Bilstein EDC-compatible struts for E9X M3

Very interesting post!

@ericsmg sent these out for revalving/reprussurizing and may have more details

SYT_Shadow wrote

Very interesting post!

@ericsmg sent these out for revalving/reprussurizing and may have more details

My rear B6 failed and I've been waiting since early 2017 for a simple replacement. I've been driving with EDC in firm and it has been a nightmare.

MidLifeM3 wrote

.

Great post, thank you for adding to this thread!

So to make sure I'm understanding this right: the increased height to a ZCP car is not caused by the "spring perches", but rather the increased pressure and "push" of the new Bilstein dampers?

regarding ZCP car - mine is non-ZCP, and as I fished around the threads I've seen a lot of speculation but no hard evidence of exactly the source of the 10mm lower ride height on ZCP. Since most of us have only one M3 we don't have the luxury of putting the parts side by side to compare. Without my own clear knowledge of the ZCP spring perch location I don't want to make an incorrect statement there. But there will be that quarter-inch or so lift from the shaft force on top of any difference that may or may not arise from spring perch height differences.

Probably the best advice for using these shocks is Lufty's - use them with Eibach springs which will be a lot like stock ride and ZCP height.

MidLifeM3 wrote

regarding ZCP car - mine is non-ZCP, and as I fished around the threads I've seen a lot of speculation but no hard evidence of exactly the source of the 10mm lower ride height on ZCP. Since most of us have only one M3 we don't have the luxury of putting the parts side by side to compare. Without my own clear knowledge of the ZCP spring perch location I don't want to make an incorrect statement there. But there will be that quarter-inch or so lift from the shaft force on top of any difference that may or may not arise from spring perch height differences.

Probably the best advice for using these shocks is Lufty's - use them with Eibach springs which will be a lot like stock ride and ZCP height.

I have a zcp and non zcp sitting at home

If you want a measurement let me know

I was considering this. I changed my mind though. The OEM ZCP damping is actually pretty good. I would go with the GC setup. The OEM ZCP EDC front struts can be had now for just under $600, a little more than the Bilstein shocks.

I have seen great results with the GC setup.



I will just get new dampers when mine wear out. I am at 30k miles so far and probably just at the half way point of life in the OEM dampers.

Dave

Dave07997S wrote

I was considering this. I changed my mind though. The OEM ZCP damping is actually pretty good. I would go with the GC setup. The OEM ZCP EDC front struts can be had now for just under $600, a little more than the Bilstein shocks.

I have seen great results with the GC setup.



I will just get new dampers when mine wear out. I am at 30k miles so far and probably just at the half way point of life in the OEM dampers.

Dave

Dave

Brand new oem zcp struts are sold for 600?

SYT_Shadow wrote

Dave

Brand new oem zcp struts are sold for 600?

Yea found them online...on my phone now but I will post up the link.

Here we go...

https://www.bmwpartsnow.com/oem-parts/bmw-strut-31312283917?origin=pla&gclid=CjwKCAjw-6bWBRBiEiwA_K1ZDe9uY1_T_H6B_65fckF6x1Z2iFWJ8dxtnR1uatIzacW7tF2AR5bhDxoCUf8QAvD_BwE

Damn thats $2400 for new shocks only... The price of Ohlins lol.

6ixSpd wrote

Damn thats $2400 for new shocks only... The price of Ohlins lol.

Yes but I want Ohlins for the street like I want another hole in my head

SYT_Shadow wrote

I have a zcp and non zcp sitting at home

If you want a measurement let me know

I, for one, would love to see some measurements to compare if there are differences anywhere.

MikeHawk7 wrote

I, for one, would love to see some measurements to compare if there are differences anywhere.

I'll try to measure in a couple days. Both suspensions are just sitting around so it shouldn't be too hard

Seeing as I bought my E90 ZCP with 62k on it, can anyone compare FRESH OE EDC front struts to Bilstein B6 Damptronic front struts??

I've already installed the rear Bilsteins, and have a set of Eibach springs on the way.

I'm currently sitting at 71k.

So...assuming the Bilsteins come back in stock next month...Fresh OE or Bilstein B6 up front...opinions???

TIA
-Mark in St. Louis

buldogge wrote

Seeing as I bought my E90 ZCP with 62k on it, can anyone compare FRESH OE EDC front struts to Bilstein B6 Damptronic front struts??

I've already installed the rear Bilsteins, and have a set of Eibach springs on the way.

I'm currently sitting at 71k.

So...assuming the Bilsteins come back in stock next month...Fresh OE or Bilstein B6 up front...opinions???

TIA
-Mark in St. Louis

Since you already have Bilstein rears, it makes the most sense to match your suspension as much as possible. I'd recommend Bilstein fronts to go with the rear.

MikeHawk7 wrote

Since you already have Bilstein rears, it makes the most sense to match your suspension as much as possible. I'd recommend Bilstein fronts to go with the rear.

Aligned

Best to match front and rear

MikeHawk7 wrote

Since you already have Bilstein rears, it makes the most sense to match your suspension as much as possible. I'd recommend Bilstein fronts to go with the rear.

SYT_Shadow wrote

Aligned

Best to match front and rear

Matching aside...Can anyone compare the damping characteristics of fresh OE EDC front struts to Bilstein B6 Damptronics?

TIA
-Mark

6ixSpd wrote

Damn thats $2400 for new shocks only... The price of Ohlins lol.

No thats for the fronts, the rears are $330 each..

https://www.bmwpartswholesale.com/oem-parts/bmw-shock-33522284313?origin=pla&gclid=CjwKCAjwwbHWBRBWEiwAMIV7E8mbxV4EhUeOnAYvBW7xAqT0Air-l8vUuWMlnzpfOBhaMGaAS6JH3hoCO_oQAvD_BwE

So about $1800 for the set of 4.

buldogge wrote

Matching aside...Can anyone compare the damping characteristics of fresh OE EDC front struts to Bilstein B6 Damptronics?

TIA
-Mark

To be honest, the OEM ZCP EDC shocks are excellent. Issue is if you go to a much firmer spring there may not be enough damping. If you go with a 10% stiffer spring the OEM ZCP shocks are fine.

Dave07997S wrote

To be honest, the OEM ZCP EDC shocks are excellent. Issue is if you go to a much firmer spring there may not be enough damping. If you go with a 10% stiffer spring the OEM ZCP shocks are fine.

Eibach Pro-Kit inbound, as noted.

TA
-Mark

buldogge wrote

Eibach Pro-Kit inbound, as noted.

TA
-Mark

Those work very well with the OEM shocks. The drop is less than an inch.

SYT_Shadow wrote

I have a zcp and non zcp sitting at home

If you want a measurement let me know

MikeHawk7 wrote

I, for one, would love to see some measurements to compare if there are differences anywhere.

yep count me in too as being interested. Besides checking the spring perch height, is there any other physical difference (mounting locations, EDC connector etc) between the two or is there difference in the shaft length. For one this would help to conclusively answer the oft-asked question "what makes ZCP 10mm lower" ie perch height or springs.
Considering the persistent and extending backorder on all things Bilstein I'm now leaning toward just a fresh set of OEM shocks. Wondering if there's any value to replacing with ZCP shocks on my 08 originally non-ZCP. If I do go the OEM route I'd pair with Dinan or Eibach springs to get a ZCP-like ride height (not any lower since there are already some challenging driveway entrances on my daily commute). If the ZCP shock is identical except with 1/2" shorter shaft then it could be ideal for my case.

I had seen mention in the forum that ZCP EDC incorporated some additional sensors into the EDC control algorithm. But studying the parts diagrams I only see the same wheel sensors and same EDC control module with same p/n between ZCP and non-ZCP EDC cars. I'm still researching that one.

I might be one of the few that wouldn't be upset if I got a slightly elevated front with the Bilsteins. I have enough worry about scraping my front bumper and front CF splitters around here!