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      03-16-2011, 11:20 PM   #1
Patsfan123
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I'm sick of my car feeling like a boat

When I go around corners on onramps the car feels way too floaty for me. I think it's time to go with a new suspension. I am thinking about doing H&R Sport Springs with Bilstein shocks due to the special at Turner now ($890 shipped). How do you local guys like it with our terrible roads?

This is what I want in order:

1: Will not rust
2: Greatly reduced floaty feel
3: Not much change ride in regards to harshness
4: Lower ride

Also thinking about doing a strut bar, do they make a noticeable difference?
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      03-17-2011, 07:12 AM   #2
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Speaking of that...I am trying to schedule next Thursday to have my KW V1s installed...can't wait...and then in a few weeks, I'll put on my 19s.
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      03-17-2011, 09:09 AM   #3
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The improvement is unbelievable and I'm still on stock shocks. Do it, you won't regret it. Just remember it's going to cost about $400 for install/alignment
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      03-17-2011, 06:50 PM   #4
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I picked up a set of PSS10's last spring on this forum for $800 used. They are in perfect shape, and they absolutely TRANSFORM the characteristics of this car. I have them set to 7 out of 10 where 10 is the stiffest and they are still very comfortable. My father is 62 and he's driven it and even he was amazed at how well they handled yet still retained a comfortable ride. I think Bilstein is one of if not the highest quality shocks out there.
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      03-18-2011, 10:15 AM   #5
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Anyone ever have Turner install anything? I am sure it will be pricey but maybe they will cut a deal since I am buying the parts from them.. Any place local to me (Quincy) that would be good?
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      03-18-2011, 12:28 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Patsfan123 View Post
Anyone ever have Turner install anything? I am sure it will be pricey but maybe they will cut a deal since I am buying the parts from them.. Any place local to me (Quincy) that would be good?
try Import Autowerks in Braintree, that is like 15mins away from Quincy.

http://www.iautowerks.com/
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      03-18-2011, 02:57 PM   #7
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Anyone ever have Turner install anything? I am sure it will be pricey but maybe they will cut a deal since I am buying the parts from them.. Any place local to me (Quincy) that would be good?
I have. Turner gets $95/hour they're competitive. probably 4 hours.
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      03-18-2011, 02:58 PM   #8
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and any time you lower a car the ride quality changes a lot.
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      03-18-2011, 04:08 PM   #9
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and any time you lower a car the ride quality changes a lot.
I thought that was the case when you only changed springs? Shouldn't the pairing with the shocks work together to create a better ride? My worry is that when I used to hit potholes/grates on the road, the shock would cause the fillings to rattle in my head. (Also cracked 2 rims, and bent a 3rd, damaged the U-Joint of my steering assemble, and caused me to have to re-level the headlights a dozen times).. When I ditched the runflats alot of that went away except for the very awful bumps. I just don't want to go back to that again.
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      03-19-2011, 12:08 PM   #10
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I'd say it will be worse than it was, as enthusiasts we just put up with it and learn to live with it. it's one of those it is what it is kinda things.

my C63 rode awful before springs and now even worse but i wouldn't ever think about going back to stock.
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      03-19-2011, 01:35 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by ibeclueless View Post
try Import Autowerks in Braintree, that is like 15mins away from Quincy.

http://www.iautowerks.com/
u know alvin too, friend for 15 years,nice guy.
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      03-22-2011, 12:56 PM   #12
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's this the same Alvin...use to work for BMW norwood???

I know him for years too


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u know alvin too, friend for 15 years,nice guy.
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      03-22-2011, 03:43 PM   #13
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I'd go for a set of Konis and matching Swift/Hyperco springs. The key is to have springs that work within the dampening range of the struts. Either too stiff or too soft will negatively impact ride quality. It is possible to achieve all of your goals.

As for the strut bar, it's a waste of money. The advantages you feel will not be noticeable on the street, and negligible on the track.
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      03-22-2011, 04:34 PM   #14
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I'd go for a set of Konis and matching Swift/Hyperco springs. The key is to have springs that work within the dampening range of the struts. Either too stiff or too soft will negatively impact ride quality. It is possible to achieve all of your goals.

As for the strut bar, it's a waste of money. The advantages you feel will not be noticeable on the street, and negligible on the track.
I was told that Koni didn't make front shocks for the xi, only the back wheels. I had decided on Eibach E92 328i springs, and Bilstein shocks.. was going to place the order this week.
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      03-22-2011, 05:08 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Patsfan123 View Post
I was told that Koni didn't make front shocks for the xi, only the back wheels. I had decided on Eibach E92 328i springs, and Bilstein shocks.. was going to place the order this week.
Ah, I overlooked the fact that you were xi, sorry. I'm not familiar with the valving on the Bilsteins for our cars, but I only have bad things to say about the H&Rs.

Edit: same issue with Eibach. Their spring rates are all wrong for our cars.

Last edited by cyphr; 03-23-2011 at 10:13 AM..
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      03-23-2011, 07:34 AM   #16
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Just my luck that it is going to snow tonight into tomorrow when I have a scheduled appointment for tomorrow morning to get the suspension installed...I was also hoping to put my 19s on tomorrow as well. It'll be a game time decision now to see if the roads are ok tomorrow.
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      03-23-2011, 09:14 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cyphr View Post
Ah, I overlooked the fact that you were xi, sorry. I'm not familiar with the valving on the Bilsteins for our cars, but I only have bad things to say about the H&Rs.
Yes, the PSS10 will not work on an xi. I'm going with AST4100's. HP Autowerks can do a custom order for xi/x-drive AST 4100's. I ordered a set from Harold at HP Autowerks and they are being delivered to my house within the next week. The nice thing about these coilovers is that they can be rebuilt! It is a custom order and takes 4 - 6 weeks but AST is building these by hand. Harold is very knowledgeable on BMW suspensions and helped me build a custom setup.

Link to HP Autowerks:
http://www.hpashop.com/main.sc;jsess...D.qscstrfrnt05

Link to my post about this:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=457727

Good luck!

Mark
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      03-23-2011, 10:16 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MJR63 View Post
Yes, the PSS10 will not work on an xi. I'm going with AST4100's. HP Autowerks can do a custom order for xi/x-drive AST 4100's. I ordered a set from Harold at HP Autowerks and they are being delivered to my house within the next week. The nice thing about these coilovers is that they can be rebuilt! It is a custom order and takes 4 - 6 weeks but AST is building these by hand. Harold is very knowledgeable on BMW suspensions and helped me build a custom setup.

Link to HP Autowerks:
http://www.hpashop.com/main.sc;jsess...D.qscstrfrnt05

Link to my post about this:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=457727

Good luck!

Mark
So you're one of the 4 sets that came in

What spring rates did you end up choosing? This is one of the best, if not the best setup for the xi right now.
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      03-26-2011, 02:25 PM   #19
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which look u like, i think the rear are so low on h&r sport and bilstein shocks(1) 1 inch gap on h&r coilover(2).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Patsfan123 View Post
When I go around corners on onramps the car feels way too floaty for me. I think it's time to go with a new suspension. I am thinking about doing H&R Sport Springs with Bilstein shocks due to the special at Turner now ($890 shipped). How do you local guys like it with our terrible roads?

This is what I want in order:

1: Will not rust
2: Greatly reduced floaty feel
3: Not much change ride in regards to harshness
4: Lower ride

Also thinking about doing a strut bar, do they make a noticeable difference?
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      03-26-2011, 04:21 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cyphr View Post
So you're one of the 4 sets that came in

What spring rates did you end up choosing? This is one of the best, if not the best setup for the xi right now.
I went with the 400/800 setup. I wanted an option to lower my car and did not want too harsh a ride. Harold seems to think this setup will be perfect. We will see....I'm installing them with my friend next Saturday! I'll post pics when I'm done.
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      03-26-2011, 04:42 PM   #21
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Quote:
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which look u like, i think the rear are so low on h&r sport and bilstein shocks(1) 1 inch gap on h&r coilover(2).
Yes, I noticed that the back drop was too low on the H&Rs so I am going to get the Eibach springs instead. Much less drop so it should look a little better and not be as harsh.
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