Rear M3 Conversion

JBW · 05-19-2010, 08:02 PM

Rear M3 Conversion – IMPORTANT!

Speaking from experience, to all who are looking at doing a full M3 suspension conversion, please KNOW that the rear lower camber link conversion requires a custom, properly engineered headlight bracket. If you do this conversion using the M3 bracket that most shops not knowledgeable in the matter will sell you, you will in fact have headlights that are not aiming to factory spec. Again, I know this from experience. (Please see here for my horrific experience with BRracing that includes this issue: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=388448)

Harold / HP Autowerks does not appear to advertise this much, but I’m here to tell you that they are the ONLY shop that has gone through the trouble of hiring an engineer and having a custom bracket made to ensure that their customers get the correct parts for a correct conversion. For this reason alone – and, there are MANY others – I highly suggest you speak with HP Autowerks prior to purchasing parts. They WILL provide the best guidance out there. And, WILL provide you with complete and correct parts.

rm163603 · 05-21-2010, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBW

Rear M3 Conversion – IMPORTANT!

Speaking from experience, to all who are looking at doing a full M3 suspension conversion, please KNOW that the rear lower camber link conversion requires a custom, properly engineered headlight bracket. If you do this conversion using the M3 bracket that most shops not knowledgeable in the matter will sell you, you will in fact have headlights that are not aiming to factory spec. Again, I know this from experience. (Please see here for my horrific experience with BRracing that includes this issue: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=388448)

Harold / HP Autowerks does not appear to advertise this much, but I’m here to tell you that they are the ONLY shop that has gone through the trouble of hiring an engineer and having a custom bracket made to ensure that their customers get the correct parts for a correct conversion. For this reason alone – and, there are MANY others – I highly suggest you speak with HP Autowerks prior to purchasing parts. They WILL provide the best guidance out there. And, WILL provide you with complete and correct parts.

I thought that there was only a headlight regulator on the front suspension. Are you referring to this?

Sorry if I've misunderstood...

mechanicalmagic · 05-21-2010, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rm163603

I thought that there was only a headlight regulator on the front suspension. Are you referring to this?

Another mis-believer here, but, YES there is another sensor on the rear axle.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...37&hg=33&fg=30

DJ

rm163603 · 05-22-2010, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mechanicalmagic

Another mis-believer here, but, YES there is another sensor on the rear axle.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...37&hg=33&fg=30

DJ

Very interesting, I've learned something new!

JBW · 05-22-2010, 04:27 AM

Sorry for the late reply, but as you have found, the rear sensor is there and needed. It controls the vertical aim of the headlights. Without the proper bracket your headlights will either point too far down or too far up. They will be out of spec./not be set optimally and as designed. Again, I know this from my own purchase and installation horror stories. (Both can be viewed via the links below.)

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=388448

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=388839

Thanks.

Justin(OKC) · 05-22-2010, 11:22 PM

Interesting.....I got my rear camber links from HP Autowerks. I remember changing that bracket but thought it was from an M3. Any idea how long they have been doing this "custom" part? It seems like my headlights are doing what they are supposed to.

JBW · 05-23-2010, 05:25 AM

I don't know when they developed the custom bracket, but you can imagine that they must have done so for a reason.

I tried the M3 bracket, but it didn't work at all on my 2010. The regulator rod would not reach the attachment point on it very well. And, it was clearly forcing the regulator rod into a position that was not as it was originally.

As the rear module controls vertical aim, that's obviously what to examine. I suppose your aim may be close to stock, but from what I've learned it's not to spec. You're likely not getting the proper distance from your lights that you should be because they are aiming too low. Or, they are aiming too high and the road immediately in front of you may not be lit as well as the factory intended.

Eyeman · 05-23-2010, 11:18 AM

Very interesting. I thought the front part (even from HP) was aftermarket designed but I think someone convinced me it's just the M3 part. I also thought it regulated vertical headlight aiming. I'll probably never do the rear and if I'd did I'd probably have sourced the parts from HP but this is an interesting issue, Thanks!

JBW · 05-23-2010, 02:50 PM

I guess they both may handle vertical aim. That might make sense. I have the M3 rod on the front. I think that is what Harold provides. The front bracket is the same on the E82 and M3. But, the front rod is slightly different. (They look the same unless you take the E82 off to compare it. Then, it's obvious the M3 is a bit longer.)

billspreston · 05-27-2010, 06:23 PM

Thanks for the heads up JBW, I've also had good experiences sourcing parts from Harold.

JBW · 05-28-2010, 11:01 AM

Considering all the F'ing BS I've had to go through to make my car "right," I feel it's my duty to provide information that may help fellow 1Addicts out.

Thanks for the thanks!

M2 · 05-28-2010, 12:17 PM

Kudos to you for making us aware!

arrutled · 05-28-2010, 03:08 PM

cant you adjust the headlights yourself though. from what I remember its pretty easy.

M2 · 05-28-2010, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arrutled

cant you adjust the headlights yourself though. from what I remember its pretty easy.

You can manually adjust the lights but when you hit a dip or a bump the back regulator needs to be level so it will counter-compensate for the dip or bump. (vertically)

AussieRacer · 05-28-2010, 06:15 PM

The headlight leveling doesn't work for bumps. not quick enough. Designed only to compensate for loads in the car causing the rear to sit lower.

HP Autosport · 06-02-2010, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justin(OKC)

Interesting.....I got my rear camber links from HP Autowerks. I remember changing that bracket but thought it was from an M3. Any idea how long they have been doing this "custom" part? It seems like my headlights are doing what they are supposed to.

Justin,

Although it may look like an oem M3 bracket, it is not, we just made it that way. It has always been a custom piece for the camber link conversion kit.

Justin(OKC) · 06-02-2010, 03:53 PM

Ah, good to know!!! Another reason why HP Autowerks is the place to get these parts!

HP Autosport · 09-15-2010, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBW

Considering all the F'ing BS I've had to go through to make my car "right," I feel it's my duty to provide information that may help fellow 1Addicts out.

Thanks for the thanks!

How did everything turned out at the end?

05-19-2010, 08:02 PM	#1
JBW Lieutenant 41 Rep 436 Posts Drives: 2010 135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New England, USA iTrader: (3)	Rear M3 Conversion – IMPORTANT! Rear M3 Conversion – IMPORTANT! Speaking from experience, to all who are looking at doing a full M3 suspension conversion, please KNOW that the rear lower camber link conversion requires a custom, properly engineered headlight bracket. If you do this conversion using the M3 bracket that most shops not knowledgeable in the matter will sell you, you will in fact have headlights that are not aiming to factory spec. Again, I know this from experience. (Please see here for my horrific experience with BRracing that includes this issue: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=388448) Harold / HP Autowerks does not appear to advertise this much, but I’m here to tell you that they are the ONLY shop that has gone through the trouble of hiring an engineer and having a custom bracket made to ensure that their customers get the correct parts for a correct conversion. For this reason alone – and, there are MANY others – I highly suggest you speak with HP Autowerks prior to purchasing parts. They WILL provide the best guidance out there. And, WILL provide you with complete and correct parts.
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05-22-2010, 04:27 AM	#5
JBW Lieutenant 41 Rep 436 Posts Drives: 2010 135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New England, USA iTrader: (3)	Sorry for the late reply, but as you have found, the rear sensor is there and needed. It controls the vertical aim of the headlights. Without the proper bracket your headlights will either point too far down or too far up. They will be out of spec./not be set optimally and as designed. Again, I know this from my own purchase and installation horror stories. (Both can be viewed via the links below.) http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=388448 http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=388839 Thanks.
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05-22-2010, 11:22 PM	#6
Justin(OKC) Major 77 Rep 1,376 Posts Drives: 1988 M3, 1990 M3, 1998 M3/4 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Oklahoma City, OK iTrader: (7) Garage List 1998 BMW M3/4 [10.00] 2011 BMW M3 Sedan [9.28] 1988 BMW M3 [9.40] 1990 BMW M3 [10.00] 2008 BMW 135i - sold [0.00] 2003 BMW M3 - sold [0.00]	Interesting.....I got my rear camber links from HP Autowerks. I remember changing that bracket but thought it was from an M3. Any idea how long they have been doing this "custom" part? It seems like my headlights are doing what they are supposed to. __________________ 1988 BMW M3 - Hennarot/Black 1990 BMW M3 racecar - Diamond Schwarz/Black 1998 BMW M3 - Alpine White/Mulberry 2011 BMW 328i racecar - LeMans Blue/Black
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05-23-2010, 05:25 AM	#7
JBW Lieutenant 41 Rep 436 Posts Drives: 2010 135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New England, USA iTrader: (3)	I don't know when they developed the custom bracket, but you can imagine that they must have done so for a reason. I tried the M3 bracket, but it didn't work at all on my 2010. The regulator rod would not reach the attachment point on it very well. And, it was clearly forcing the regulator rod into a position that was not as it was originally. As the rear module controls vertical aim, that's obviously what to examine. I suppose your aim may be close to stock, but from what I've learned it's not to spec. You're likely not getting the proper distance from your lights that you should be because they are aiming too low. Or, they are aiming too high and the road immediately in front of you may not be lit as well as the factory intended.
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05-23-2010, 11:18 AM	#8
Eyeman Colonel 121 Rep 2,037 Posts Drives: 2008 135 blk, blk, step Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1994 Porsche 968 Cab [0.00] 2017 AMG GTS [0.00] 1994 Porsche 968 Coupe [0.00] 1977 Mercedes 450SE ... [0.00] 2008 135 [8.00]	Very interesting. I thought the front part (even from HP) was aftermarket designed but I think someone convinced me it's just the M3 part. I also thought it regulated vertical headlight aiming. I'll probably never do the rear and if I'd did I'd probably have sourced the parts from HP but this is an interesting issue, Thanks! __________________ Injen, RR OCC, MadDad Whisper, donut spare, 19x8.5et43fr 19x9.5et45r Volk LE37's, rear fenders rolled/pulled, PSS4S 225/35fr 255/30r, KW V1's, AR coated catless dps, Cross strutbar, CF grills and license plate holder, iCarbon diffuser, ETS black anodized FMIC, M3 control arms, Quaife, ER chargepipe, ForgeDV's, Topspeed Custom Tune, V3sims, Braille, Andrey_GTA rear hub mod, Ebay Mstyle front bumper and performance style side skirts.
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05-23-2010, 02:50 PM	#9
JBW Lieutenant 41 Rep 436 Posts Drives: 2010 135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New England, USA iTrader: (3)	I guess they both may handle vertical aim. That might make sense. I have the M3 rod on the front. I think that is what Harold provides. The front bracket is the same on the E82 and M3. But, the front rod is slightly different. (They look the same unless you take the E82 off to compare it. Then, it's obvious the M3 is a bit longer.)
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05-27-2010, 06:23 PM	#10
billspreston Colonel 313 Rep 2,251 Posts Drives: G87 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (13)	Thanks for the heads up JBW, I've also had good experiences sourcing parts from Harold. Last edited by billspreston; 05-28-2010 at 11:58 AM..
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05-28-2010, 11:01 AM	#11
JBW Lieutenant 41 Rep 436 Posts Drives: 2010 135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New England, USA iTrader: (3)	Considering all the F'ing BS I've had to go through to make my car "right," I feel it's my duty to provide information that may help fellow 1Addicts out. Thanks for the thanks!
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05-28-2010, 12:17 PM	#12
M2 Lieutenant 58 Rep 503 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (0)	Kudos to you for making us aware! __________________ MM
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05-28-2010, 03:08 PM	#13
arrutled Colonel 104 Rep 2,474 Posts Drives: Olsa Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Western Mass iTrader: (0)	cant you adjust the headlights yourself though. from what I remember its pretty easy. __________________ AW 135i w/ blackette, performance short shift kit, BMW alarm, Performance rotors, APEX ARC-8 wheels, Direzza Star Spec 235/275, Dinan stage 3 suspension, M3 wishbones/tension rods/front sway/rear subframe bushings and thats all folks!
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05-28-2010, 06:15 PM	#15
AussieRacer Major 24 Rep 1,058 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Aust iTrader: (0)	The headlight leveling doesn't work for bumps. not quick enough. Designed only to compensate for loads in the car causing the rear to sit lower. __________________ Current: 135i Auto, Le Mans Blue - w/ Bridgestone RE-11 rears, GP Thunder 7500k angels, & "golf tee" mod plus a few M3 suspension bits and pieces...
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06-02-2010, 03:53 PM	#17
Justin(OKC) Major 77 Rep 1,376 Posts Drives: 1988 M3, 1990 M3, 1998 M3/4 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Oklahoma City, OK iTrader: (7) Garage List 1998 BMW M3/4 [10.00] 2011 BMW M3 Sedan [9.28] 1988 BMW M3 [9.40] 1990 BMW M3 [10.00] 2008 BMW 135i - sold [0.00] 2003 BMW M3 - sold [0.00]	Ah, good to know!!! Another reason why HP Autowerks is the place to get these parts! __________________ 1988 BMW M3 - Hennarot/Black 1990 BMW M3 racecar - Diamond Schwarz/Black 1998 BMW M3 - Alpine White/Mulberry 2011 BMW 328i racecar - LeMans Blue/Black
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