Hi,

I’ve had the OEM JCW upgraded suspension for a few years and looking to replace only the struts.
What are direct replacement struts for a 2009 FJCW with upgraded JCW suspension (with red springs). Looking for a recommendation.

 

I'm a fan of Bilstein. I would get a set of Bilstein B8s.

 

Thanks. I'll take a look at it, and hopefully see if I can find someone else running that combination.

 

Haven’t tried B6, but Bilstein B4 on the front of my 2012 JCW with stock springs fells excellent with stock rears. Especially if you don’t have great roads or drive in winter. Not sure about your springs though. Basically B4 feels exactly like OEM (maybe better).

 

I understand that you have a JCW, but do you also have the JCW suspension (red springs etc)? I’m am trying gauge if your comparison is to that or the stock (base) suspension that came on all R56 cars.

 

The springs were black.

 

Stock was the sport suspension+ on factory JCW i believe and you had to upgrade at the dealer or order the JCW sport suspension with red springs afterwards.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...their-own.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...on-vs-jcw.html

JCW kits is NLA https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h/33500429708/

You can get some of the parts a la carte

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=03_0038

Red springs are calculated with VIN, some you can still get but some are NLA.


Look at the struts and they should have the old Delphi sticker on them with the part numbers to make sure its stock. I can then take your VIN (PM) and find the stock springs, but most people just go with H&R or etc.

If you have the black spoings and stock sport suspension ( No JCW upgrades) then most people get bilstein/koni yellow for sport (pair with lowering springs for a sport control and ride) or KONI REDs if they want to keep it stock and no lowering or JCW red springs (comfort). Its up to you.

 

Thanks, I want to give the Bilsteins a try but don’t want to downgrade from the dealer installed JCW suspension I have with the red springs.
I sent you a PM as well.

 

Thanks sent one back.

 

Like others have stated, you can't go wrong with Bilstein B8 struts. My JCW had the sport suspension and I honestly feel the Bilstein B8 struts with HR Drop Springs are on par if not better than OEM sport suspension. I know there is Bilstein B8 kit that comes with Eibach springs but I've never been a fan of Eibach and prefer the H&R instead.

 

Thanks.
I ended up reaching out to Bilstein directly and below is their response.
“The B8 series is a shorter version of the B6 that is meant to be paired with aftermarket lowering springs like Eibach or H&R”

I plan to go with the B6, since I plan to stay on my red JCW springs.

 

Do yourself a favor and do some more research. If I’m not mistaken the JCW red springs are shorter than your standard springs found on the S model. I don’t think it’s significant but I do believe it’s .5-1” shorter.

For suspension travel purposes, the B8s may be the way to go.

 

The ride height with the "Red" springs is only 10mm lower, but I would just go with them anyway. Gives you some flexibility later if you decide you want to change out the springs.

And... they happen to be in stock at ECS right now:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bilstein.../minispsetr56/

 

I meant to update this thread, so anyone looking for a similar setup in the future.
I got the Bilstein B6 installed and kept my red JCW springs/ suspension.
The setup is great! Still sporty, and the ride comfort is a bit better than before.
Best of both worlds and perfect for my needs as a daily driver.

 

I am a big fan of Bilstein dampers. The B6 are an excellent OEM+ damper, and will pair nicely with the JCW red springs. Great choice!