500X Bilstein suspension option

[ronbo10]

I see that Bilstein makes, and The Tirerack offers for sale, several options regarding 500X suspension: B4 OE replacement strut (claimed to retain OE ride/handling, $464 for set of 4); B6 Performance replacement strut (claimed to offer a significant improvement in ride and handling, $508 for set of 4); B14, a kit which gives you struts and springs for all 4 corners of the car, plus a system which offers a ride height lowering range of between a minimum of 20 mm and a maximum of 40 mm lower than stock, so a bit less suspension travel, but maybe in the end a better ride/handling compromise- $974.

Anyone tried either of the latter 2 options, or feels tempted to give them a try?

[Mikeyjm1]

I’ve been eyeing that set for a while now.
Of course it posted everywhere just after I put H&R springs on my stock shocks.

So since then I’ve been torn between the B6 for these springs or the full B14 Coilovers. What I really want is to go lower but won’t sacrifice performance. I wish the B14 went to about -50mm and I’d be in. But at -40mm I think it’s where I am now on the the H&R springs.

[ronbo10]

I’ve been eyeing that set for a while now.
Of course it posted everywhere just after I put H&R springs on my stock shocks.

So since then I’ve been torn between the B6 for these springs or the full B14 Coilovers. What I really want is to go lower but won’t sacrifice performance. I wish the B14 went to about -50mm and I’d be in. But at -40mm I think it’s where I am now on the the H&R springs.

Hi Mikey. Are you still using the stock dampers with your H&R's? Are you reasonably happy with that combo if you are? There are times where it seems the stock suspension is a little bouncy for my tastes, but it isn't consistent- it seems to me that it's possible that the short wheel base coupled with the longish travel can get it seesawing on certain kinds of undulations, unless you hit them at the exact right speed (raised railroad crossing, for example). Perhaps you've experienced what I'm talking about here. Did the lower springs tame that tendency, if you noticed it at all in the first place?

Our 500L has an extra 2 inches of wheel base compared with the X, which seems to help in that regard, though it might also be that it has less suspension travel. I really like the way the Elle rides- no complaints, though it's not sporty, of course. Gleaning from all the stuff out there on the Euro 500X Sport, it seems they're pretty happy with what they've done with the suspension for those other (non-NA) markets. Wished they'd spec the NA models the same.

[Mikeyjm1]

I feel like the springs rate and lower center of gravity help control the car. It was fun on twisty roads when it was stock and it’s even better now. But the wider wheels and tires also helped that. I do still feel it needs better damping. I also wish we had swaybar options. There’s no aftermarket support but I keep trying to figure out if other models (ie the Dart) are interchangeable.
For another opinion, my wife drives an Abarth daily and hates how “rough” the 500X is.