Evolve suspension

Heya.

Just got an 08 E90 and it's in dire need of a suspension overhaul..I've done all the control arms f&r, next are the shocks.

Im trying to maintain oem+. Has anyone gone with the Bilstein evolve set and what is your review, I'll be going with the zcp springs.

Sorry, I can't comment on the Evolve set, but what control arms did you go with?

I went with a oem in rear and 034 in front (might go back and out in oem, not really feeling them but won't know till I replace blown struts) . Really trying to keep it nostalgic.

Still gotta replace the rear control arm bushings but doing that with shocks/springs.

I have a G82 and it's my fun car, keeping this thing classic.

What are some good spring options other than oem? Heard a rumor MSS is sold out and that is what evolve recommends.

There have been mixed reviews for the Evolve-Bilstein B6D. Complaints have been the damping is too harsh and no noticeable difference in damping between EDC settings. The strut and shock bodies are shorter to account for the pressure in the internal pressure chamber with a floating separation piston to prevent the damper from increasing ride heights.

I don’t believe the MSS HAS is NLA due to availability; instead, production was stopped for an unspecified technical reason. Unfortunately, it’s the only HAS that worked with Bilstein struts that have a welded on spring lower seat.

I would recommend an aftermarket damper setup but if you’re looking to just improve aesthetics with lowering springs then I’d recommend Swift or AST over Eibach or H&R even though Eibach and H&R are the most popular lowering springs.

Thanks for the write-up. Would like to avoid a harsh ride, trying to maintain as oem as possible. I would go oem struts but $$$$. Probably just end up going Bilstein then.

I really wouldn't wanna go any lower than the zcp.

sxychubles wrote

Thanks for the write-up. Would like to avoid a harsh ride, trying to maintain as oem as possible. I would go oem struts but $$$$. Probably just end up going Bilstein then.

I really wouldn't wanna go any lower than the zcp.

Regarding Bilstein, have a look at B16 Damptronic w/EDC coil over set.
Offers versatile setting ranges [ie dampening, ride height, etc].

Particularly like kit and components specifically engineered to work together rather than a hodgepodge of 'different bits' from multiple brands.
Installed ~8K mls ago and find them quite good, in-kind with OE+ approach.

At end of the day, any selection(s) dependent on intended use case.

smokinjoe64 wrote

Regarding Bilstein, have a look at B16 Damptronic w/EDC coil over set.
Offers versatile setting ranges [ie dampening, ride height, etc].

Particularly like kit and components specifically engineered to work together rather than a hodgepodge of 'different bits' from multiple brands.
Installed ~8K mls ago and find them quite good, in-kind with OE+ approach.

At end of the day, any selection(s) dependent on intended use case.

Curious - have you run the B16 damptronic on track? I'm at 78K on original EDC shocks (and ZCP springs) and am researching what I want to do in the next year or two when I refresh them.
My use case is mostly DD w/6-8 track days a year. Not looking to fiddle around with ride heights or lots of settings per se. Would like to be able to pick a setting for the track (either Normal or Sport depending on track) and just press the button, and then be in comfort mode for commuting days.

PAM3Guy wrote

Curious - have you run the B16 damptronic on track? I'm at 78K on original EDC shocks (and ZCP springs) and am researching what I want to do in the next year or two when I refresh them.
My use case is mostly DD w/6-8 track days a year. Not looking to fiddle around with ride heights or lots of settings per se. Would like to be able to pick a setting for the track (either Normal or Sport depending on track) and just press the button, and then be in comfort mode for commuting days.

Don't track this particular M3 [81K mls]...trying to keep in great condition for the 'long-haul' as original owner. However, do enjoy autocross sessions time-to-time [typically easy to find in SoCal].

From a settings standpoint, after allowing suspension settle-in from new, only changed twice to find my 'goldilocks' set-up...very pleased for both street and more aggressive use/occasions.