Bilstein B12 Pro Kit for E92 SE, how firm in day to day use?

[Jordan Clarkson]

Hi all,

So I've recently acquired a Bilstein B12 Pro Kit for my 2007 E92 330i SE. I saw on a few owners groups and forums that this seems to be a popular choice for a suspension upgrade, however, I have then since seen a few negative reviews, and overall there seems to be very mixed opinions on this setup.

Before I actually take the plunge and have it fit, I want to be 100% sure that is right for me. I would like the car to sit a little lower than it currently is, especially on the front, but not ridiculously so, and any handling improvements will be a bonus too. With all that being said though, I don't want to compromise the day to day comfort too much, as the current setup does feel pretty good overall to me. Obviously I expect it to be firmer than the standard SE setup, but by how much so is the question, and is it liveable. I've seen people say it's not as firm or crashy as the stock M Sport suspension, though some say its worse.

Any E92 SE owners that have made the switch to the B12 Pro setup, what are your honest opinions? Good and bad. Is it worth it or did you regret it?

[Glenn63]

Iv got the B14 on my M140, the same but B14 height adjustable. It’s slightly firmer but not massively so certainly not uncomfortable and Iv done a few 300+ mile trips in it.
The damping over bumps it’s a night and day improvement though. There’s a bump near me that used to have the rear bouncing about where as now it just glides straight over. I had a geo set up done also when fitted and it’s completely transformed the car for the better imo.

[Jakg]

I have the B12 kit on my E91 335d SE.

It's stiffer, certainly, but it's not unpleasant or anything. Certainly better than KW coilovers I've had on another car.

I've not driven an M-Sport spec one to compare, but I'd guess it's "M-Sport+".

[rottenegg]

Jordan Clarkson said:

With all that being said though, I don't want to compromise the day to day comfort too much, as the current setup does feel pretty good overall to me.

If you like it the way it is, refresh it with OEM components, or go with the M Sport springs and dampers.

Everything aftermarket will be noticeably stiffer. In my experience, most people downplay how much stiffer than stock their choice of upgrade is because they've forgotten how the car originally rode, or they replaced knackered original stuff with brand new, so the baseline for comparison is missing.

[Jordan Clarkson]

Glenn63 said:

Iv got the B14 on my M140, the same but B14 height adjustable. It’s slightly firmer but not massively so certainly not uncomfortable and Iv done a few 300+ mile trips in it.
The damping over bumps it’s a night and day improvement though. There’s a bump near me that used to have the rear bouncing about where as now it just glides straight over. I had a geo set up done also when fitted and it’s completely transformed the car for the better imo.

That sounds good. When you say a bump that it bounced over before, you mean a speedbump?

[Jordan Clarkson]

Jakg said:

I have the B12 kit on my E91 335d SE.

It's stiffer, certainly, but it's not unpleasant or anything. Certainly better than KW coilovers I've had on another car.

I've not driven an M-Sport spec one to compare, but I'd guess it's "M-Sport+".

That’s great to hear. I’ve driven a few M Sport ones but it’s been a while, I guess I don’t have enough experience to make a proper judgement but not really had an issue with the M Sport setup in E9X’s from what I’ve experienced. But the B12 sounds like quite a good middle ground between SE and M Sport

[Jordan Clarkson]

rottenegg said:

Jordan Clarkson said:

With all that being said though, I don't want to compromise the day to day comfort too much, as the current setup does feel pretty good overall to me.

If you like it the way it is, refresh it with OEM components, or go with the M Sport springs and dampers.

Everything aftermarket will be noticeably stiffer. In my experience, most people downplay how much stiffer than stock their choice of upgrade is because they've forgotten how the car originally rode, or they replaced knackered original stuff with brand new, so the baseline for comparison is missing.

Yeah, you do have a point there. I was thinking of maybe refreshing it with OEM if I don’t like the B12 kit. M Sport setup could be an option, though I’ve heard people say the B12 is less firm than the M Sport.

[Court_S]

Personally I think the B12 kit is firm. My friend had the B12 kit on his 125i and it was way harsher than the Birds set up on my 130i despite having smaller wheels.

I think it’s the damper that’s firm; I’m running Eibach springs with Bilstein B4S dampers n my 335i and the ride is actually pretty good without runflats but 19’s.

[Jordan Clarkson]

Court_S said:

Personally I think the B12 kit is firm. My friend had the B12 kit on his 125i and it was way harsher than the Birds set up on my 130i despite having smaller wheels.

I think it’s the damper that’s firm; I’m running Eibach springs with Bilstein B4S dampers n my 335i and the ride is actually pretty good without runflats but 19’s.

Interesting, I have heard good things about the Birds setup but it isn't cheap and not sure I can justify it at this stage.

B4S dampers might be a shout, although some people say they aren't suitable for lowering springs.

Edited by Jordan Clarkson on Friday 3rd February 10:51

[RECr]

Bilstein list separate dampers for standard and M sport suspension. The Eibach pro springs drop is measured from SE suspension height, so you can subtract 10-15mm from that when comparing it to M sport. So if you use the B4 dampers for an M sport you should be fine with a small drop in height.

(Edited to make more sense)

Edited by RECr on Friday 3rd February 12:39