BMW 3 Series E90 Shock Absorbers & Suspension

Which variants this covers

Four body styles share the E9x platform: the E90 saloon, the E91 Touring, the E92 coupé and the E93 cabriolet, built between 2004 and 2013. They are related but not interchangeable — the Touring and the cabriolet in particular carry different rear setups from the saloon. Both rear-wheel-drive and xDrive cars are included. For other 3 Series generations, use 3 Series suspension.

Choosing between the ranges

Bilstein B6 is the largest group listed for this chassis — firmer than standard at the original ride height, which suits an E90 whose damping has gone soft but whose owner does not want it lowered. Bilstein B4 is the OE-comparable alternative, restoring the factory ride exactly as it was. Tein EnduraPro covers the same ground as B6 from the other side, with EnduraPro Plus adding 16 levels of damping adjustment after fitting. To lower the car, Bilstein B12 pairs shortened dampers with matched springs, and Tein S.Tech springs give a moderate drop on the original dampers. Tein Street Advance Z coilovers replace both and let you set ride height directly. Bilstein B8 is not stocked for this chassis. Dampers on their own, with the ranges compared side by side, are listed on BMW E90 shock absorbers.

What to check before ordering

Front and rear are separate parts; buy and fit in axle pairs. Strut support bearings and protection kits are cheap next to a strut and should be renewed with it. Get the alignment checked afterwards. The E90-specific trap is the rear: Touring and cabriolet cars differ from the saloon, and cars fitted with self-levelling rear suspension differ again — check the rear listing against your exact body style.

Common questions for this chassis

Do the saloon and Touring share rear dampers? Not reliably. The Touring's rear setup differs, and self-levelling cars differ again — confirm against your body style.

Is B6 too firm for daily driving? It is noticeably firmer than standard but is a road damper, not a track part. B4 is the softer choice.

Will E90 parts fit an F30? No — the F30 is the following generation and uses different components.