[Tag]

Guys,

I'm a total noob when it comes to suspension. I live in Chicago and I simply want to lower my car. I have the ZSP package already. I do not want the ride quality to get worse and I don't want to get stuck in the snow or scrape it like a shovel come winter time because the car's front end is too low.

Is there a solution that lets me lower the car, doesn't make the ride any harsher and will not potentially get me stuck in the snow when winter rolls around? I'm not looking to drop it a whole lot, just enough to make it look more sporty and aggressive. I was looking at some type of coilover setup but I hate the idea of needing an alignment every time you adjust it.

Any and all input is appreciated.
Thanks!

[ECSTuning]

If ride quality is your number one priority, then I'd highly consider something with adjustable dampening. Adjustable dampening on a shock or coilover setup will let you dial in the ride quality a bit more.

As far as the ride height factor goes, it will be a toss up. Springs may get the lowered look, but don't allow you to raise things up if need be in the winters. Coilovers will let you raise the car, but having an alignment done is a good idea after the height has been adjusted.

We do have a selection of both springs and coilovers available. Currently our FK coilovers are on sale with some very aggressive pricing. To achieve what you are looking for (lowered + ride quality), I'd look at the FK Silverline X.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-335...aign=postreply

[Tag]

I'm thinking about dropping it roughly an inch or so in the front.

Don't Bimmers, especially ones with the sports package have a bit of negative camber? So if I were to raise the car via the coilovers for winter wouldn't the tires sit relatively flat?

Again, sorry for all the noob questions. I've never done any suspension mods so I'm still learning.

[ECSTuning]

Technically an alignment should be done any time the suspension is changed, however some do choose to go without one. The main disadvantage of not having things aligned is the possibility of changed handling characteristics and also the possibility for uneven tire wear.

[cn555ic]

I also thought about the ride quallity with aftermarket suspension...I had the sport suspension also, but when I went with coilovers and set the dampening to 50/50 it seemed to make the ride comfort so much better than the stock sport....The sport suspension IMO was pretty hard and rigid....The car rode like a rock on wheels and at high speeds the car seemed to be very bouncy! Since the coilovers its improved so much

[Hoog_23]

Originally Posted by cn555ic

I also thought about the ride quallity with aftermarket suspension...I had the sport suspension also, but when I went with coilovers and set the dampening to 50/50 it seemed to make the ride comfort so much better than the stock sport....The sport suspension IMO was pretty hard and rigid....The car rode like a rock on wheels and at high speeds the car seemed to be very bouncy! Since the coilovers its improved so much

Which ones did you go with? thnx

[bimdaddy]

I had zsp also. Now with H&R Sport, ride is better than stock but may be too low for you. Eibach drop is less but not sure how the ride is.

[Tag]

Can I just get coilovers for the front and leave the rears stock? I'm happy with the height of the rear but I don't know if this would screw up my handling.

[TurboBimmer]

Originally Posted by tag824

Can I just get coilovers for the front and leave the rears stock? I'm happy with the height of the rear but I don't know if this would screw up my handling.

Doing so *may* be fine for normal driving, but will make the car react unpredictable in more extreme conditions, for example if you suddenly had to avoid an obstacle while driving fast. The front coilovers will provide better grip on the front tires. So you'll end up with a heavily oversteering and unbalanced car.