Question Posted by Yang
If I turned the shock rod a couple times when loosening or tightening the upper shock mount is this bad for the shock?
Answer (Posted by FCP Euro Products Team)
No, this will not damage the shock. The piston is allowed to rotate inside the shock via the piston shaft.
Question Posted by Yang
Is it normal for the ride height to be slightly higher (~1in) then with the stock shocks upon initial installation? I am sure I installed everything correctly.
Answer (Posted by FCP Euro Products Team)
Yes, it is normal. The suspension will settle to its original ride height after a few thousand miles of driving.
Question Posted by Yang
These B6 shocks seem to come with some extra stuff that regular OE style shocks don't. What is the blue cover and the little rubber part under it for? The blue cover seems to block where you would normally install the bump stop.
Answer (Posted by FCP Euro Products Team)
OEM bump stops and dust bellows will not fit this shock absorber. Included with the shock absorber is a rubber bump stop (tan color) installed on the shock shaft. The dust bellow (blue plastic sleeve) is specific to the shock absorber and is support by a metal washer that sits on top of the piston shaft. These parts must be used when installing this shock absorber. Bilstein designed this shock to use OEM upper and lower mounts on E9X 3-series models.
Question Posted by Yang
If I install the rear shocks first since they are easier but stick with stock up front for a while will the stiffer rear + softer front create an odd imbalanced feel to the overall handling?
Answer (Posted by FCP Euro Products Team)
With Bilstein HD's installed in the rear and OEM struts on the front there will be an imbalance. We generally do not recommend having Bilstein HD's installed on only one axle as you not only get a partial benefit but it could result in some unwanted ride characteristics. It's bedt to have HD's instslled on all 4 corners at the same time.