Consensus on Lowering Springs?

[Porschefile]

I have read many posts on here that say lowering springs actually hurt handling because they cause you to hit the bump stops even more easily etc. I have driven a E92 M3 with H&R sport plus springs and liked it a lot, but I have no base line to compare it to. The video/review of Eibachs on track was helpful, but I didn't see anything in the post that compared the performance before and after the install. The car obviously handled well, and the times were quick, but that doesn't prove that the car handles the same or better than stock.

Does anyone have personal experience with track handling before and after a spring install? I would put on coilovers but I like to have EDC comfort mode for the crappy roads here.

I'm going to Barber in 2 weeks and am debating whether or not to put some springs on before then.

[larryn]

If I were you, if you are thinking about sleeve-over or coilovers, save your money on the springs. You'd be reducing the height of the car, adding some benefit, but at the cost of reduced travel on the damper.

Have a blast at Barber! Do you do any BMWCCA events? I cochair the Boston chapter's autocross program, and attend many of the HPDEs.

[S65V8]

if you're really going to track the car a lot, invest in good coils. If tracking is a once in a while thing, then get the springs. You can save money by getting springs vs. sleeve overs.

[armyav8tor]

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=656760

If you are going to stay with the stock struts then Eibach is the best option out there IMO. Sleeve overs are a waste of money, get real coilovers if you are going to go that route.

[Porschefile]

I've actually never ran with BMWCCA, but I'm not opposed to it. I used to run with NASA and usually do PCA or Rezoom now.

Thanks for the advice guys, I know coilovers are the best for track coming from a E36 racecar, but this car sees a lot of street use and I like EDC's flexibility. A really stiff CO setup is not comfy, I've done it before in other cars and there is always a compromise. I am leaning toward Eibach.

Oh and armyav8tor: did you run the car with stock and with Eibach or just after spring install? I really want somebody to throw some before and after opinions in here

[armyav8tor]

I ran the Ring when the car was stock and ran VIR with Eibach. Two different tracks I know, but I like the Eibachs. Less body roll, less understeer, easier to rotate. I really like them. I would like to ride in a car with coilovers just to compare.

[Porschefile]

Originally Posted by armyav8tor

I ran the Ring when the car was stock and ran VIR with Eibach. Two different tracks I know, but I like the Eibachs. Less body roll, less understeer, easier to rotate. I really like them. I would like to ride in a car with coilovers just to compare.

Thanks for the feedback. Very jealous you have ran the ring.

[CanAutM3]

I drove my buddy's E90 with lowering springs. Did not like how the car behaved when it hit the bump stops (which was quite frequently). Made the car feel squirely.

However Dinan offers re-calibrated bump stops with its lowering springs. They are supposed to keep the same travel despite the reduced ride height. It looks like an interesting option.

For reference (Under suspension travel): http://www.dinancars.com/university/

[persian54]

I noticed an improvement when I went from stock to Dinan

but then again, i did go from -1.1 camber to -2.5.... so that alone was worth it, and the main reason I did it.

Can't do anything with stock camber :/