M Coupe/Roadster shock/strut options?

[XMetal]

For those that have replaced your shocks/struts on your M Coupe/Roadster and didn't go the coilovers route, is the Bilstein B6 the only option left for us that don't want to lower our ride heights? I've read mixed reviews on the B6, so what's everyone latest opinion with it on our MC/MR?

I'm a newb when it comes to suspension. This is just a street/occasional canyon run car - is it worth it to take the plunge and get the PSS10? My only hesitation on the PSS10 is that it has at least a 0.5 inch drop, which I really don't want.

How often would you need to rebuild a set of coilover?

[maupineda]

I thinks is B6 or OE.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by maupineda

I thinks is B6 or OE.

Correct

B4 is OE
B6 is OE but sportier valving
B8 is meant to be paired with lowering springs

I don’t think they offer B4 for the M so only option is b6 if sticking to factory springs

[onebluemcm]

Originally Posted by XMetal

For those that have replaced your shocks/struts on your M Coupe/Roadster and didn't go the coilovers route, is the Bilstein B6 the only option left for us that don't want to lower our ride heights? I've read mixed reviews on the B6, so what's everyone latest opinion with it on our MC/MR?

I'm a newb when it comes to suspension. This is just a street/occasional canyon run car - is it worth it to take the plunge and get the PSS10? My only hesitation on the PSS10 is that it has at least a 0.5 inch drop, which I really don't want.

How often would you need to rebuild a set of coilover?

I recently installed the PSS10 B16 coil overs. I will say this, and I still don't think I've done anything wrong, it would not be hard at all to run stock ride height with this kit. I have the rears adjusted down almost all the way, with only I think 1/8" left, and I'm just a little below stock ride height, referencing the measurements you will find floating around where they measure from the lower wheel edge to the fender edge. I used both the upper and lower spring isolators for the rear springs, which when compressed might account for 1/4" - 3/8" height at most, so I don't think it's that. It may have "settled" a tiny bit, but it is where it is now, I don't anticipate any more settling after the few hundred miles I have on it now. If I had wanted something crazy like a 1" drop, I'd be pissed, no way the PSS10 kit will get you there based on my install. I'm happy with it though because all I wanted was a mild drop anyhow.

Similar for the fronts, lots of adjustability there, and easy to run stock ride height if you desire. You will see in item listings for the PSS10 kit -0.5" to -1.3" ride height, in my experience so far with it, that is not accurate.

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by onebluemcm

I recently installed the PSS10 B16 coil overs. I will say this, and I still don't think I've done anything wrong, it would not be hard at all to run stock ride height with this kit. I have the rears adjusted down almost all the way, with only I think 1/8" left, and I'm just a little below stock ride height, referencing the measurements you will find floating around where they measure from the lower wheel edge to the fender edge. I used both the upper and lower spring isolators for the rear springs, which when compressed might account for 1/4" - 3/8" height at most, so I don't think it's that. It may have "settled" a tiny bit, but it is where it is now, I don't anticipate any more settling after the few hundred miles I have on it now. If I had wanted something crazy like a 1" drop, I'd be pissed, no way the PSS10 kit will get you there based on my install. I'm happy with it though because all I wanted was a mild drop anyhow.

Similar for the fronts, lots of adjustability there, and easy to run stock ride height if you desire. You will see in item listings for the PSS10 kit -0.5" to -1.3" ride height, in my experience so far with it, that is not accurate.

What wheel offsets and tires are you running with the PSS10? I'm wondering if I would have wheel/tire clearance issue with the PSS10? I have 19x8.5 et35 front (245/35R19 tires) and 19x9.5 et25 rear (275/30R19).

The B16 PSS10 have internal bump stops front and rear, correct? No need for the OE external bump stops?

Thanks.

[onebluemcm]

Originally Posted by XMetal

What wheel offsets and tires are you running with the PSS10? I'm wondering if I would have wheel/tire clearance issue with the PSS10? I have 19x8.5 et35 front (245/35R19 tires) and 19x9.5 et25 rear (275/30R19).

The B16 PSS10 have internal bump stops front and rear, correct? No need for the OE external bump stops?

Thanks.

I have 18 x 9 Front , offset is +38 with a 245/40 and 18 x10 Rear , offset is +27 with a 285/35. I am in need of tires due to age, sadly not due to mileage, and this time around I think I'm going 245/40 front and 275/35 rear. My only issue currently is with rubbing from the inner top edge of the rear tire on the fender liner, and only under really heavy g-outs, so really uncommon anyway, the 285 is pretty big. No issue up front. I think you should be fine at a mild to modest drop from stock. If you are on stock suspension still, you will notice a pretty huge improvement going to a PSS10/B16 Bilstein setup.

[tomjonesBT33]

I have B6s with stock springs and love it. Not too firm, not too soft - just right. Handles great, but compliant enough to use as a daily driver as well

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by onebluemcm

I have 18 x 9 Front , offset is +38 with a 245/40 and 18 x10 Rear , offset is +27 with a 285/35. I am in need of tires due to age, sadly not due to mileage, and this time around I think I'm going 245/40 front and 275/35 rear. My only issue currently is with rubbing from the inner top edge of the rear tire on the fender liner, and only under really heavy g-outs, so really uncommon anyway, the 285 is pretty big. No issue up front. I think you should be fine at a mild to modest drop from stock. If you are on stock suspension still, you will notice a pretty huge improvement going to a PSS10/B16 Bilstein setup.

Looks like you have a more aggressive wheel/tire setup than I do - so if you don't have any clearance issue with the front strut/perch or rear suspension area then I think I should be good as well. I'm fine with fender clearance with only rubbing at the bumper/fender liner at full compression - this is the main reason I don't want to go lower than stock.

I think the B16 PSS10 have internal bump stops front and rear, so I won't need the OE external bump stops on both front and rear, correct?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by tomjonesBT33

I have B6s with stock springs and love it. Not too firm, not too soft - just right. Handles great, but compliant enough to use as a daily driver as well

Thanks for the feedback. How often do you end up crashing into the bump stop/bottoming out with the B6s? More or less often than stock? Or about the same? I've heard mixed reviews about the B6s - some says they bottom out a lot and others are quite happy like yourself without any complaints on hitting the bump stops

[belcom]

I've had B6 and H&R springs and they handled pretty well after I replaced completely shot stock suspension. I've taken the car to the track and it was decent too. They go over small bumps absolutely fine. However this suspension gets a bit unsettled when pushed harder, crashes when you drive into deeper pot holes (that is with lowering springs), and overall lacks composure. Might be different with stock springs though as you have more travel.

I would recommend proper coil-over kit. KW V3, PSS 10 or Ground Control to name a couple.

GC are a very good value and you can basically customize it by ordering any spring rates you want as they come with Eibach ERS springs made to order. Koni shocks are adjustable so you can dial them down to full soft if you want. No crashing, full travel. Comfy with lower spring rates. Plus unlike PSS or KW for example you get linear springs which means consistency throughout travel range. And on top of this you get very nice camber plates. Also, Koni shocks are well known to last for a long time. KW V3 although an absolutely awesome kit, do need to be rebuild once in a while. Not sure about the Bilstein PSS. Anyhow, I think they're all good options but GC wins hands down as far as value for your $ goes.