MyE28.com

So it is time to replace/refresh my struts (original BMW factory) on my 1987 e28 M5, which I use as a fast road car an never on a track. I am based in France
I thought this will be a simple matter, but no…
I would like to lower the car about 2cm and I thought replace the dampers as there is a terrible noise coming from the front left one when going over bumps.

So looking around here and other forums the Bilstein B12 Sportline - Contains 4 x Bilstein B8 shocks and Eibach Sportline lowering springs

But spoke to Bilstein Uk and they said that these systems are not recommended for the M5 and I should go with the B6 dampers, an look around to find lowering springs?

So I spoke to a specialist BMW garage in UK, Munich Legends, Very respected outfit. They suggested that I look for alpina replacement dampers and shocks, Which are like gold dust and unfindable (if that word exists) They did warn me though not to go the coilover way.. Di not say why but I presume it was because welding and geometry problems that can follow..
They suggested eibac lowering springs but he thought that these were discontinued

Next I went to the importers of H&R and Eibac and Bilstein in France, Who again could only offer me B6 Bilsteins B6 and no lowering springs???

Can any one who has changed their suspension suggest any other combination that I could find preferably in Europe.

Thanks

I have had a long chat with a person on turnermotorsports in USA. THey tell me that their B8 system will work on my euro e28 M5 as long as I disable the SLS. My car does not have SLS as far as I know, but will take the rear wheel out and have a look as soon as the car is back from the mechanics.

Your car should have come with Boge dampers. The rear springs are different on the E28 M5. They are a larger diameter than standard E28. They are E12 springs. Looking at the pictures on your other thread your rear dampers have been changed. They may be standard E28 bilstein B6 or B8.
The Boge dampers are NLA. Your car is no longer as it came from the factory.
If you want to lower your car then buy an E28 complete set up. The M5 would have been about 20-25mm lower than a standard E28. The E28 M5 originally had Bilsteins and smaller diameter anti roll bars. It changed 9/86 to Boge dampers with larger diameter anti roll bars.

The Boge dampers were softer which improved the ride comfort and the larger anti roll bars compensated for the increased softening. The B8 would be a harder ride in your car. The original Bilsteins would have been closer to the B6 sport.

If you can show a good picture of the rear spring top mount it should be possible to tell if you have standard E28 rear springs fitted.

Thanks. That is great. The car should be back from storage next week and i will post a picture to confirm.
Are part numbers on the springs/ and shocks that i can confirm?

Thanks

The dampers will have part numbers. If they are original they will have a BMW part number or a BMW mark. Bilstein can be identified by the number. But be aware that Bilstein numbers can be different from those of the original 80's/90's versions. The springs depended on the specification of the car. It was a points system which depended on what extras were fitted. They were colour coded with a dab of paint.

Great thanks. You dont have any idea of the color codes on the springs?