Suspension Advice

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by 128GP

I'm pairing them with Swift Springs. I want a subtle drop, and was eyeing the pro-kit, but after looking at every pic on the net I didnt like how the front was almost tucked and the rear sit as high as stock.

By the way, anyone ever order from kamispeed? They seem to have the best pricing on the swift springs.

I think a couple people were. I was looking for a good price on the swifts. Thanks for the heads up.

[128GP]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

I think a couple people were. I was looking for a good price on the swifts. Thanks for the heads up.

Just ordered. Theres a coupon code floating on the net, got them for $298.00!!!

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by 128GP

Just ordered. Theres a coupon code floating on the net, got them for $298.00!!!

Please share!

[ShocknAwe]

Suspension order is now complete. Cant wait to get it all on.

[cbl117]

Shock,

did you get your suspension installed? Would like to see pics/feedback.

Does anyone have pictures of 135i with Bilstein HDs and BMWP springs? I am in process of ordering this combination but want to make sure the drop is enough (looking for ~0.5").

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by cbl117

Shock,

did you get your suspension installed? Would like to see pics/feedback.

Does anyone have pictures of 135i with Bilstein HDs and BMWP springs? I am in process of ordering this combination but want to make sure the drop is enough (looking for ~0.5").

Not yet, waiting on a couple key parts before I do the install.

Bilstein HD with BMWP springs will not get you a 0.5" drop. With those dampers I'd estimate anywhere from no drop at all to a 1/4" drop. That being said I think someone has done it on these forums. I'll try to find the link.

[cbl117]

Thats what I was affraid of. I already have the Bilstein HDs. What springs would match nicely and give ~0.5" drop? Eibach pros or H&R OE sports?

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by cbl117

Thats what I was affraid of. I already have the Bilstein HDs. What springs would match nicely and give ~0.5" drop? Eibach pros or H&R OE sports?

I cant say for certain. What I have read from other members comments here is that the HDs increase ride height (as result of the high internal gas pressure augmenting the spring rates) by about ~.25". I believe the BMWP springs are only a ~10mm drop normally, so I'm not sure you'll be where you want using the HD units.

From that I would figure that Maybe H&R OE sports or Swift Spec R would be in the 0.5-0.75" drop range, each being marketed as a 1.0" drop when used with stock dampers. Eibach Pro Kit drops ~1-1.25" normally right? So that would probably result in a ~1" drop with HDs.

That being said, straight from Bilsteins FAQ the HDs are only engineered for UP TO a 30mm drop. They recommend using their B8 sport damper for 30-50mm lowering springs.

Metric to Imperial is 2.54 cm : 1 in. So, you can see where you would be with each spring. I think bilstein normally pairs the B8 with the Pro-Kit.

[houtan]

I'm ordering swift spec r and either the koni or bilstein as well. Just curious why you went with tbe b8? The spec r's say they lower the car 1 inch (25.4mm) from non msport or .5 inch (12.7mm) m sport. I was set on getting the b8 if I go the bilstein route but your post from the bilstein faq has me second guessing if the b8 are the correct option for the spec r's. If yhe hds are recommended for up to a 30mm drop wouldn't hey be the recommended choice?

[ShocknAwe]

Well as it does i ended up with the Bilstein HD (B6). As far as I know 128GP has the B8 sports.

What's interesting is that while swift says .5 in from sport, with the koni dampers people have reported .5 to 1.25 drop. Weird.

[houtan]

128 gp, have you installed your swift spec r / b8?

[houtan]

I ended up buying the b8's, swift spec r springs, and whiteline RSFB. now I need to get the m3 pieces front and rear. Once I have everything Installed I will definitely post my impressions. Probably won't be for another month or two. Also thanks for all the info in this thread.

[cbl117]

Houtan, i'll be interested to see the outcome. Take pics when the swifts are installed. I have B6s now and trying to decide on springs for a mild drop.

[houtan]

Will do.

Originally Posted by cbl117

Houtan, i'll be interested to see the outcome. Take pics when the swifts are installed. I have B6s now and trying to decide on springs for a mild drop.

[ShocknAwe]

Just wanted to post an update:

I installed the fronts this afternoon. Done on jack stands and was a solo job. Doing the rears and subframe inserts tomorrow morning if I have time.

B6 went on with swifts and OEM hardware. I did not add the M3 control arms (going to wait until the new components have settled, then go back in and add the arms and get an alignment immediately). I did add a 3mm spacer to each front hub for clearance.

Install Notes
Install was interesting. Honestly I tried doing it the way everyone else said, but what a pain in the ass! I gave up and did it how I usually do suspensions. I loosened the control arms at the subframe side, disconnected the sway bar entirely, and then using my floor jack supported the hub and just dropped the strut out. IT IS THAT EASY.

I did not need to compress the springs until dis-assembly of the OEM shock once off the car. The swift springs did not need to be compressed at all for re-installation.

I did leave the strut hanging by the tower by one nut while I pulled it out of the spindle, then just disconnected and pulled the whole thing out. No playing around with folding it out of the fender and all that, much easier and plenty of room. The Schwaben spindle spreader tool is a life saver. On the top hat nut I used a 13/16" spark plug socket and allen on the OEM unit, and a 7/8" spark plug socket and allen on the Bilstein unit. No impact gun or special tools necessary.

Doing it this way took maybe an hour, hour and a half tops per side. I wasted a ton of time trying to fiddle with the other methods.

Initial Impressions?
Awesome. Even with the suspension messed up being 50% modded right now and alignment being mildly ruined up front it's better. My tire does rub the front fender liner and oil cooler grate at full lock. No other issues. Wonder if that's fixable through alignment.

Cosmetic:
No feedback on the drop yet. It hasn't changed at all so far.


Complaints, Gripes, and Profound Lack of Trust issues:
The top hat nut on my left OEM damper was cross threaded by some dumbfuck at BMW. What a pain in the ass compared to the other side. And these are supposed to be the professionals!

[houtan]

thanks for the update and install tips. im a little surprised that the front isnt lower than stock. Do you think its the bilstein b6's? The bilstein's bump stop is built into the front strut; i wonder if the Swifts have enough of a drop where the bump stop is being hit before the expected ride height.

looking forward to hearing about the suspension setup after the rears are installed and seeing pics!

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by houtan

thanks for the update and install tips. im a little surprised that the front isnt lower than stock. Do you think its the bilstein b6's? The bilstein's bump stop is built into the front strut; i wonder if the Swifts have enough of a drop where the bump stop is being hit before the expected ride height.

Not hitting the bump stop so thats not it. It's just that it hasn't settled yet. I'm expecting maybe half an inch total.

[houtan]

Any updates?

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by houtan

Any updates?

Haven't really tested things out since I uncovered a problem during my install. I will post photos and my thoughts once everything has been resolved.

[128GP]

Originally Posted by houtan

128 gp, have you installed your swift spec r / b8?

sorry I have been MIA guys, but with a 3 month old, life gets in the way. Anyway, yes I did get everything installed two weeks ago. The car drives great, not nearly as harsh as many on the web claimed. I mean yes it is stiff, but its in no means so harsh that when i drive im like damn this sucks, its harsh.

The drop is perfect, i am not rubbing on fender, liner or strut, and I'm running a 235 squared setup.

I spent 4 hours yesterday doing a great wash, clay, polish and wax. I took a few pics in the driveway. I'll try to post them tonight.

[houtan]

Awesome. Looking forward to the pics

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by 128GP

The drop is perfect, i am not rubbing on fender, liner or strut, and I'm running a 235 squared setup.

I spent 4 hours yesterday doing a great wash, clay, polish and wax. I took a few pics in the driveway. I'll try to post them tonight.

Are you running camber plates up front?


Way to go on washing it up so well, now I have to detail the damn car before I take after pics!