Jiglu: BMW '02 Owners: Discussion: Bilstein or Spax?

I'm going to put new springs and shocks on my tii and would like some advice as to what setup to use.

1 Spax do a spring set that is -50mm and shorter body shocks but also do standard length shocks -I assume to use with non lowered springs

2 AVO spring set is -35mm

3 Bilstein shocks - are these standard length for non lowered springs or are they suitable for lowered springs

I don't want to go too low as there are too many speed bumps around. I was thinking of the AVO springs but don't want to buy Bilsteins or the std length Spax and find that the struts will bottom out .The Spax seem to have the advantage over the Bilsteins by being adjustable but I know Bilsteins are world renowned for how good they are.

I will also be fitting polybushes and bigger anti roll bars

Has anyone found that one particular setup works better than others?

The car will be set up for fast road use and a few track days

At the moment it is running std wheels with nearly new (tread depth wise)185/70 x 13 uniroyal rallye 340s

Any thoughts and advice will be greatfully recieved

David

I had spax and both fronts lost their adjustment and didn’t last long before they were knackered, and one of the rears literally blew apart on me. Having spoken to a garage owner whose used them on a lot of Alpine Renaults he said he had similar experiences.

Had konis in the past and they were great, currently use Bilstein Sports, and they too are great for a sporty ride.

As for springs – Jaymic used to do a good value set of lowered/stiffer springs – had them on my last Tii and was happy. Or consider going to Ireland Engineering in the states. Heard good things about their stage 2 springs – plus with the exchange rate it might even be cheaper including delivery. They also do a great set of anti-roll bars.

Depending on what your car’s for make sure you don’t go too extreme though – a well set up and fresh completely standard car is a great compromise between handling and ride.

Good luck

From: David Bennett <...>
Reply-To: <...>

I went with the in house lowering springs from Bavarian Auto in the USA for my Tii. Even with shipping costs to Australia it was good value. They are great springs with a nice ride. At first when we dropped the car onto the new springs it seemed a little too low but once it settled in all was fine. I am really happy with them. I use the standard Bilsteins with poly bushes. My wheels are Aussie made 14" Superlites on Contentials with no issues on fit or rubbing. I you want to see how it sits I can send a photo later.

I have heard the only shocks to use are the Bilsteins.

All the best, Brad