Bilstein B12 vs Eibach & Koni Sports

[Alfa159Ti]

My Alfa Spider looks pretty but handles like crap. Loads of roll, sway and nose dipping.

I am considering suspension options and have been offered two options at good prices.

Koni Sport shocks and Eibach springs are one set up. The other is the Bilstein B12 kit, which is Eibach Springs and Bilstein shocks.

Does anyone have any experience of either of these set ups?

Most of my daily driving is rush hour traffic and motorway, though I do get a chance now and again to get onto 'proper' driving roads. Therefore whilst I want to sharpen the handling and supress the nose dipping and body roll, I don't want something that is too stiff.

Any input about your experiences would be welcomed!

[chris7676]

I found Koni Sports a great and inexpensive kit, with ability to adjust the damping to my needs. Different car but expect similar results.

[Keesjr]

Go for the Koni's

[Batfink]

With the B12 you know the spring and damper rates will be matched. Having used these on a few cars i've been happy everytime.

[parapaul]

TBH I think for the driving you do you'll be completely unable to tell the difference once they're fitted. Same springs in both cases, and the Bilstein dampers are doubtless very very similar to the Koni Sports.

Which works out cheapest?

The Konis are bright yellow, if that makes any difference?

[chris7676]

Are B12 adjustable as well?

[SuperchargedVR6]

Nope, they have preset bump/rebound.

Koni yellows aren't what they used to be. Certaninly weren't for me at least. I had to replace the fronts twice under warranty due to leaking problems. Seems even the mightly Koni have been cutting corners during these trying times.

[bonesX]

What did you go for in the finish?

The 'B12' kit is the inverted B8 Bilstein damper, which has a shorter travel to match a lowering spring. I'm not a fan of most of the aftermarker Eibach springs, and went with a KW set with the B8 damper with great results