Why (Aggressive) Lowering Springs May Ruin Your M3, Part II

[BaLLzZz]

Originally Posted by adc

So if it's mostly for looks, some potential handling deterioration is of no consequence. Just go with what your heart desires...

Because stock appearance notwithstanding, the M3 handles so much better than a 335 sport...

I agree with you 1000% percent on the handling aspect.

And thats the thing I don't want it to be just for looks I would like the look I desire with either enhanced performance or equal to stock performance I don't like to go backwards when I mod my cars. Understandable that many mods gain something and lose something else but in the case of my suspension I will not settle for a bumpy/jarring/unpredictable ride. Especially on a car that handles like the m3!

I am going to try out some locals cars to get a better feel of a "spring" car feel. If it is not what I desire I will have to skip edc all together and get coils when the car comes in.

[rzm3]

Please continue Edition M3 Suspension discussion here:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=364833

[SCtud]

For those with lowering springs that plan to switch shocks when they blow presumably from the increased stress, what actually happens? I would assume it's a gradual degradation, so how can you tell when your shocks are no longer performing adequately?

[Silverstone]

RD Sport Springs are lovely .

[FruitCake]

Originally Posted by SCtud

For those with lowering springs that plan to switch shocks when they blow presumably from the increased stress, what actually happens? I would assume it's a gradual degradation, so how can you tell when your shocks are no longer performing adequately?

You will notice when it blows because it will have no capability to properly dampen the rebound. It will be abnormally bouncy.

[V1.47fan]

Originally Posted by jml

My understanding is that it's pretty common for performance cars with OEM suspension to run at or close to the bump stops. It allows them to run softer springs while controlling car motions at the extreme/increasing perceived roll stiffness as your data shows. I'd guess the dampers are tuned to handle this. I think the 1" drop case is not the end of the world because you're still staying within the range of spring rate the dampers were designed to run at low frequencies (basic chassis motion) - though on a bumpy (normal) track you'd be at a disadvantage especially in the corners/braking/accelerating and additionally wear out your tires slightly faster.


The 1.8"+ drop with OEM geometry/travel/bump seems silly though....

Thank-you!

[Prit@Euro Autowerx]

Originally Posted by FruitCake

You will notice when it blows because it will have no capability to properly dampen the rebound. It will be abnormally bouncy.

+1000

[donovan]

Stock setup is not amazing who ever said that distasteful crap lol. So basically if your going to lower your ride dont do it to much or you'll need to cut/shave bump stops? So basically get Eibach/Dinan and maybe HR/BG? Please correct me if I'm wrong...really new to the e92.

[armyav8tor]

Originally Posted by donovan

Stock setup is not amazing who ever said that distasteful crap lol. So basically if your going to lower your ride dont do it to much or you'll need to cut/shave bump stops? So basically get Eibach/Dinan and maybe HR/BG? Please correct me if I'm wrong...really new to the e92.

Amazing in the fact that it can be so comfortable on the street and perform so well at the track. Tell me what from the aftermarket can improve on those 2 things at the same time over the stock and I'll make the switch today. The EDC was a big part of my purchase decision so Eibach w/ E36 M3 bumpstop seems to work well for me so far. Comfort level is the same and there seems to be less bodyroll. But the reason I went with Eibach is because I didn't want to slam the car to the ground, the stance is perfect for me.

[donovan]

I just dislike the gap in the wheel to be honest...other than that its a nice riding vehicle. Photos please Av8tor as well as explain this e36bump stop system.

[armyav8tor]

Originally Posted by donovan

I just dislike the gap in the wheel to be honest...other than that its a nice riding vehicle. Photos please Av8tor as well as explain this e36bump stop system.

Even stock, there isn't much of a wheel gap. With the Eibachs, the gap is down to less than 2 fingers in the front and 1 in the back, technical I know :P The e36 bumpstop is what Dinan uses with their spring kit so after reading up on it I figure what the heck. I installed the e36 bumpstop when I installed the Eibachs so I can't tell you what the difference is with the stock bumpstop.

Stock







Eibach

[donovan]

Its a good conservative ride height indeed. Where is NEA in Germany?

[armyav8tor]

Originally Posted by donovan

Its a good conservative ride height indeed. Where is NEA in Germany?

NEA = Neustadt an der Aisch - Bad Windsheim

I actually stuck this picture in for a reason. Do you recognize where it was taken?

[donovan]

Lol very sneaky sir! I do know where that is now...but that gate is closed so I normally dont seeit from that direction.

[marconi118]

is it from the E36 Z3 M or from the normal Z3 3.0i ????

[Nocturnal10304]

ok guys i just bought my 08 M3 a week ago, i ordered some 20" strasse forged 3 piece wheels which will have 305 nitto invo in the rear...i dont want an ugly gap so i'm thinking of going with either eibach or H&R springs, which ones do you recommend? (i dont go to the track, i dont drift, most racing i do is a straight away 1/4 mile, no curves or turns, so if i compromise some handling it's not a big deal for me)

also, will a simple allignment be enough for the cambers or do i need to purchase a seperate camber kit or cut and weld to run the tires evenly?

thanks for the help!

[rzm3]

You will be fine with Eibach. If street is all you do, a regular alignment by a qualified shop will suffice. No need for additional modifications.

[mact3333]

I am in agreement with what some have said already, the stock suspension with EDC is much more impressive than I would have thought....I drive around in soft setting and I am amazed at the dynamic nature of the shocks...hardly any body roll and sharp turns...a huge improvement over e46 M3...my car is getting the GC coil kit put on right now, but to be honest, I am doing it to lower the car and to get rid of the big wheel gap....I am also doing it for the camber kit to actually get more negative camber and to reduce the stack height to try to maintain OEM geometry as best as possible(ie-dont want to be riding my bumpstops)....OEM EDC other than wheel gap really seems perfect as its very comfortable yet firms up quickly when cornering hard...I say the e92 M3 is "soft" feeling as I am coming from e46 M3 with KW V3's, Lotus Elise and Porsche C4S with Bilstein Damptronics.

[ki__]

Originally Posted by rldzhao

You will be fine with Eibach. If street is all you do, a regular alignment by a qualified shop will suffice. No need for additional modifications.

What if you do occasional track time? Will Eibach still be fine?

[rzm3]

Occasional track time = stock or minimum change from stock which is Eibach.

[Brucewonder]

Do u recommend the e36 bump stops w the eibachs? Or just straight springs

Originally Posted by rldzhao

Occasional track time = stock or minimum change from stock which is Eibach.

[mact3333]

Originally Posted by Brucewonder

Do u recommend the e36 bump stops w the eibachs? Or just straight springs

shave the guide posts while your in there...