[devo]

Originally Posted by Humtek

Devo,

What did the H&R CO run you installed?

I haven't purchased them yet, but Turner MS is confirming with H&R that their sedan Xi CO will work. Basically, they already know that it will, but have to give the formal okay. Turner will sell the kit for $1,279 +/-. It is the cheapest that I have seen. Add roughly $575 for labor w/an alignment and test drive feedback. My dealer wants $750, but without Turner's knowledge.

I have to give kudos where deserved though. **********s has already gone on record claiming that they will work and have set up our car of the month owner will them.

I am pretty confident that I am going that route. I am just waiting for the formal okay and trying to decide whether to drive 5 hrs to their shop or have my local dealer do it. I know that the dealer can do the job but I would love to have Turner set up my car.

[pdjafari]

Originally Posted by Bimmbo

AFMK springs are not matched for the OEM shocks. You'll bounce and float on the highway like WHOAAA. I speak from personal experience.

If you have the $$$ get the KW V3's, but they could be a PITA to setup right because the dampening settings are on top of the strut (compression-how hard you feel the bumps is on the bottom) so you better get the correct settings during the initial install (follow the KW's recomendations).
Usually the dampening is what people tinker around to get the perfect ride.

Still they are totally worth it, but it will cost you to setup your ride right.

Be prepared to pay for corner weighting too.

My install+weighting was $850 (it takes more time to remove the axles in the front on the Xi)

why on earth would you need to remove the axles to install springs or COs??

[OverDrive]

hey guys
my 335xi coupe hasn't arrived yet. I wanted to know how bad the gap is that you guys are so desparate trying to get coilovers to fix it. is it that noticible or just noticible to you guys because you're BMW fanatics? Can any one post some pics of stock E92 xi's? thanx in advance

[pdjafari]

Originally Posted by OverDrive

hey guys
my 335xi coupe hasn't arrived yet. I wanted to know how bad the gap is that you guys are so desparate trying to get coilovers to fix it. is it that noticible or just noticible to you guys because you're BMW fanatics? Can any one post some pics of stock E92 xi's? thanx in advance

to be honest its not as bad as i was imagining. My car was parked to an e93 335i at the dealer and looking at them side by side you could hardly tell. The rear is fine, its just the front....

[devo]

It was very obvious to me. The Xi sits 8/10ths of an inch higher at it's roof line compared to the i version. With that said, the front wheel gap is at least 1" higher and the rear is less noticeable.

1" may not sound like a lot, but visually it can be. I have had driven my car over 800 miles now. It sits a little lower now due to the springs settling.

As much as I want to lower the car to the level of an i or a tad lower, I want to improve the handling as well. I would likely change to a CO if I had the rwd version, even if I didn't lower it. The stock suspension is a little soft, imo.

When comparing an i to a Xi, side by side, it becomes very evident. It did not deter me from buying the car, however.

[pdjafari]

^^im worried about ruining the stock ride. i like comfort but want a lower stance, the ride on the xi is a tad more soft. when i hit a dip sometimes the car kinda bounces on the stock suspension. i am thinking either kw v3's or h&r coiloevers for the 328xi...it works on the 335xi

[OverDrive]

Originally Posted by devo

It was very obvious to me. The Xi sits 8/10ths of an inch higher at it's roof line compared to the i version. With that said, the front wheel gap is at least 1" higher and the rear is less noticeable.

1" may not sound like a lot, but visually it can be. I have had driven my car over 800 miles now. It sits a little lower now due to the springs settling.

As much as I want to lower the car to the level of an i or a tad lower, I want to improve the handling as well. I would likely change to a CO if I had the rwd version, even if I didn't lower it. The stock suspension is a little soft, imo.

When comparing an i to a Xi, side by side, it becomes very evident. It did not deter me from buying the car, however.

wow, 1 inch is alot. But i hope you're right about the springs settling as you put more miles on the car.

You see, the problem is that I'm leasing the car, so i don't wanna spend money on modding it, cuz its not like i'm gonna get paid for the mods when i return the car. If i had bought it, i would've gone crazy on the mods and I'd definitely get the KW v3's.

[NM_BMW]

It really isn't the biggest problem in my book. Yes I think I can lower it a bit, but since I got the 18's it isn't that big of a problem. I think it would look worse if I had the 17's that the normal sport package comes with, but reading these forums you have to get the sport package plus the 18's to get the oil cooler and that was more important to me.

I think the xi could be a lot tighter then it is, and I think once some strut and sway bars are developed for the xi that should help the problem quite a bit. I'm going to work on power first then I'll worry about the suspension later.

[18LLC]

Originally Posted by devo

Are your trying to spell "regret"? Anyway, tell me why H&R is a total waste of money. If you are making that statement because you put lowering springs (only) on with stock shocks, then you are misleading others on this board.

H&R, like some of the other well known suspension builders, have been the choice of German manufacturers and tuners around the world for many, many years. H&R may be considered by some to be a little more harsh, but that is a subjective opinion.

I plan to have the H&R coil overs installed on my 335Xi coupe soon. They lower the body 1.3 and .75 inches minimum, which is likely perfect for me. Obviously, they are adjustable too. Turner Motorsports suggested them and has had countless experiences with them on other 3 series variants. Turner Motorsports' name should speak for themselves. They are a top notch BMW tuner shop with an extensive racing backround as well as street performance mods. since you "plan" to install that to your car, let see how it goes after you done.

At least, one, of our own members has installed them on his car. He speaks highly of the handling improvements and ride quality.

It really cracks me up how many people here are willing to just go with springs only and deal with a crappy ride. I wouldn't even consider driving my new BMW with improper shock/spring pairing and a bouncey ride and/or brutal ride.

This forum should be a source of valuble information to be shared amongst others, not a source of some random, misleading statements.

Originally Posted by AWD Addict

Any aftermarket adjustable coilover setup is going to be a lot rougher / less comfortable ride than stock. If you're willing to sacarafice daily driver comfort, adjustable coilovers are a fine option. It sounds like you really only have a problem with the wheel gap, not suspension feel/response. Living in NYC, I'd suggest against it unless you plan on spending a lot of time at the track.

Based on my read of your post, I think you'd be better off just getting some aftermarket springs and replace the stockers. They'll preserve more of the stock feel of the car (likely a bit sportier - depending on brand) and tighten up that wheel gap.

AWD Addict was talking about spring only, that's why i said spring only doesn't give you any quality ride. and is there any company make sport shocks to match h&r sport spring? i think the answer is no. but back in 2006 and early 2007, there was no coilover offer for xi model. i find it's very funny when people driving with some nice wheels but they don't close up the gap, 4x4 style. h&r is just a cheap german brand they everyone can buy, but not everyone will buy. their quality is not that great. btw, don't forget to show me which company making sport shocks only to match up with h&r sport spring for xi model, i really want to know.

It really cracks me up how many people here don't know anything but they pretend to know everything.

Originally Posted by devo

I haven't purchased them yet, but Turner MS is confirming with H&R that their sedan Xi CO will work. Basically, they already know that it will, but have to give the formal okay. Turner will sell the kit for $1,279 +/-. It is the cheapest that I have seen. Add roughly $575 for labor w/an alignment and test drive feedback. My dealer wants $750, but without Turner's knowledge.

I have to give kudos where deserved though. **********s has already gone on record claiming that they will work and have set up our car of the month owner will them.

I am pretty confident that I am going that route. I am just waiting for the formal okay and trying to decide whether to drive 5 hrs to their shop or have my local dealer do it. I know that the dealer can do the job but I would love to have Turner set up my car.

you have to pay $575 for labor and alignment plus 5 hours driving? i feel sorry for you. no wonder you have to choose h&r. i paid less than half and only have to drive 15 minutes. thanks to california turner shops

[18LLC]

Originally Posted by OverDrive

wow, 1 inch is alot. But i hope you're right about the springs settling as you put more miles on the car.

You see, the problem is that I'm leasing the car, so i don't wanna spend money on modding it, cuz its not like i'm gonna get paid for the mods when i return the car. If i had bought it, i would've gone crazy on the mods and I'd definitely get the KW v3's.

it won't settle a lot, max might be 1/4", i think.

[AWD Addict]

Originally Posted by 18LLC

AWD Addict was talking about spring only, that's why i said spring only doesn't give you any quality ride. and is there any company make sport shocks to match h&r sport spring? i think the answer is no. but back in 2006 and early 2007, there was no coilover offer for xi model. i find it's very funny when people driving with some nice wheels but they don't close up the gap, 4x4 style. h&r is just a cheap german brand they everyone can buy, but not everyone will buy. their quality is not that great. btw, don't forget to show me which company making sport shocks only to match up with h&r sport spring for xi model, i really want to know.

It really cracks me up how many people here don't know anything but they pretend to know everything.

I never claimed I had any matched spring and damper products. Maybe that post wasn't aimed at me?

Anyways, my ONLY point, is that without spring rate information from BMW, it's awful difficult to rule out ALL springs paired with stock dampers. That's it. I've read good and bad reviews on the H&Rs (and I'm not a huge fan of them anyways - typically too stiff settings to pair with stock struts on other cars) but people have historically had great luck with Eibach Prokits. I havne't read much in the way of reviews for them.

And finally, for the people claiming that all aftermarket spring sets will wreck stock dampers I have two things to say:

1) List ANY performance mod that doesn't have an adverse effect on other elements of the car.
2) List out all the different people that have blown their stock struts to prove this.

No hostility - just mature discussion, kids.

[AWD Addict]

Originally Posted by 18LLC

it won't settle a lot, max might be 1/4", i think.

That's about right. My last lowered car settled about .3" a week after install.

[devo]

Originally Posted by 18LLC

AWD Addict was talking about spring only, that's why i said spring only doesn't give you any quality ride. and is there any company make sport shocks to match h&r sport spring? i think the answer is no. but back in 2006 and early 2007, there was no coilover offer for xi model. i find it's very funny when people driving with some nice wheels but they don't close up the gap, 4x4 style. h&r is just a cheap german brand they everyone can buy, but not everyone will buy. their quality is not that great. btw, don't forget to show me which company making sport shocks only to match up with h&r sport spring for xi model, i really want to know.

It really cracks me up how many people here don't know anything but they pretend to know everything.



you have to pay $575 for labor and alignment plus 5 hours driving? i feel sorry for you. no wonder you have to choose h&r. i paid less than half and only have to drive 15 minutes. thanks to california turner shops

WTF are you talking about?

Try proper sentence structure, you might be taken more seriously.

[18LLC]

Originally Posted by devo

WTF are you talking about?

Try proper sentence structure, you might be taken more seriously.

do more research, then you won't look that stupid.

[18LLC]

Originally Posted by AWD Addict

I never claimed I had any matched spring and damper products. Maybe that post wasn't aimed at me?

Anyways, my ONLY point, is that without spring rate information from BMW, it's awful difficult to rule out ALL springs paired with stock dampers. That's it. I've read good and bad reviews on the H&Rs (and I'm not a huge fan of them anyways - typically too stiff settings to pair with stock struts on other cars) but people have historically had great luck with Eibach Prokits. I havne't read much in the way of reviews for them.

And finally, for the people claiming that all aftermarket spring sets will wreck stock dampers I have two things to say:

1) List ANY performance mod that doesn't have an adverse effect on other elements of the car.
2) List out all the different people that have blown their stock struts to prove this.

No hostility - just mature discussion, kids.

i don't know if any aftermarket spring will wreck stock damper, but it will cause stock shocks premature wear out because they are not design for that shocks traveling. i guess you get what you paying for.

[devo]

Originally Posted by 18LLC

do more research, then you won't look that stupid.

Try getting an education and you won't either.

[AWD Addict]

Alright guys, stop the childish bickering, will you? Lots of people would like to see a drop solution that doesnt' require the cost and other negaitve ride impacts associated with going to full coilovers.

The first step is figuring out how to find out what the stock spring rates are so there is a baseline for aftermarket parts. If they are progressive (which i suspect they are) the range is critical information as well as just the max.

[AWD Addict]

Originally Posted by 18LLC

i don't know if any aftermarket spring will wreck stock damper, but it will cause stock shocks premature wear out because they are not design for that shocks traveling. i guess you get what you paying for.

Like I said, all preformance mods have a negative impact on other parts of the car. Increasing boost will hurt expensive catalytic converters. Higher boost settings will lessen the life of your turbos. Higher EGTs will impact valvetrain life and gasket life. Aftermarket intakes can trash your $500 MAF sensor. The list goes on and on.

If you're worried about negative impacts as a result of your mods, DON'T MOD.

[18LLC]

Originally Posted by AWD Addict

Alright guys, stop the childish bickering, will you? Lots of people would like to see a drop solution that doesnt' require the cost and other negaitve ride impacts associated with going to full coilovers.

The first step is figuring out how to find out what the stock spring rates are so there is a baseline for aftermarket parts. If they are progressive (which i suspect they are) the range is critical information as well as just the max.

from my butt test, h&r is just not as good as stock. so i think the number won't good great.

[18LLC]

Originally Posted by devo

Try getting an education and you won't either.

who cares, i have too much money to waste in my life, no need to get education and find a job. the only thing i need to learn is how to use up all my money... getting education won't help, because school fees are too little.

[devo]

Originally Posted by AWD Addict

Like I said, all preformance mods have a negative impact on other parts of the car. Increasing boost will hurt expensive catalytic converters. Higher boost settings will lessen the life of your turbos. Higher EGTs will impact valvetrain life and gasket life. Aftermarket intakes can trash your $500 MAF sensor. The list goes on and on.

If you're worried about negative impacts as a result of your mods, DON'T MOD.

I understand the point you are trying to make, but it really doesn't pertain to whether or not someone may wish to go with a matched suspension upgrade. Some, unmatched springs can cause premature wear to the shocks. Going with a matched coil/shock or coil over suspension will not have the same negative effect.

You are over thinking the impact other mods may or may not have on ancillary components.

[AWD Addict]

So which strut/spring combos are "matched" and how do you come to that conclusion?

Combined coilover setups excluded of course. i see people matching different brands of dampers with springs all the time. What makes them think they are matched any better than X Spring and the stock damper?

As for overthinking the impact of other mods, I've lived it, so no I'm not. The same advice has transpired multiple modded cars in multple modding communities. If you are afraid of adverse impacts on stock componants, don't mod your car.