Bilstein shocks

[petroscf]

So good B8s are available again!
(I am pretty sure that, at least in Greece, they were officialy NLA -for E21- some years ago, I am glad to see them again in the catalogues-now I know what my next suspension will be.)

[Heinrich]

Thanks a lot!

So what would you choose for Eibach springs (30-35 mm) - B6 or B8?

[petroscf]

Aren't B6s produced for normal height?
So, fitting with lower springs would mean that they are "obliged" to work at lower than normal conditions
So I guess I would go for the ("sprint") B8 type

[Jeroen]

Standard or slightly lowered, up to 40mm is no issue at all imo

[Heinrich]

Standard or slightly lowered, up to 40mm is no issue at all imo

Which one is fitted on your car Jeroen?

[Jeroen]

B6 all round. Even though it is said that the B8 has the same character, they felt more harsh when I had the chance to test them side by side. I don't want harsh on my cars so both the E21 and the E30 are equipped with B6, and on the Baur that sometimes even feels harsh. But that might also have to do with the stiffer front springs that were originally designated for the Alpina B6's heavier engine. On the E30 they are absolutely perfect but that remains a personal taste thing and also depends on the rest of the suspension setup.

[Heinrich]

Thanks sir. Will go for the B6 then, as I prefer a confortable ride

[petroscf]

Didn't Alpina offer a suspension kit, back in the days, for 323i instead of factory standard suspension?
I think it was with B8's and Eibachs(which lightly lower the car, not too much) or am I wrong?

[petroscf]

Didn't Alpina offer a suspension kit, back in the days, for 323i instead of factory standard suspension?
I think it was with B8's and Eibachs(which lightly lower the car, not too much) or am I wrong?

To be more precise, and iirc, kit also included 15" alloys, 6" wide front and 7" wide rear

[Jeroen]

Do something out of the ordinary and try the Alpina pages on bmwe21.net

[petroscf]

Do something out of the ordinary and try the Alpina pages on bmwe21.net

OK, will do

[so.net@sfr.fr]

B6 all round. Even though it is said that the B8 has the same character, they felt more harsh when I had the chance to test them side by side. I don't want harsh on my cars so both the E21 and the E30 are equipped with B6, and on the Baur that sometimes even feels harsh. But that might also have to do with the stiffer front springs that were originally designated for the Alpina B6's heavier engine. On the E30 they are absolutely perfect but that remains a personal taste thing and also depends on the rest of the suspension setup.

That's my advice too. I've had B8, but they are very hard. Now, with the B6, the car has the good compromise without hurting the body.

[Moutinho]

is there any problem fitting b6 sport on front and b8 sprint in the back? i own a 1979 320/6 and i want to get bilsteins all over with H&R springs! wich top mounts did you use?

[E21noob]

There is something not right here.

I went ahead and ordered Bilstein B8 front shock absorbers, but was dissappointed to receive a 39mm insert. Should be 45mm.

Not to say anything negative about www.hendyeshop.co.uk, but they do list B8's specifically for the 323. Front and rear.

Must say they have been helpful so far and can only hope they figure it out. From what I understand these lists come directly from Bilstein so could be the error is there.

Does anyone by chance have the part number for Bilstein B8 front insert? It is NOT 34-186350 as mentioned above and listed on their website.

[Jeroen]

As per their own on line catalog they have 1 model B8 front shock for all E21 which is the number you are referencing. Even though I'd prefer a tight fit myself as well the thinner one should fit allright and will be centered by the top nut.