[dangeris]

So thr RFTs were shot so I decided to upgrade the wheels and tires to something a little bigger but not so big that I would be cringing everytime I went over a bump. Ended up getting 18x8.5 +35 front 18x9.5 +35 rear. Tires I got 225/40 and 255/35. I want to bring the wheels out to the fender but I also want to drop the car a little. Looking to get Koni yellows with H&R Race Springs. (Has anyone done that combo yet? ) Should I drop the car first then do the spacers or vicea versa? As for the spacers, what size and brand should I get to bump the wheels out to the fenders. Any and all input is appreciated. Thanks in advance guys

[tomtom11]

if you dont want to cringe over bumps then i would not get the race springs. i would get H&R sport springs instead.

[dangeris]

Originally Posted by tomtom11

if you dont want to cringe over bumps then i would not get the race springs. i would get H&R sport springs instead.

Would the Koni yellow and H&R sport springs give a nice drop to the coupe? Has anyone done this yet and posted pics? Also, for the springs I'm assuming I should get the spring made for the 328i as opposed to the 328xi...or it really doesn't matter since both applications drop specifications are the same..

[MassBimmer]

Why would you assume you should get the i springs? Get the ones made for your car. I would drop first, figure out how much clearance you have and then decide on spacer size

[dangeris]

Originally Posted by MassBimmer

Why would you assume you should get the i springs? Get the ones made for your car. I would drop first, figure out how much clearance you have and then decide on spacer size

I assume to get i springs because i've read numerous post from other members that have xi cars and running i springs.

Dropping the car first makes more sense. Thanks!

[MassBimmer]

Originally Posted by dangeris

I assume to get i springs because i've read numerous post from other members that have xi cars and running i springs.

Dropping the car first makes more sense. Thanks!

Those who do that do so because they bought Eibach springs and Eibach doesn't make a spring specifically for xi's. H&R does make an xi-specific spring so I would get it. Make sure you get sport shocks too, the ride with H&R Sport on stock shocks is terrible

[dangeris]

ended up buying the B&G S2 Sport Springs. They'll drop 1.6 in the front, 1.4 in the back. However they are "i" springs and not "xi"...

[4corners]

Cool, let's see some before and after pics soon.

[dangeris]

Originally Posted by 4corners

Cool, let's see some before and after pics soon.

Will do! However, the front struts are on back order till the first of the month. Seems that they are very popular world wide. BUt yes, I will post up pics. I can't wait to see how it'll look.

[hurricane56]

I just got my car lowered on Eibach springs and Bilstein Sport struts. My wheel specs are almost the same as yours, except I'm running a +33 offset on the rear. I tried out my 15mm spacers in the rear and it was rub city even on small bumps at low speeds. I also tried out 12mm spacers on the front, they do fit without rubbing, but at highway speeds I felt that the steering had a very vague and "floaty" feeling compared to no spacer. I'll probably go without on the front wheels.

In any case, I heard that there is a 1/4" reinforcement plate on the top of the front struts that can be removed for a bit more drop. Let us know if you get that removed when your suspension is installed. And, take some before and after pictures and measurements from the wheel center cap to the highest point of the wheel arch.

[dangeris]

Originally Posted by hurricane56

I just got my car lowered on Eibach springs and Bilstein Sport struts. My wheel specs are almost the same as yours, except I'm running a +33 offset on the rear. I tried out my 15mm spacers in the rear and it was rub city even on small bumps at low speeds. I also tried out 12mm spacers on the front, they do fit without rubbing, but at highway speeds I felt that the steering had a very vague and "floaty" feeling compared to no spacer. I'll probably go without on the front wheels.

In any case, I heard that there is a 1/4" reinforcement plate on the top of the front struts that can be removed for a bit more drop. Let us know if you get that removed when your suspension is installed. And, take some before and after pictures and measurements from the wheel center cap to the highest point of the wheel arch.

I believe the Eibach springs provides only a 1" drop while the H&R S2 provides a 1.6. I'm aware of the reinforcement plate but removing that will drop it closer to a 2" drop. I feel that would be too much for my taste. Besides, that plate is on there for a reason..right?

I will take before and after shots and more pics 2-3 weeks down the road after the installation...enough time for the springs to settle

[1QuikWS6]

I have the very same wheel/tire specs as you on my 328ix and the wheel/tire IS flush with the fenders without spacers.

I personally would never run spacers on any car I own.

[dangeris]

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

I have the very same wheel/tire specs as you on my 328ix and the wheel/tire IS flush with the fenders without spacers.

I personally would never run spacers on any car I own.

How can that be? If you are running the same setup we should be identical in regards to being flushed to the fender. Running spacers is safe and has been proven provided that you get use longer bolts and not the original.

[pits200]

Ya, I'm about as safe as it comes when to putting mods on my car that would cause even a small safety risk.

I had 100mm spacers on front and 15mm on the rear with no issues. I got slightly wider tires and now the front rubs so I took off the front spacers. Only issue is a slight additional strain on the bearings.

[dangeris]

100mm on the front? Wow! That must have stuck out a bit huh?

I figured I'd wait to drop my car then decide. My H&R S2 springs came in now waiting for the Koni Yellows! Can't wait!

[1QuikWS6]

Originally Posted by dangeris

How can that be? If you are running the same setup we should be identical in regards to being flushed to the fender. Running spacers is safe and has been proven provided that you get use longer bolts and not the original.

Well, I gues 'flush' is subjective. If I lay a straightedge across the front of my wheel face - the face of the wheel isn't perfectly flush with outside edge of fender lip - it sets in at most 1/8"

Flush enough for me...

[pits200]

Originally Posted by dangeris

100mm on the front? Wow! That must have stuck out a bit huh?

I figured I'd wait to drop my car then decide. My H&R S2 springs came in now waiting for the Koni Yellows! Can't wait!

Whoops, you know what I meant. lol.

Good luck and congrats on doin the job right and not just lowering on springs only.

[dangeris]

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

Well, I gues 'flush' is subjective. If I lay a straightedge across the front of my wheel face - the face of the wheel isn't perfectly flush with outside edge of fender lip - it sets in at most 1/8"

Flush enough for me...

Yeah I guess the term "flush" is all about perspective. I can tell buy visualizing how the car will look once I lower it, its gonna need the wheels to be bumped out a bit..just for the aggressive stance look. We'll see once I have everything installed.

Thanks pits200