Bilstein B16 Damptronic Coilovers BMW 3-Series F30 RWD 11-18

Bilstein B16 DampTronic Coilovers for BMW 3-Series F30 RWD (2011-2018) – Height Adjustable While Keeping Electronic Damping

Bilstein B16 DampTronic coilovers are made for versions of the BMW 3-Series F30 RWD with factory electronic damper control. They give you a threaded, height-adjustable suspension, up to approx. 50mm lower, while plugging straight into the car's own damper control system.

Because the car keeps controlling the dampers, the electronic damping carries on working after fitting. It is the way to get coilover ride-height adjustment and sharper handling on an adaptive-damper car without losing the factory function or causing warning lights.

Performance

• Ride height: Adjustable, up to approx. 50mm lower depending on the car
• Damping: Electronically controlled by the car (DampTronic)
• Damper design: Twin-tube gas-pressure

Ride-height figures are Bilstein's application data for this part number, measured against the car's standard ride height. The actual change depends on the car's engine, equipment and the condition of the parts being replaced.

Key Features

• Height-adjustable threaded bodies, up to approx. 50mm lower
• Plugs into the car's existing electronic damper control
• Keeps the electronic damping working after fitting
• Sharper, more controlled handling than standard
• Developed and tested by Bilstein for this specific car
• Complete matched kit of dampers and springs

What's in the Kit?

• 2 x front Bilstein height-adjustable coilover units with electronic damping
• 2 x rear Bilstein electronic dampers with springs (layout follows the car's original rear suspension)

Please note: the photo shows a typical Bilstein B16 kit. The parts for your car are specific to it and will differ in appearance. Top mounts and fitting hardware are not included unless listed above.

Fitment

• BMW 3-Series F30 RWD (2011-2018)

Not suitable for: other versions of this car, which have their own Bilstein B16 DampTronic part numbers: BMW 3-Series F30 xDrive 11-18; cars without factory electronic damper control; other generations, body styles or drivetrains not listed above.

Installation

The factory dampers and springs are removed (spring compressors are needed to strip the original front struts) and the Bilstein units fitted in their place, with the damper connectors plugged into the car's harness. Set the ride height equally side to side, tighten the lock rings and never go below the minimum thread engagement in Bilstein's instructions. Check wheel and tyre clearance at full lock and full compression, let the springs settle, re-check the height and have a four-wheel alignment carried out. We recommend professional fitting.

Upgrade Further

Bilstein also makes other suspension options for this car: Bilstein Clubsport for the BMW 3-Series F30 Without EDC Pre 2015 RWD 11-18.

Will this fit every BMW 3-Series F30?

No. Bilstein makes separate kits for different versions of this car, split by body style, drivetrain, engine or axle load. This one is for the BMW 3-Series F30 RWD (2011-2018). Check the Fitment section and the Not suitable for line, and contact us with your registration if you're unsure.

How low can I go?

Adjustable, up to approx. 50mm lower depending on the car. Always keep the minimum thread engagement shown in Bilstein's instructions and check that the tyres clear the arches at full lock and full compression.

Will my car's adaptive damping still work?

Yes. This kit connects to the car's own electronic damper control, so the system keeps adjusting the dampers as before. It is only for cars that came with electronic damping from the factory.

Do I need a wheel alignment after fitting?

Yes. Changing the ride height changes the suspension geometry, so a four-wheel alignment is needed after fitting. Let the springs settle for a few hundred miles first and re-check the ride height.

Is it road legal in the UK?

Yes, this kit is designed for road use. As with any suspension modification, you should tell your insurer once it has been fitted.

What type of dampers does it use?

Twin-tube gas-pressure, according to Bilstein's data for this part number. Gas-pressure dampers resist fading when they get hot during hard driving.

Is there a warranty?

Yes. Bilstein suspension is covered against defects in materials and workmanship. Contact us with your order number if you have any problem.

Do I need new top mounts?

They are not included. If your existing top mounts, bearings or bump stops are worn, replace them while the suspension is apart, as worn mounts can cause knocks and affect the alignment.