ITT, ZHP Mafioso Learn Everything There is to Know About Coilover Suspension Set-ups

[Hornung418]

I searched, didn't see a thread solely focused on Coilovers. Mods, please sticky when you feel this has become a valuable resource.

What I'm looking for in this thread:

If you have a Coilover Suspension:


Product Name // Place of Purchase // Cost // Options (Spring Rates, Dampening, Valve Adjustable, etc.)
[Pictures of Product] [/Pictures of Product]
Honest Review of Product
[Pictures Installed on BMW] [/Pictures Installed on BMW]

If you are looking to buy a Coilover Suspension:


Please provide info regarding what you want in a setup. Please be clear, we are not mind readers.
Please list your price range. Granted you get what you pay for, and a ZHP is nothing to put deck level products on, but you don't have to spend a small fortune on a Suspension System to achieve the goal.
In turn - we will provide some helpful information and recommendations.

I'll begin with a product tho, as I'm still a n00b to suspensions.

A forum vendor on BF.C is offering a GB (Intro Sale Thread (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1559371), Group Buy Round 2 (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1672827)) on an American-made, in-house repaired company, called ISC Suspension North America (http://www.iscsuspension-na.com/). Do any forum members have insight regarding the construction, settings and spring rates?

I hope this is a successful resource for current and future members!

Thanks :thumbup

[danewilson77]

1. DDMTuning coilovers. $750. WWW.ddmtuning.com

Horrible. Discontinued. 3 months of use is what you see below. Full refund was granted.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/DSC02243sz800.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/DSC02242sz800.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/DSC02244sz800.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/DSC02245.jpg

2. FK Silverline coilovers. $900. WWW.ecstuning.com

Excellent lowering capabilities. Excellent ride comfort. Car totaled. 1 year of usage.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/DSC02280sz1200.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/DSC02281sz800.jpg

3. FK Silverline X adjustable coilovers. $1100. WWW.ecstuning.com

Same review as 2 above.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/IMG_20101105_205003.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/12477_x800.jpg

4. KW V1. $confidential. WWW.modbargains.com

Review forth coming.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/146917_x600.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/146916_x800.jpg

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[kayger12]

Great thread idea, Horney.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[danewilson77]

Pics added.

[Hornung418]

Bump for Eli and Six2Midnight.

[danewilson77]

I believe Eli is on V2's.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[mimalmo]

•KW V2 // ModBargains // $1430 shipped (mind you this was over two years ago) // zee KW V2 haz nein opshunz!
http://www.visionr.com.au/images/site/products/363--15265019%20.jpg
• They are awesome
•[Pictures Installed on BMW] [/Pictures Installed on BMW]
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg283/mimalmo/Eurowerks%205%20Minneapolis%20MN%20June%2025th%202 011/Eli3.jpg

[bimmeryota]

Bilstein PSS10/ Euroautospot SD/ $1650

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/5749590604_8eb76d988f_z.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2236/5749623400_0494f06a3b_z.jpg

Straightforward install
Easy to adjust damping with the large knobs
Added the winzer tek wax from Turner on threads to prevent corrosion(not that I ever drive in salt in San Diego)
Ride is awesome, like stock just more controlled. Set on 6 all the way around on the street.

[Hornung418]

BUMP!

[anm3itbe]

I'm liking this thread so far. I hope to be able to contribute soon with my zhp. FWIW - I can say that on my M I had the ST coilover system. $975.00 shipped to my door (group buy). They're basically like KW v1's minus the lifetime warranty (5 years) and the stainless steel housings. I can say the ride was a great mix between stiff and comfortable. The car always felt poised and turn-in was fantastic. I believe spring rates in the front are 400lb and the rears are progressive. The kit came with sway bar endlinks and believe it or not they are still holding up well. Finally, with the fully threaded shock body, you'll be able to drop your car ALOT, if needed. Height adjusters on the rear were pretty easy compared to my old H&Rs. Very much considering purchasing these again for my zhp.

Pic:

http://www.modbargains.com/images/Products/ST%20Suspension/ST-Coilovers.jpg

[ganseg]

My car is a daily driver, but I want it to perform well for one or two track weekends a year. I think the idea of 400+ lb springs is about right for me. I hope to get something under $1500 that can live thru MN winters. I don't want to have to lower the car too much for winter either.

[danewilson77]

My car is a daily driver, but I want it to perform well for one or two track weekends a year. I think the idea of 400+ lb springs is about right for me. I hope to get something under $1500 that can live thru MN winters. I don't want to have to lower the car too much for winter either.

What is your question sir?

Go with Bilstein PSS9/10's, KW V1/2's, FK Silverline, or Tien SS (with or without pillow ball mounts).

[mimalmo]

My car is a daily driver, but I want it to perform well for one or two track weekends a year. I think the idea of 400+ lb springs is about right for me. I hope to get something under $1500 that can live thru MN winters. I don't want to have to lower the car too much for winter either.

So you're the one that bought the low mileage ZHP? Welcome. Be sure to do an intro thread with some pics of the car.


I chose the KW V2's based on the stainless steel bodies, manufacturer's warranty and reputation. Very happy with these after Orr did a corner balance on my car.

[ganseg]

Which of those have the stiffest springs (and dampening to handle the springs)?

[danewilson77]

V1's have inox ss bodies as well...just as a heads up.


Spring rate info is tough.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[danewilson77]

Additionally....V1, V2, V3 all have same spring rate.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[mimalmo]

Which of those have the stiffest springs (and dampening to handle the springs)?

http://www.kw-suspension.com/us/kw_product_range.php?MainPage=coilover


Though I hear the track guys like the AST's better.

[bullfrogs_M3]

INFO:
Function Form F2 Type 2 (http://www.f2autolife.com/) // Weksos Industries (http://www.weaksauceparts.com/) // $1100 // 32 levels damping adjustment, adjustable endlinks, adjustable strut-body (move the physical strut up and down without changing the spring compression)

PRODUCT:
https://f2autolife.3dcartstores.com/assets/images/img_6981edit.jpg

REVIEW:
Honestly, I love em. I am dropped about as much as possible right now and it rides like stock. Love it!!! I have personally gone through way too many different sets of suspension (stock zhp, Vogtland Springs, H&R, JIC Competition Cross (made for M3's), M3 stock suspension, F2). I am finally very happy with this decision to go with a relatively (in the BMW world at least) unknown manufacturer. I was down to VT Coils (K&W manufacturer) and these. I opted for these based on the ability to raise and lower the strut within the strut body. This is done by threading the center of the strut into the body. This is so as not to affect strut piston length and spring compression thereby keeping the ride quality identical to stock while having a very lowered car.

PICS:
(Pre-rear end fix. Now level all the way around)
http://gallery.me.com/jeremiahconnelly/100015/P1010293/web.jpg

http://gallery.me.com/jeremiahconnelly/100074/P1010340/web.jpg

http://gallery.me.com/jeremiahconnelly/100066/P1010280/web.jpg

http://gallery.me.com/jeremiahconnelly/100015/P1010304/web.jpg

Fronts on F2 Type 2's:
http://gallery.me.com/jeremiahconnelly/100015/P1010291/web.jpg

Rears on F2 Type 2's:
http://gallery.me.com/jeremiahconnelly/100015/P1010292/web.jpg

Vogtland Springs:
http://gallery.me.com/jeremiahconnelly/100015/IMG_3134/web.jpg

[bcleaver]

http://www.kw-suspension.com/us/kw_product_range.php?MainPage=coilover


Though I hear the track guys like the AST's better.

I have the AST's and love them. I just use hypercoil springs so you can swap whatever rates you want in and out. Lots of guys carry the springs and they aren't all that expensive to get a new set to play around with rates. The shocks, however, aren't cheap.

[danewilson77]

Looks great! Perfection Armijo!

[murph]

lol, Hi Gary... The guys around here are much more interested in looks... check the track section of bimmerforums or e46fanatics for more appropriate advice...

[mimalmo]

I'd say you're painting with an awfully broad brush there Matt. Several members here track their cars on a regular basis. Many others want the look of a lowered car but also want a handling upgrade. Some of us wish we could track our cars but can't afford the time or money to do so.

[billschusteriv]

lol, Hi Gary... The guys around here are much more interested in looks... check the track section of bimmerforums or e46fanatics for more appropriate advice...

Decent suggestion. We're all about pointing people to the places where they can find the information they need.


I'd say you're painting with an awfully broad brush there Matt. Several members here track their cars on a regular basis. Many others want the look of a lowered car but also want a handling upgrade. Some of us wish we could track our cars but can't afford the time or money to do so.

Well put Eli.

[danewilson77]

lol, Hi Gary... The guys around here are much more interested in looks... check the track section of bimmerforums or e46fanatics for more appropriate advice...

Couldn't disagree more.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[GMATT]

Just a FYI....I went with the KW V1's because I WILL track my car a couple of times per year. I am low, but not "slammed"......enjoy!

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

Stickied.....good info being built up in here.....

[bimmeryota]

Update on my PSS10s: Love them so far with about 6-7000 miles. Mostly street duty so I was not sure if anybody has talked about this on this forum yet but I've been playing around with my settings for the street trying to find the most comfortable setting for my PSS10s. I tried setting them at 5 all the way around and it was a little too bouncy and then I set the front at 6 and the rear at 5 and the rear felt too soft and felt a little loose on mildly aggressive onramp action. I went back to 6 all the way around and it feels just right so I think I made the right choice on settings for the street. I'm hoping to do the autocross in SD on the 4th and will play with them more then. What are others running on the street? I know this isnt the autocross/track section but if you have any input on street vs. autocross. vs road course please chime in. (If we should start a thread like this in that area let me know moderators)

[DARXIDE]

Has anyone used the H&R Cup Kit with sport springs? I'm looking at buying this set, but don't really want to lower my car much at all. Would be happy to buy a ZHP refresh kit if I could find it, but I haven't as of yet. Also, if I DID get the refresh kit, it doesn't come with springs, so. Also, anyone have a suggestion for a good suspension shop in SoCal. I'm in Ventura. Thanks!

[S85FTW]

Purchased BC BR Coilovers through JG Technik in Branford CT.
$900 purchase price, $1250 installed.
I would say, they are much more tame than PSS9's from personal experience (my brother had them on his GTI and it felt like you were being thrown out of the car when you hit a bump).
Fully adjustable camber, ride height, and 20 way shock stiffness with the turn of a nob on top of each shock tower. I must say this feature alone is worth it because when I drive by myself I set it to the stiffest setting and love the handling. When the wife is in the car I set it to 10 (half stiffness) and my wife doesnt realize a difference vs oem shocks.
One thing I did notice, the perches that sit in between the camber plate and shocks are a rugged plastic. In the winter when temps get at or below freezing, this plastic shrinks and sounds like the front shocks are loose. It turns out BC ships out metal perches to fix this issue if it persists. Once spring hit the problem went away. Overall I would say these coilovers are 8/10. But for the money 10/10.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/krisgt30/330ci/coilovers.jpg

[GSEN820]

I have the H and R Race kit on my car. I have had this set up for over 1 year and around 10k on it. It has been great for me so far. I couldn't be more happy with this set up. The ride is really comfortable and of course slammed. I wanted a lowered car, to tell you the truth, really didnt care much about adjusting height.

It is not bad as a daily driver or some spirited driving every now and then. I dont track my car which for the price is great for me.

[johnrando]

Has anyone used the H&R Cup Kit with sport springs? I'm looking at buying this set, but don't really want to lower my car much at all. Would be happy to buy a ZHP refresh kit if I could find it, but I haven't as of yet. Also, if I DID get the refresh kit, it doesn't come with springs, so. Also, anyone have a suggestion for a good suspension shop in SoCal. I'm in Ventura. Thanks!

I have the H&R Touring Cup kit with Sport Springs, not the H&R Sport Cup Kit, with similar lowering, but tighter springs. Really like the setup and it's a nice low (but verts sag lower than non-verts in the rear). I have some pics in my project thread. My sig pics are my old setup on Race springs. I think I responded in another thread, Mike at Migs Motorsports will install a suspension for $150, which is a great price. Plus, he's fast, and he knows what he's doing. Problem is, he's in San Diego. GL!

Pics in my project thread, not the best angle, I'll add some this weekend.
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?4241-Jet-Black-ZHP-quot-Mini-quot-Mod-A-Palooza

[gr330zhp]

In my Bentley manual, it claims that when installing steerng arm bolts, to ise new bolts or thread locking compoumd. Anyone else run across this?? Or just bolt back up and it's fine?

5798

[danewilson77]

In my Bentley manual, it claims that when installing steerng arm bolts, to ise new bolts or thread locking compoumd. Anyone else run across this?? Or just bolt back up and it's fine?

5798

Should not have to in bolt steering bolts to do coilovers.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[Vas]

I pretty much settled on getting a set of Fortune Auto coilovers for my zhp when I get my taxes back.

Great product with great warranty ( 5 years ). Located in Richmond VA so they are stateside and offer great support. Just have not made my mind of the 500 or the 510 version

Product list below via the link.

Discuss.

http://www.fortune-auto.net/productpage.htm

[danewilson77]

Mmm....watched the video.


http://vimeo.com/50737390#

I like the fact they are built and reside in the USA.

I like:

Dyno tested
Mono-Tube damper with high pressure nitrogen
24-step rebound adjustable dampers
Spherical Bearings
IP synthetic 5w or 10w shock oil (prevents cavitation and promotes superior heat dissipation)
T6 6061 Forged & Anodized aluminum mounts and camber plates**
Bright Dip Anodized
Height adjustment independent of pre-load
5 year Manufacturer's Warranty (1 year on piston)....though not as good as LIFETIME from KW.
Swift springs upgrade available
Rebuild-able in the USA
Revalve-able in the USA

I like $1349.00-$1449.00 for Porsche, BMW & GTR applications series 4 500 applications.

I don't like that I've never heard of them before.

[Vas]

They are very popular in the nissan world and other makes in jdm land. My brother-in law has a set on his s13 240sx and loves them.

You also get a shock dyno for each coilover.

Is KW limited lifetime or Lifetime warranty?

[danewilson77]

I blew a shock and they sent me new ones. I think they're lifetime. Dunno the difference.

[Sockethead]

We have KW V2s on the 135. The ride isn't that bad at all ....equal to the H&R sport spring on my ZHP. They are a little noisy when it's cold out though.
Some of you have ridden in it with that setup at the meet last year...

[BimmerWill]

FK Silverlines - non adjustable dampening but ride is very manageable on long trips as well as tight in the corners.

Price - $1200 around two years ago from ECStuning. Price has gone down quite a bit since then.

The only real issues I've had out of them are the front shock inserts. They went out about a year or so after I put them on and leaked all down the strut body. Was a little difficult to get replacements and car was down for about a week or so due to the struts needing to be shipped off for examination. They were covered under warranty and because I did everything myself no money out of pocket other than shipping to ECStuning's claims department.

What really sold them for me was the stainless steel feature. They've held up great so far and have seen plenty of both salt during the winter and rain in the summer.

If you're considering these I would do a little research on the front shock inserts as id heard this was a fairly common problem with these coilovers.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

[Vas]

Fortune auto appeal to me because of

A) digressive shock and shock dyno
B) swift spring upgrade - worth the extra money
C) warranty
D) a lot of flexibility on dampening and ride height

Plus the cost and how they are built as far as quality is a thumbs up. Plus fortunate auto puts everything to the test on the car and off the car including on the track.

[danewilson77]

Fortune auto appeal to me because of

A) digressive shock and shock dyno
B) swift spring upgrade - worth the extra money
C) warranty
D) a lot of flexibility on dampening and ride height

Plus the cost and how they are built as far as quality is a thumbs up. Plus fortunate auto puts everything to the test on the car and off the car including on the track.

Plus... They're 30 minutes from me :)

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[Vas]

The past two years they held a really nice open house meet.

Hurry up tax season lol.

[danewilson77]

The past two years they held a really nice open house meet.

Hurry up tax season lol.

+1

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[DSC-off]

I'm wondering what the opinion is for my potential needs. At some point in the next 1-1.5 years I'd like to either refresh or upgrade my suspension with either a full coil-over kit or some sort of OEM hybrid setup.

Here are my criteria

1. It's for my e46 M3
2. I feel like the stock suspension has never been replaced/upgraded and it's probably getting pretty tired
3. I attempted to get the car aligned but the camber did not seem to want to come back to stock (front was like -.2, back -.8, stock is supposed to be somewhere near: -.8/-1.65). I'm not sure if this was caused by the mechanic's ignorance (doubt he'd worked on a BMW before...) or suspension components getting tired. I also gave it my best effort to adjust the car as well while it was on the alignment rack, but I didn't see anything obvious that the mechanic missed.
4. I would love to make the car handle even better than it does now, if i could make it grab the road even a little harder than it does now I would appreciate that on a daily basis (I love hitting winding back roads after work).
5. This car is my daily driver
6. Right now my commute is less than 5 miles, but it will be going up to ~30 at some point in the near future (once I move).
7. My daily commute is always going to have several VERY tall speed bumps, and i like being able to get over them without scraping anything
8. I occasionally take the car on extended 100+ mile trips, and I sometimes take business associates and/or customers in my car so the suspension can't be soul shattering
9. Sadly for the time being the car will be used in winter and weather until I can secure something more suited to the task.
10. I have not been to any track days or autoX events yet, but I would love to start going to them. It probably would only be 2-4 times a year unless I really get addicted.

I would prefer the suspension be under $1.2-1.7k, but as this is not an immediate thing I can spend some time saving if it's upwards of $2-2.2k so long as it makes a difference with the aforementioned criteria. Mainly does it improve the handling and still let me clear speed bumps without shattering spines.

My Infiniti G35 is low (like front-1.2 and back-1.5 lower than stock, which is already low) and it is infuriating not being able to go over speed bumps, having to enter/exit every driveway/lot at a serious angle. It really makes the car way less practical.


I've done some shopping around and I have been looking over all of the commonly available coilover kits like the PSS10s, KW V2s, FK Silverline Plus X, but I have also been considering maybe just putting in fresh OEM/Sachs or some Koni struts-shocks. What is the community's opinion?

[Avetiso]

Charlie (cakM3) has said good things about BC Racing Coils. Inexpensive, pretty high quality. They cost around $1000. PM him.

[cakM3]

Purchased BC BR Coilovers through JG Technik in Branford CT.
$900 purchase price, $1250 installed.

I would say, they are much more tame than PSS9's from personal experience (my brother had them on his GTI and it felt like you were being thrown out of the car when you hit a bump).

Fully adjustable camber, ride height, and 20 way shock stiffness with the turn of a nob on top of each shock tower. I must say this feature alone is worth it because when I drive by myself I set it to the stiffest setting and love the handling. When the wife is in the car I set it to 10 (half stiffness) and my wife doesnt realize a difference vs oem shocks.
One thing I did notice, the perches that sit in between the camber plate and shocks are a rugged plastic. In the winter when temps get at or below freezing, this plastic shrinks and sounds like the front shocks are loose. It turns out BC ships out metal perches to fix this issue if it persists. Once spring hit the problem went away. Overall I would say these coilovers are 8/10. But for the money 10/10.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/krisgt30/330ci/coilovers.jpg

Justin, I've been using BC Racing "BR" series coilovers for about 4 years now and have to agree with Kris' assessment above. Can't get a better set of coilovers for the money. These are perfect for street use but if you intend to seriously track your car then I would suggest going with either the PSS-9/10s or KWs. As some have said, you get what you paid for.

With that said, both of my BMWs are set up on BC Racing coils...couldn't be happier with my choice :thumbsup. Pics of my ride height using these coilovers are in both project threads and there are a few here on this forum who have seen, and ridden in my ///M in person. On both cars my coilovers are set at 15 for damping force adjustments & compression/rebound settings. I paid $999 including shipping for these.

Information on BC Racing "BR" series coilovers:
- Mono-tube shock design
- 30 levels of damping force adjustment, adjust compression/rebound
- Pillowball mounts and adjustable camber plates included (where applicable)
- Adjustable rear camber plates available (don't have this)
- Separate full length height adjustable
- One year warranty (only drawback but I haven't had any issues after 4 years usage)
- Rebuildable

The "BR" series is perfect for street driving and occasional road course duty (autocross/spirited street driving). With easily accessible adjustment knobs for fine tuning your compression/rebound and separately adjustable ride height.

Here's the link: http://bcracingsuperstore.com/product/bmw/98-06-e46/bc-racing-br-type-coilover-for-98-06-bmw-e46 (http://bcracingsuperstore.com/product/bmw/98-06-e46/bc-racing-br-type-coilover-for-98-06-bmw-e46)

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Johal E32]

I'm wondering what the opinion is for my potential needs. At some point in the next 1-1.5 years I'd like to either refresh or upgrade my suspension with either a full coil-over kit or some sort of OEM hybrid setup.

Here are my criteria

1. It's for my e46 M3
2. I feel like the stock suspension has never been replaced/upgraded and it's probably getting pretty tired
3. I attempted to get the car aligned but the camber did not seem to want to come back to stock (front was like -.2, back -.8, stock is supposed to be somewhere near: -.8/-1.65). I'm not sure if this was caused by the mechanic's ignorance (doubt he'd worked on a BMW before...) or suspension components getting tired. I also gave it my best effort to adjust the car as well while it was on the alignment rack, but I didn't see anything obvious that the mechanic missed.
4. I would love to make the car handle even better than it does now, if i could make it grab the road even a little harder than it does now I would appreciate that on a daily basis (I love hitting winding back roads after work).
5. This car is my daily driver
6. Right now my commute is less than 5 miles, but it will be going up to ~30 at some point in the near future (once I move).
7. My daily commute is always going to have several VERY tall speed bumps, and i like being able to get over them without scraping anything
8. I occasionally take the car on extended 100+ mile trips, and I sometimes take business associates and/or customers in my car so the suspension can't be soul shattering
9. Sadly for the time being the car will be used in winter and weather until I can secure something more suited to the task.
10. I have not been to any track days or autoX events yet, but I would love to start going to them. It probably would only be 2-4 times a year unless I really get addicted.

I would prefer the suspension be under $1.2-1.7k, but as this is not an immediate thing I can spend some time saving if it's upwards of $2-2.2k so long as it makes a difference with the aforementioned criteria. Mainly does it improve the handling and still let me clear speed bumps without shattering spines.

My Infiniti G35 is low (like front-1.2 and back-1.5 lower than stock, which is already low) and it is infuriating not being able to go over speed bumps, having to enter/exit every driveway/lot at a serious angle. It really makes the car way less practical.


I've done some shopping around and I have been looking over all of the commonly available coilover kits like the PSS10s, KW V2s, FK Silverline Plus X, but I have also been considering maybe just putting in fresh OEM/Sachs or some Koni struts-shocks. What is the community's opinion?

I'd go Bilstein PSS10 for your E46 M3. Bilstein is a very well established name, and I know lots of E46 M3 owners who love the pss10 coils, and they are coilovers so you can keep the ride height close to stock, and you can adjust the dampening 1-10.

[DSC-off]

Charlie,
Have you gone over any really tall speedbumps with your M3 using that suspension? How much do those coilovers lower the car, I didn't see any specs on the website.

[cakM3]

Charlie,
Have you gone over any really tall speedbumps with your M3 using that suspension? How much do those coilovers lower the car, I didn't see any specs on the website.

I have gone over some speed bumps and they come up on my car almost to the bottom but I have never dragged. My car is lowered about 1.5" from stock ride height. I think I can go lower still....not going to up here in New England...

This was taken on a trip to VA. Notice the wide yellow strip under my ///M in the reflection in the window....that's a big and wide speed bump...
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/30/etyqyput.jpg

My front lip spoiler almost touches this speed bump....I was sweating it just alittle bit...
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/30/yheze7eb.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/30/abe3uzyp.jpg

You can see just how much clearance I have between the speed bump and the bottom of my ///M
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/30/aje2ynuh.jpg

I haven't dragged but then it depends on how steep the speed bump is. Some aren't as gradual as this one was so rather than risk it, I usually avoid them to be safe. :thumbsup

Like I said, for the price I'm very pleased with the performance of these coilovers. They also come with adjustable camber plates for the front struts. Not bad for $999 :)

I liked them so much that when I upgraded the ZHPs suspension this year, I went with the same setup. :)

[WOLFN8TR]

Sub'd to learn from the Pros!

[DSC-off]

Thanks Charlie, I think that pretty conclusively answers the question. The speedbumps I am going over daily are at least that tall, but they are the really steep kind, not the gentle sloping kind. I definitely can't lower that much and still clear at the front lip.

Maybe I should stick a little closer to stock. Like maybe some upgraded Koni shocks (http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-M3-S54_3.2L/Suspension/Shocks/ES1832099/) with stock springs.

[Lost_One]

Did Vas (or anyone else) ever try the Fortune Auto setup? Now that brakes are about to be done, suspension is next...

[danewilson77]

Did Vas (or anyone else) ever try the Fortune Auto setup? Now that brakes are about to be done, suspension is next...

Bump

Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH

[WOLFN8TR]

Bump...

[Hornung418]

Right now I have a stock suspension with 147k miles. Waiting in the wings are Hotchkis lowering springs mounted on stock struts and shocks with 66k. Thinking I should get new components...however there is literally blood and sweat in this suspension...what say the Mafia?

Sent from my GS3.

[Avetiso]

How long do you plan on keeping her, Justin?

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[Hornung418]

Forever.

Sent from my GS3.

[Avetiso]

Forever.

Sent from my GS3.

Buy a good coil set up, then. No point in spending money on intermediary suspension of the final plan is coils either way.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[Hornung418]

Thats the thing though...I already have the setup built and ready to be installed. Problem is, I couldn't get the suspension off of the 328i on initial attempt. My shop would only charge an hour of labor to install it. But if I buy new shocks and struts I would have to install it all to save on labor...

Sent from my GS3.

[Avetiso]

Thats the thing though...I already have the setup built and ready to be installed. Problem is, I couldn't get the suspension off of the 328i on initial attempt. My shop would only charge an hour of labor to install it. But if I buy new shocks and struts I would have to install it all to save on labor...

Sent from my GS3.

Well if you already have a setup, go with that. Why can't you get it off?

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[Hornung418]

Well if you already have a setup, go with that. Why can't you get it off?

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

The 16mm front endlink bolts require a tool that I didn't have last March when I went to install it. You need a very thin open end to hold the body nut from spinning in place.

Sent from my GS3.

[slater]

The 16mm front endlink bolts require a tool that I didn't have last March when I went to install it. You need a very thin open end to hold the body nut from spinning in place.

Sent from my GS3.

you should be able to shave down a cheap open-end wrench for this purpose. i've done it in the past for similar endlinks on my A4.

peter

[NoVAphotog]

Did Vas (or anyone else) ever try the Fortune Auto setup? Now that brakes are about to be done, suspension is next...

Bump

Went with PSS's right, Vas? I know we discussed it the other day, but why the switch?

[Vas]

Bump

Went with PSS's right, Vas? I know we discussed it the other day, but why the switch?

I went with Biltstein PSS for the wife's zhp. Still have my mind set on the Fortune Auto coilovers for my car when the time will come.

Was going to do a lowering spring/new shocks but in the end the price came out to be on-par with the PSS system.

[jonnyd330]

Has anyone upgraded their coilover springs to swift springs? Noticeable difference? Worth the price of admission?

[Bludsport]

I just completed a comprehensive suspension refresh including the a set of AST 2000 "coilovers". It's been about a week since the install and I'm now starting to have buyers remorse. The front coilovers are now making creaking noises and it's pissing me off royaly! They were installed correctly and all the fittiings were torqued to factory specs so there's absolutely no excuse for this. As far as the ride is concerned, it's pretty darn good for street use, but I've noticed it can get a bit choppy when driving on concrete streets with expansion joints. I'm going to contact AST on Monday and let them know I'm not at all happy and will most likely return them. I paid about $1,300 for them and now realize you absolutely do get what you pay for. Whether they issue me a refund or not, I'll most likely replace them with a set of "real" coilovers for all 4 corners. Most purported "coilover kits" out there only provide true coilovers for the front and plain shocks and springs for the rear. I'd love to go with a set of JRZ coilovers, but at $4,400 a set, that's a little ridiculous for a car that only worth a little over twice that, so I'll most likely go with a set of TC Kline Double Adjustable coilovers that retail between $2,200 and $2,800 depending on how you outfit them. With hindsight being what it is, I highly recommend never buying coilovers that cannot be adjusted.