough roads.
Anything you would add to your review after having them a year longer?
Did you install them yourself? How long did it take / how much?

Thanks.

[bk_mike]

Originally Posted by Stinkyxy

bk_mike

A little late to the thread but considering this option. Worried it might be too harsh on torn up roads where I live. How is it if you hit a pothole or a sunken drain cover?
Highways are fine for me. I was thinking of not upgrading the away bar and that might make it smoother on rough roads.
Anything you would add to your review after having them a year longer?
Did you install them yourself? How long did it take / how much?

Thanks.

I live in NY where the roads are terrible and the ride isn't bad. Pretty compliant without being too stiff.

My only complaint is not doing this when I bought the car.

I installed them myself but with the xDrive it was pretty involved. Budget a complete (long) day. The axles in the front need to come out and I found some other things that needed attention like wheel bearings. Also keep in mind a LOT of the hardware is single use including the axle bolts. I have a spare set of you are interested.