[02NS325]

Great write-up. I drive an e46 02 325xi and I stumbled across this thread in the process of researching Sonic Tuning coilovers. Thanks to the OP for taking the time to share your experience.

Jose at Sonic Tuning, I'm very interested. Please send me a PM here or email at: donaldmcdermaid at hotmail dot com.

-Don

[Fraggy]

Originally Posted by Fraggy

What does the ring do, and what happens if it gets loose? Will the suspension come apart while driving? I know Im being extreme, but I dont know anything about this stuff. Just wanna be prepared.

Any word on the consequences, I never got a response from anyone.

[jose_sonictuning]

Originally Posted by Fraggy

Any word on the consequences, I never got a response from anyone.

The rings wont come close if you tighten them up, but if this is a concern for you; you can order rings to double lock them. ( the front are double ring setup since the springs are compressed by the rings, and the rear are just locking rings making sure the coils wont turn. Once you tighten them, it wont go anywhere).

Please PM me if you have any other questions.

[AndreM818]

I think the most important question is: How are they holding up and how many miles have you put on them?

BTW...great review. I might be picking these up soon

[whip_lash]

any update on this from the OP? im interested in buying these as well.

[Hellrot Sachin]

I'm very happy with mine.

[WesleyC]

Bump.

OP, how are your coilovers holding up?

[Timeless]

Jose-

I just purchased your Sonic Tuning S1 coilovers and I'm looking to add spacers. What size spacers would you recommend on an e92 running stock 189's?

[jose_sonictuning]

Originally Posted by Timeless

Jose-

I just purchased your Sonic Tuning S1 coilovers and I'm looking to add spacers. What size spacers would you recommend on an e92 running stock 189's?

how low are you? it could be anywhere from 5mm to 15mm based on how low (to not rub) and what kind of look you are looking for (aggressive vs. stock). best way is put a ruler on the tire and measure the gap between the tire and the fender. find the middle point and then based on that measurement, find a spacer that would get u to that point so that way you wont rub and have an aggressive stance.

[Dr. G]

Originally Posted by Timeless

Jose-

I just purchased your Sonic Tuning S1 coilovers and I'm looking to add spacers. What size spacers would you recommend on an e92 running stock 189's?

I would recommend 10mm up front and 15mm in the back.

[domrep]

Originally Posted by Dr. G

I would recommend 10mm up front and 15mm in the back.

15mm is too agressive unless you roll fenders. 10 is max without rubbing.

[Dr. G]

Originally Posted by domrep

15mm is too agressive unless you roll fenders. 10 is max without rubbing.

Running 30 offset on a 9.5" wheel on my buddies car which is pretty slammed with a 265 tire, that would be equivalent of an 18mm spacer plus OP is running a 255 most likely on the 189's.

[ODUB]

Originally Posted by Fraggy

Any word on the consequences, I never got a response from anyone.

there aren't really any consequences more serious than a little noise. think about it...if the rear lock collar loosens up a bit, the suspension is still bolted to the car, and the weight of the car is on the suspension. it can't turn itself, and even if it does it wouldn't be easy. worst case is the collar will come loose, make a little noise, and if somehow the shock were to turn a bit, it would likely turn in the way to lower the car a bit more (it's definitly not going to go up with the weight of the car on it), and it'll just tighten itself back up. even that is highly unlikely though.

[kmoto]

Originally Posted by domrep

15mm is too agressive unless you roll fenders. 10 is max without rubbing.

2/3 Wrong.

Right:

a.) 15 mm would be too aggressive for 189's w/ a lowered car.

Wrong:

b.) Can't roll the front fenders, they're plastic
c.) Go 12mm. Ran these while lowered on H&R Sports, no rubbing.

Go 18mm in the rear . I ran 15's and wish I went 18.

[Dr. G]

Originally Posted by kmoto335i

2/3 Wrong.

Right:

a.) 15 mm would be too aggressive for 189's w/ a lowered car.

Wrong:

b.) Can't roll the front fenders, they're plastic
c.) Go 12mm. Ran these while lowered on H&R Sports, no rubbing.

Go 18mm in the rear . I ran 15's and wish I went 18.

We were referring to the rears, 18mm or 15mm would both work just fine.

[LocDawgg]

Originally Posted by jose_sonictuning

The rings wont come close if you tighten them up, but if this is a concern for you; you can order rings to double lock them. ( the front are double ring setup since the springs are compressed by the rings, and the rear are just locking rings making sure the coils wont turn. Once you tighten them, it wont go anywhere).

Please PM me if you have any other questions.

I just finished installing these coilovers on my e90. I read your previous posts about the rear ring (on the strut) being able to lock, to avoid the problem of being loose and making noise like loose change.

As i installed these coilovers, i noticed that the rear rings on the strut was indeed loose, and i tried everything to lock it in place, but honestly, i do not see how this ring is able to "lock" unless the ring is moved all the way to the bottom of the strut, Which i do not want to do.


Question:

The two rings located in the rear under the actual spring is used to adjust the height of the car? I thought it was the ring on the strut that is used to adjust the height and the two rings under the spring is for preload/compression?

[jose_sonictuning]

Originally Posted by LocDawgg

I just finished installing these coilovers on my e90. I read your previous posts about the rear ring (on the strut) being able to lock, to avoid the problem of being loose and making noise like loose change.

As i installed these coilovers, i noticed that the rear rings on the strut was indeed loose, and i tried everything to lock it in place, but honestly, i do not see how this ring is able to "lock" unless the ring is moved all the way to the bottom of the strut, Which i do not want to do.


Question:

The two rings located in the rear under the actual spring is used to adjust the height of the car? I thought it was the ring on the strut that is used to adjust the height and the two rings under the spring is for preload/compression?

Set it at the height you want, use both of the wrench to tighten the ring.

It shouldn't take that much pressure to lock the ring in place.

Yes, to adjust the rear you would adjust the height of the perch for the spring.

Then adjust the strut height for damping.

If you have any other questions please go ahead and take some pictures and email it to info@sonictuning.com

[tscdennab]

Originally Posted by Jeller

Is that correct? Seems like a PITA or nearly impossible to adjust...

any chance those are in upside down?

That is definitely not ok. Besides the fact that the spring sits on the perch at an angle possibly causing noises and clunks, you get more salt, water and snow on the perch, rusting it and making it impossible to adjust later.

[jose_sonictuning]

Originally Posted by tscdennab

That is definitely not ok. Besides the fact that the spring sits on the perch at an angle possibly causing noises and clunks, you get more salt, water and snow on the perch, rusting it and making it impossible to adjust later.

I believe that's a picture during the installation, the Springs definitely should not sit like that.

Not to mention that it will come apart instantly.

Also, the spring perch should be on the top.

[LocDawgg]

For some reason i can not lower the front of my car, i adjusted the rings many times at different measured heights and i see no change, the car sits at the same height each time. Finally i lowered the ring all the way to the bottom of the strut, and i still see no change.

Am i doing something wrong?

Also how do i know what setting to lock the first ring in the front used to control pre-load of spring? How high should it be from the end of the strut.

[e90TiAg335i]

Actually you can install them as pictured above without issue. The lower control arm is not attached and that's why the spring isn't seated. Once the control arm gets bolted up, the spring seats correctly. I've had mine mounted this way for the last 10 months and about 10k miles. Really just a matter of preferance and they are MUCH easier to adjust with the seats on top.

[jose_sonictuning]

Originally Posted by e90TiAg335i

Actually you can install them as pictured above without issue. The lower control arm is not attached and that's why the spring isn't seated. Once the control arm gets bolted up, the spring seats correctly. I've had mine mounted this way for the last 10 months and about 10k miles. Really just a matter of preferance and they are MUCH easier to adjust with the seats on top.

Thanks for clearing it up.


Enjoy your weekend!