Another spring question.

BlacknRedi wrote

Yes, this was my original idea to do. But the drop is not satisfying enough.. I haven't seen it in person so maybe I will do that. But I wish the drop was more like an Eibach drop then I would probably pull the trigger.

If I had to do it again, I would probably just shave my guide supports and run the Eibachs and e36 m3 bump stops. I have the Dinan stage 1 and I like it but I do wish it was lower. However, the Dinan suspension took a loooooong time to settle. I think it finally finished settling after 1500 miles. At first it looked like a ZCP car but now especially in the front, it is noticeably lower. Wheel to fender gap is the same, the smaller front tire leaves a bit more gap though.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=489142

Sorry my pic links didn't work, stupid mobile client. Here are some pics of my car and the drop of the Dinan stage 1

Jay at GC customizes the kit for your needs (including size of bump stop, etc)

Just got mine - Looks like it's very well put together.

e60cs5 wrote

Jay at GC customizes the kit for your needs (including size of bump stop, etc)

Just got mine - Looks like it's very well put together.

Just spoke to Jay myself, he is VERY helpful.

Can you post some pics of your kit?.

kitw wrote

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=489142

Sorry my pic links didn't work, stupid mobile client. Here are some pics of my car and the drop of the Dinan stage 1

That looks damn near perfect imo...wow you blew my mind

e60cs5 wrote

Jay at GC customizes the kit for your needs (including size of bump stop, etc)

Just got mine - Looks like it's very well put together.

Let us know how you like them, and take some pictures as well!

alpina527 wrote

That's exactly what Dinan do

That is true, but if Dinan jumped over a bridge would you?

Seriously though, you make a good point.

J08M3 wrote

They are actually about $225-250 brand new. I got a set for sale for $175.

I agree it would be nice if zcp was lower, 20mm would be max, but more than 10mm would be nice

Yea, new are around 250, meaning there is 700$ between this option and a Kit, which are usually above $900.

Thats what i meant by the $700 difference.

It would be perfect if BMW made something for us looking to go lower. I think they should, they would make money imo.

Chowster wrote

These are tough criteria to meet, especially with the first two being somewhat contradictory. I had the same criteria, but add on "not introduce warranty issues". So I ended up with Dinan stage 1, which best met the above criteria. The ride is very compliant, still works great with my EDC, and rides very similar to OEM. It may not be low enough for some, but it's just right for me on my DD. I think the only other options would be GC or KW (of which I have no experience, so I'll leave others to comment).

I might have to reconsider Dinan, the only problem with this setup is the price, seems too pricey for what it gives you.

I would avoid springs, all you're going to do is lose the little travel these cars already have. And don't worry about hitting the bump stops. These arent the bump stops of 20 years ago which were designed to limit suspension travel, but nowadays they are an integral part of the suspension itself. I'd look at the GC kits or the new KW sleeve kit. Sleeve kits have been around for ages, just not on this car. Id wait for a few more people to install them though because there have been some problems with noise on other cars, but thats an issue with many/most aftermarket suspensions.

There's pro's and cons with everything. You'll get the look and stance you want, but you'll lose suspension travel, one of the most important aspects of the suspension itself. Look into some of these threads for some further research:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=339168
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=427147

I haven't seen or heard of any problems with blown shocks with the e9x m3's unlike the e87's and non-m e9x's, but look at the pros and cons and make your decision. If you were to go with springs, stick to a moderate spring like dinan or eibach, any others like h&r and rd sport and you'll lose a significant amount of travel.

Great thread. I wish there was an option out there specifically designed for the zcp... I love the handling characteristics of the car but want a slightly lower drop.

Out of the available options, eibach seems to be the best option in terms of springs. It would be perfect if they decided to engineer a set specifically for the zcp

BlacknRedi wrote

That looks damn near perfect imo...wow you blew my mind

Keep in mind it wasn't that low when I first installed them. I was really disappointed when I first did them and only after 1000 miles or so was I really happy with it.

dvpouldar26 wrote

I would avoid springs, all you're going to do is lose the little travel these cars already have.

...

I'd look at the GC kits or the new KW sleeve kit.

So, the GC kit, because it includes camber plates, gives additional travel, but you DO realize that the KW sleeve kit gives you no more travel than regular lowering springs, right? They don't touch the upper mounts at all.

(I think shaved upper mounts + KW sleeves or camber plates + KW sleeves would be a nice setup...)

But, camber plates are going to make more noise/vibration/harshness than a stock upper mount, even the urethane Ground Control street plates. Ran them on my E46.