EDC Ground Control kit - what's missing?

[Car54]

A fellow M3 owner (nice right?) sold me an incomplete EDC Ground Control kit. After about a week of back and forth between he, GC, and myself I have no additional parts to make this kit work. I've asked for a refund and to send the parts back only to be told that the seller's not sure why I'm making such a big deal about it.

Here's what I think I'm missing.

1. Endlinks
2. Rear shock mounts
3. Rear spring lower paddles
4. Front and rear bump stops
5. A split washer for the upper collar

[M3PO]

That sucks man. You don't want to escalate the situation? To a PayPal claim maybe? I'm no help but good luck!

[Car54]

I foolishly used gift for PayPal. Kicking myself now.

[dicker]

The endlinks and bump stops are a big deal. I don't think the kit comes rear shock mounts though!

[Car54]

Thanks for the response.

I'm going by this:
http://www.ground-control-store.com/...ion.php?II=922

[OC3]

Here's an official photo from GC. Hope this helps.

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[OC3]

And, here's a photo of my set before it was shipped off to the buyer a couple of months ago. The parts from the front were zip-tied together by the shop who took'em off my car so as not to get confused with parts for the rear. (Ignore the black springs - they're helper springs, not part of the original GC kit)

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[Car54]

Thanks!

We're those little white pieces for the rear metal or plastic? Have never seen the tender springs before..that came with your kit? No rear bump stops?

[OC3]

If you mean these (pointed by orange arrrows), they're flat metal rings.

The tender springs were purchased separately later & added. The installer shop ordered it thru either GC or Eibach.

Re: rear bump stops, not sure. All parts of the kits are in those photos. Perhaps the 2 installed photos, shown below, might help.

And, here's a DIY with lots of photos --> http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=552785

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[dicker]

Randalls pictures look like my kit except for the helper springs. I think they may have a typo with the rear shock mounts as you don't even have to remove them to install this.

[Car54]

Does the rear even get a replacement bumpstop? I take it not in the shock boot if so?

[dicker]

Mine has bump stops for the front and rear...

[mastek]

I think I understand now why GC wants you to send the kit back to them.
From what I can see in the pics, you are missing the sway bar links and bump stops. And I vaguely remember something about a rear shock mount.
But there are a lot of small pieces (proper size washers, nuts, etc) that make this kit complete and prevent noises.
For example, I noticed that the part of the strut clamp that will have the sway link attached might need certain washers and or different stepped inserts, as that fitment has to be on.

Honestly, I understand your frustration... you bought a used kit to save some money and it came incomplete. This would be easy if this kit was not so complex. Now your in a situation where you have to spend more money to make this right... and possibly more then if you ordered the kit new from a dealer or GC.
Sorry I could not be more help. But I highly recommend sending the kit back to GC or taking detailed pics with visible measurements of each piece and email them to GC and have them send you replacement pieces even for pieces that you already have if they are unsure about something.

From what I remember, this kit went through a little bit of an evolution and different parts were used over time by GC to improve this kit with albeit small parts like washers, nuts, etc.
So i think the issue for GC is that it will take more time for them to figure out what your missing through pictures, emails and phone calls ... and they might even get it wrong due to the multiple parts used over time.... then if you just send them the kit to them and they can make it complete and proper.

[Car54]

Thanks Mastek for the comprehensive response!

I am going to send the kit to GC for evaluation and to make complete. I'll then just sell that kit as I purchased another kit.

If you're looking for a kit, shoot me a PM.

[mastek]

Originally Posted by Car54

Thanks Mastek for the comprehensive response!

I am going to send the kit to GC for evaluation and to make complete. I'll then just sell that kit as I purchased another kit.

If you're looking for a kit, shoot me a PM.

I'm sorry this turned out this way for you. If I had an e9xm3 I would have this again ... or a proper coil over kit.
I'm sure once you have a complete kit from GC you will have no problems selling it and recouping some or even close to all your expenses.

I noticed on the GC website that there are 3 front and 5 rear spring rate options. Can anyone post all the corresponding spring rate options available?

[M3PO]

Originally Posted by Car54

I foolishly used gift for PayPal. Kicking myself now.

It's never worth saving 3% IMO.

[PINHEAD]

which member sold u this kit?

[Car54]

Originally Posted by M3PO

It's never worth saving 3% IMO.

Unfortunately I tend to trust track guys a little more than I should. That won't be happening again.

Originally Posted by PINHEAD

which member sold u this kit?

According to the seller, he claims he has shipped me some hardware and new endlinks (that are probably wrong and use the stock collar/spring seat). I'd like to give him another day or two for them to show up. He told me on a couple of occasions that he'd sent the stuff to me well before I asked for my money back....if they never show up....well I have 0 compassion for the guy and a warning to steer clear of this knuckle head will be issued. FWIW...I bought them on another M3forum (.com)

[Car54]

The saga continues...

I received 2 end links, some random heim joints, 3 out of 4 will work but none that actually completes the end link portion of the deletion. Still need bump stops, some little hardware, and reinforcement plates.

Here's the FS thread: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=411106

Zed4M26 is a member here as well....buyers beware.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by Car54

Unfortunately I tend to trust track guys a little more than I should. That won't be happening again.

That suxs. I'll be more careful as well. But you tend to find some awesome deals in person at the track!

[Car54]

Good suggestion, I'll bring it to Sebring in a couple of weeks. There's usually 2-3 E9X M3's there.