Billy's VS Koni

[finite]

So... finally after a long wait I have the readies to get the suspension sorted out!

I've whittled it down to the following choices and would now like to get everyone's opinions.

Billstein B12
http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pages/products/product_info.mhtml?product=3831160

Koni SSK
http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pages/products/product_info.mhtml?product=15258369

I'll also be replacing bottom arms with stock new arms/bsushes.  Bottom arm rear bushes with polly M3 offset bushes, and front strut top mounts either with new stock or camber adjustment plates (rear's are new already... open to options on camber adjustment plates).

Would like to know if anyone has experience with either the B12s or the SSKs and how you found the following:

1. General ride
2. Compression damping
3. Rebound damping
4. Corner entry
5. Corner exit
6. In corner stability
7. Braking control
8. Acceleration squat

Cheers!!

[1991 E30 M42]

I dont think you could go wrong with either, it comes down to personal preference. I can tell you that both kits will be great because since it is a spring and shock kit the shocks will be properly valved for the springs that are included.

[P. Kennedy]

I opted for Koni's / H&R springs and couldn't be happier. The Koni's are a VERY comfortable, controlled ride.

[ApocolypseAutoEngineering]

I use H&R springs with bilsteins and I have to say for the performance upgrade they ride like a caddy compared to other springs.

[1991 E30 M42]

I opted for Koni's / H&R springs and couldn't be happier. The Koni's are a VERY comfortable, controlled ride.

Yes but have you ridden in a car with bilsteins? I have one car with billy sports and another with koni sports and think that the shocks have very similar rates and have very similar rides

[1991 E30 M42]

forgot to add, the rides are the same if the koni's are on the max setting which is only a rebound setting which keeps the car from bouncing around as much when you hit a bump

[finite]

Well in the price bracket I can afford adjustment comes in only one form - combined/compression only.  The Koni adjustables really adjust rebound and due to the method used also has a mild effect on bound damping, from what I'm told not really enough to notice.

I've experienced Koni's in other cars, often found them a bit too stiff on the bound for UK roads but this is primarily my track car.  Am willing to trade adjustability at this price point if the B12s are in some way a better all round shock.

All I have to say is it's a shame Tein don't do a set of coilovers for the little bimmer!

[1991 E30 M42]

you can send tein you front strut housings and they will make you custom coilovers

[P. Kennedy]

Yes but have you ridden in a car with bilsteins?

I have indeed.  I subjectively thought the Bilsteins were too firm.  YMMV.

[finite]

If I were to contemplate doing a custom coilover conversion I'd most likely do this myself.  A mate recently did a conversion on a 1st Gen RX7 which went well.  I'm not keen on running coilovers at the front and not at the rear, and am not convinced I could create a coilover that would fit the rear.  Had a look at some GAZ coilovers, they do coilover for the front and then damper and spring for the rear with adjustable spring seats.  The explanation GAZ gave for this was that the construction of the rear turrets is not strong enough to take a conventional coilover.

[SaCock]

Im gonna look into doin the rears ..the car rides pretty good ..I guess the only way to know is to get someone to drive it with knowledge of suspension set ups and get them to tune it in just right ..I read in an above Koni link that the shock should be either compressed or extended all the way for proper adjustment ..I guess 1 for comp/other rebound ..I can see why it would be wise..adjusting at the begining of the stroke not 2-3"s in while the weight of the car is on it??

[roundel318]

ive got a set of eibach springs with billy sports, it has a rather nice ride considering.

[Vladi]

H&R 19.03 + 19.01 + Koni 1210 front and 2522 rear. Couldn't be happier. Handles great not at the expence of ride comfort.

[SaCock]

Im looking for folks that have a Strano Bilstein setup and what they like and dislike?  Anyone go from Bilstein w/Strano to Koni and can give me a comparison?

[longtallsally]

My experience with each is a bit different.  I ran Koni adjustables in my last 3 E30 325is cars with Ground Control springs with absurd rates.  I also autocrossed a bunch.  I eventually put in H&R sports with these shocks but never had it on course as I sold it shortly thereafter.

My current M42 machine has H&R sports and Bilstein sports.  Very nice ride, but a bit bouncy.  IMO, just a tad under damped on rebound.

To answer the questions (again a good portion of these are with a 325):
1. General ride- Koni= like a track car and a bit much on the street.  Billy= more forgiving but a touch bouncy.
2. Compression damping- Koni= Harsh but linear.  Billy= perfect.
3. Rebound damping- Koni= perfect on course in the stiff position, a bit harsh on the street on the soft setting.  Billy= a bit under damped here.
4. Corner entry- Koni= amazing and perfectly predictable.  Billy= a bit slower turn in.
5. Corner exit- Koni= stupid tail happy (325 with MUCH stiffer springs).  Billy= a little wiggly but it holds the line and eventually settles down if you don't put in too much input.
6. In corner stability- Koni= perfect when surface is nice but a touch jittery when it gets rough.  Billy= a bit better for street use, but again possibly under rebound damped.  Again, if you don't get sucked in to giving too many inputs, they are fine.
7. Braking control=  no difference to me as this is more spring related in my mind's eye.
8. Acceleration squat-  What is that?  This is a 318 after all.    Again related to springs and even with the 325, there isn't enough HP to get too riled up.