[N55SFH]

I've narrowed my suspension search down to either Eibach Pro or Bilstein B14's.
Can anyone with experience with either/both give any advice considering I'll only be using them for street and country road use.
Obviously there's a significant price difference, but if I were to go for the cheaper B14, I'd like to have them be decent for my purposes.
Comfort isn't paramount, handling is.

[scotthilly]

I'm sort of a broken record with this but I'd HIGHLY recommend checking out the birds b3 kit - https://www.birdsauto.com/parts/L9031878134 - they use custom valved b14's and mix both comfort and handling by using valving that ensures better handling over all road surfaces. They're based in the UK.

One of my friends had it fitted (only a couple hundred more than the bilsteins shipped) and it is absolutely amazing. Not only is the handling great, which you said you care about, but there's added comfort as a side bonus. The biggest area is exit grip especially on uneven roads.

With that said if you have glass roads it might not be worth the extra money - but considering you said street, I bet you don't lol.

[N55SFH]

Originally Posted by scotthilly

With that said if you have glass roads it might not be worth the extra money - but considering you said street, I bet you don't lol.

I live in rural Cumbria, commute up the M6, then a bit more of rural Cumbria, so I do need to be wary of how well they handle potholes and the like. I’ll give it a look when I’m off work.
Cheers

[wrevilo]

I'm not sure anyone will have direct experience of running the two very similar sets of coilovers on their car. I ran the B12 kit on my 130i and enquired to Bilstein about the B14 at the same time. They said that the B14 kit was stiffer, which you can see when comparing the springs between the two. The B12 kit was decently judged for my needs and I think you could feel confident that the B14 would do a decent job.

I'd advise replacing related top/bottom mounts and other relevant parts at the same time.

[N55SFH]

They said that the B14 kit was stiffer, which you can see when comparing the springs between the two.

I think the B12s may fit my needs better then as I do live in an area with pretty rough roads so I don’t want a spine shattering ride.
Thanks

[whyzee125]

The Bilsteins would be the better kit IMO. Bilstein only makes dampers, all day, and they're excellent quality. They also have stiffer compression damping which the Eibach springs need, as they're very soft.

[scotthilly]

Originally Posted by N55SFH

I live in rural Cumbria, commute up the M6, then a bit more of rural Cumbria, so I do need to be wary of how well they handle potholes and the like. I’ll give it a look when I’m off work.
Cheers

They have demo vehicles at their shop I believe outside of London and do test drives / rides. Seems to be a few hours from you but could be worth checking out if you're heading down their sometime soon!

[335i54n]

best thing for bad roads is more tire, 17 with 45 series imo, just even going wider (same profile helps a lot)

[N55SFH]

yeh it came on 17 inch wheels when I bought it, hated how it looked. I've accepted now that I'll just have to keep a keen eye out for potholes

[N55SFH]

I’ve bought the B14s, will report back

[wrevilo]

Originally Posted by N55SFH

I’ve bought the B14s, will report back

Mega, it will be great to hear some feedback.

Do you have any photos of how the car currently sits?

[N55SFH]

Originally Posted by wrevilo

Mega, it will be great to hear some feedback.

Do you have any photos of how the car currently sits?

I’ll get some before and after pics, should have it sorted before next week

[Jaronbwall]

I have a shopping cart full of suspension parts including the B14 kit. I just need more $$$ for my money pit... Looking forward to your review.

[N55SFH]

Originally Posted by Jaronbwall

I have a shopping cart full of suspension parts including the B14 kit. I just need more $$$ for my money pit... Looking forward to your review.

I’ll likely do a bit of adjustment and testing before posting, try it at different height adjustments. I live in rural UK with the worst roads on earth so it’ll be good stress testing