want it lower and ride/handle like stock

[TMR]

Like the title says, I want my car lowered. I want it to ride and handle like it did stock. I put H&R springs on my car and it sicks as low as i like it but it definitely mushy and not as firm as it was stock. What is the cheapest way to get low and with good feel / control?

[Moxie]

There's been a few that ditched H&R for Eibach. Several threads you can search for. Eibach won't drop as low as H&R. Otherwise a sleeve over kit but thats more $$.

[Poppin Fresh]

Try RD Sport. To me it feels like stock (normal EDC) but lower.

[Flying05]

My Eibach's are great! Perfect ride to me.

[klammer]

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

How about the basic KW sleeve kit? Or the Dinan stage one suspension? I'm not a fan of finding the "cheapest" anything for my cars, especially something as crucial as a suspension.

Agreed. You get what you pay for.

[Krozi]

Love my KW sleeve-over kit

[blackmist222777]

you need the TC Kline spring kit

[tibra1]

impossible

[edu09]

Get the KW sleeve over kit, you will keep the EDC comfort and will get a more agressive stance by lowering your car

[LateBraking]

Originally Posted by tibra1

impossible

+1. All depends on how much of a difference you can tolerate and what you want to compromise.

[kwike92]

Originally Posted by TMR

Like the title says, I want my car lowered. I want it to ride and handle like it did stock. I put H&R springs on my car and it sicks as low as i like it but it definitely mushy and not as firm as it was stock. What is the cheapest way to get low and with good feel / control?

I'm having the same problem... I think I'm going to go KW coilovers ..

[CSanto]

I've read too many negative things about simple springs. I'm looking for something similar. Slight drop, stock performance/comfort.

I'm thinking it's either the KW sleeve or dinan Stage 1. If the stage 1 was more along the lines of 700. I would have bought it already.

[Malek@MRF]

Originally Posted by TMR

Like the title says, I want my car lowered. I want it to ride and handle like it did stock. I put H&R springs on my car and it sicks as low as i like it but it definitely mushy and not as firm as it was stock. What is the cheapest way to get low and with good feel / control?

You cannot lower an M3 on springs and expect it to be like stock without supporting modifications. Even then, it still will not ride like a completely stock car, only better than what it was with springs only.

A couple years ago, I did a write up on how this can be achieved and hundreds have been happy with it thus far.

If you have the H&R springs, you need the correct bump stops and modified upper guide supports.

Malek

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by HREM3

I've read too many negative things about simple springs. I'm looking for something similar. Slight drop, stock performance/comfort.
I'm thinking it's either the KW sleeve or dinan Stage 1. If the stage 1 was more along the lines of 700. I would have bought it already.

IMO the ZCP package right out of the factory is ideal for NY streets..already dropped .4inches with the different EDC settings and M modes.. I find it to be more than adequate...

Wonder if its possible to upgrade to ZCP springs???

[M3PO]

Originally Posted by tibra1

IMO the ZCP package right out of the factory is ideal for NY streets..already dropped .4inches with the different EDC settings and M modes.. I find it to be more than adequate...

Wonder if its possible to upgrade to ZCP springs???

I would be surprised if it WASN'T possible.

[CSanto]

Its not possible lol, ZCP is not just springs, its actually different struts as well I believe.

[tom @ eas]

B&G springs offer a considerable drop, and stock-like handling characteristics. We've installed a number of these and been happy each time.

[LateBraking]

Originally Posted by HREM3

Its not possible lol, ZCP is not just springs, its actually different struts as well I believe.

I recall that this is correct. EAS installed a ZCP conversion on a client's car a long time ago I recall, which included shocks.

[Alex07M3]

I wanted the same thing as you, went with Eibach, 100% satisfied !

[Denk]

I've tried H&R, Eibach and Dinan Stage 1 on a couple of M3's. The only one that didn't compromise anything from the stock suspension was Dinan. Slightly firmer than stock, subtle drop (a little lower than ZCP) and very comfortable on the street with all of the travel intact.

H&R looks cool but bounced all over the place and even with Eibachs I was bottomed out on the stops, very noticeable in tight high speed transitions and dips...not cool. I'd only put Dinan on my M3 if I wanted a drop, albeit a subtle one.

[paradocs98]

Another vote for Dinan. I'm assuming you're starting with a non-ZCP car. Although the specs indicate that the drop with the Dinan setup is about the same as that of the factory ZCP package, subjectively I think the Dinan suspension sits a bit lower than ZCP once the springs settle.

Dinan is always controversial on here--some people swear by them, others think their products are overpriced and not worth it. They are expensive, but you can't argue with the amount of R&D they put into their products. For what you want, they're probably the perfect solution--nice, aggressive drop with actually increased suspension travel for maintaining good ride and handling. As you've found, just switching out springs on these cars can screw up the entire handling balance as it bottoms out on the bumpstops. Dinan came up with a good solution to get a bit of the best of both worlds.

If price is an issue, sit tight for a while. Dinan runs 10-15% off sales periodically. If you're committed to modifying this $60k+ car, don't cheap out on something as essential as the suspension.

[CSanto]

I'm waiting for a solid review comparing the KW sleeve kit to the Dinan Stage 1. I hear the KW kit rides very nice if you dont turn it all the way low (Which i wouldnt do) I'd keep it at a .6-.7" drop in front and .5 in the rear.

Once someone is able to compare these two options I'll make my decision. I wish Dinan was just a little cheaper, it would make the decision that much easier. I'm sure price is why most people just do Eibachs and call it a day.