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New Bilstein E60 M5 EDC Shocks Installed

42K views 61 replies 23 participants last post by  shef_26 
#1 ·
I just had my new Bilstein E60 M5 shocks installed by Bullet Performance in Costa Mesa CA with a new alignment. I'm also running H&R performance springs with RD Sport sways. A major improvement over the stock EDC shocks in terms of feeling much more connected to the road. I wanted to maintain the factory EDC capabilities and this upgrade really completes the suspension tweaks. There is a very minor re routing of the EDC wiring in the front shocks but it's not an issue. The boys are Turner very helpful. For those of you looking to upgrade your suspensions and want to maintain the EDC capabilities, it's a no brainer.
Bullet took install pics and I'll post them once I get the pics from the guys.
 
#9 ·
Thanks for the writing about your initial impressions. Have been waiting for a review of these Bilstein struts for awhile. When my OEM ones go out I will likely switch to this option.


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#12 ·
The stiffest setting is definitely stiffer than the stock setting in the same position. It's a track ready set up with this setting. I'm also running 20" HREs and PSSs with the H&R springs so you would expect all of these factors to contribute to the greater stiffness. In the normal setting it's fine.
 
#13 ·
Pics of what the struts look like with wheels installed? That's actually one thing I'm worried about...what will the yellow/blue look like behind the wheels.
 
#14 ·
Been following this thread closely as I need to replace the shocks/struts soon. Will also likely lower with Eibach or HRE springs at that time.

What I am wondering is how these would compare to brand new OEM shocks/struts? That is, any new shock is going to perform better than a used shock. Now, Bilsten makes a great product and have used them religiously on other vehicles, but the other vehicles were pure muscle vehicles designed to go straight down the 1320.

I picked my e60 up with 50k on the clock so I have no idea how brand new OEM shocks feel, however, I heard they feel pretty darn good.


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#15 ·
Stock shocks from the dealer about $900 per shock, probably could get them for less at one of the discount OEM parts dealers, no comparison to the Bilstein technology, call Turner and do your own DD but that's what I learned. I'm using H&R springs and I'm really pleased with the drop and performance.
 
#16 ·
Pics pics pics, please!
 
#19 ·
My concern was more towards the "comfort" setting, as I still haul the family around in the M5 sometimes. Currently I have H&R springs and the comfort setting is just a little too harsh. If the comfort setting on the Bilsteins is better (more comfortable) then I'm sold. Still in for pics. :)
 
#21 ·
I have E63.. not sure how different this is compared to M5, but after H&R springs I find the soft setting too 'weak' in damping and makes the car go bouncy. When I say bouncy I don't mean harsh ride, I mean the the damper does not stop the car from bouncing up and down quickly, it feels like it takes another stroke or so before it actually settles. I never use soft setting anymore, its either medium or hard. Even medium doesn't really feel matched properly, something obvious anyway when I moved on to a stiffer spring anyway.

I did not get the coilovers because I also wanted to retain the EDC and not make the feature in the car useless when it is only a street car, but if bilstein's new shock supports EDC properly and is going to work better with stiffer springs then I think I am in for it also :D

I wonder if bilstein's damping is matched/targeted to use with lowered stiffere springs or stock springs though.. !
 
#23 ·
Hi Michael, after a few months of driving with the Bilstein's in conjunction with the H&R springs are you still happy with the performance and ride quality? I am in the process of getting the same setup on my car along with addition of spacers. I initially wanted coilovers but I want to maintain the EDC so I decided not to.
 
#28 ·
Awesome, thanks... I actually was also considering getting new Bilsteins (EDC compatible) along with H&R springs... what do you think of that option? It's a little more economical than the coilovers
 
#29 ·
I would rather have the coil overs so I could change the ride height. I had put H &R springs in my 530 and they were great. I think they are great springs. I lowered the 530 with the sport springs and it looked awesome, improved the handling but it was just too low. Every driveway was a problem. I'm fighting the urge to lower my M5 for this reason. I was thinking that with the coil overs, you could at least bring it up a bit if you feel it's too low. Once you change out the springs, that's it. Even with the stock sway bar, car handled really well after it was lowered. I was surprised at the difference.


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#41 · (Edited)
The spacers are a good move also. View attachment 635905
This is my car with 12mm spacers and stock springs. Front fender gap looks awful but like I said I'm fighting the urge to lower it.


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I used 12mm spacers on my stock rims, car not lowered like yours. However, when steering right, the left wheel well rubs against the outer corner of the tire ever so slightly. And vice versa. I did not know for a while. Jim Colley and myself were standing around outside of his house goofing off about M5s and looking at my car. It is actually then when I noticed some rub marks on the wheel well lining with the way the front tires were turned. Jim told me he had this as well with his 12's and showed me worn through liner on his car (which was conveniently taken apart). I think I can clear it with a hot air gun and pressing on it. You may want to check before you have holes as well.
 
#32 ·
I ordered the Bilstein B16 EDC Coilovers not too long ago. They're supposed to be arriving next week so I'll have them on my car in the next few weeks.
 
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