Bilstein B12 Sportline Lowering Kit BMW 325i 328i 330i 323i 318i 316i 320i E46 (1999-2005) 46-226617

Fitment Information

• BMW 316i E46 Sedan / Touring (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005)
• BMW 318i E46 Sedan / Touring / Coupe / Convertible (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005)
• BMW 320i E46 Sedan / Touring / Coupe / Convertible (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005)
• BMW 323i E46 Sedan / Touring / Coupe / Convertible (1999, 2000, 2001)
• BMW 325i E46 Sedan / Touring / Coupe / Convertible (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005)
• BMW 328i E46 Sedan / Coupe / Convertible (1999, 2000)
• BMW 330i E46 Sedan / Touring / Coupe / Convertible (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005)
• Note: Does not fit the E46 M3, which uses different suspension geometry and requires a separate kit
• Note: May not fit E46 models equipped with factory Sport suspension. Confirm before ordering

Fitment Note: This kit fits all standard non-M E46 3 Series body styles across all engine variants. The E46 M3 is excluded and requires its own dedicated Bilstein kit. If your car came with the factory Sport suspension package, compatibility should be confirmed before ordering since the Sport package may use different strut specifications. An alignment is required after installation. Sold as a complete kit of 4 units (2 front struts and 2 rear shocks with matched Eibach Sportline springs).

Specs and Features

• Bilstein Part Number: 46-226617
• Complete kit of 4: 2 front B8 Performance Plus struts and 2 rear B8 Performance Plus shocks, pre-matched with Eibach Sportline springs
• Front lowering: approximately 45-50mm (1.8-2.0 inches)
• Rear lowering: approximately 20-25mm (0.8-1.0 inch)
• Asymmetric front/rear drop is intentional and maintains proper suspension geometry on the E46
• B8 Performance Plus monotube dampers, application-specifically valved for use with the included Eibach Sportline springs
• Eibach Sportline springs provide more aggressive lowering and handling than the Pro-Kit, while still being street-comfortable
• Fixed height, no ride height adjustment
• Bilstein limited lifetime warranty on the dampers

The B12 Sportline sits between the B12 Pro-Kit and a full coilover in terms of how aggressively it lowers the E46. The Pro-Kit drops the front about 30mm and keeps more of the stock ride character. The Sportline drops the front closer to 45-50mm for a more planted look and feel. If you want adjustable ride height rather than a fixed drop, the Bilstein B14 coilovers for the E46 are the next step up. The springs and dampers in this kit are road-tested and fine-tuned together by Bilstein and Eibach, so you're not guessing at spring rate compatibility the way you would be mixing parts from two different brands.

The B12 Sportline is a complete suspension kit, meaning it includes both the Bilstein B8 Performance Plus struts and shocks and the matched Eibach Sportline springs in one box. You're not sourcing dampers and springs separately and hoping the rates work together. Bilstein and Eibach road-tested and tuned these specific combinations for the E46, so the spring rate and damper valving are already matched before they ship. The Sportline sits between the B12 Pro-Kit and a full coilover in terms of how aggressively it lowers the car. The Pro-Kit drops the front around 30mm and keeps more of the stock ride character. The Sportline goes closer to 45-50mm up front for a more planted look and feel. If you want adjustable ride height rather than a fixed drop, the Bilstein B14 coilovers for the E46 are the next step up.

Compare with:

• Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit Lowering Kit for BMW E46 (1999-2006) If the Sportline's 45-50mm front drop is more than you want, the Pro-Kit is the same Bilstein B8 and Eibach pairing at a more modest 30mm front drop. Both are fixed height kits, the only difference is how aggressively each one lowers the car.