1Addicts, help me buy a spring/strut/shock setup please!!!

[128GP]

So, I have some 18x8.5 +45 Arc8's square being shipped as we speak. I am looking to pick up an upgraded suspension set up. Now I am an engineer, and I over research everything. I am sick of looking at spring rates, reviews, specs posts here etc. Here is where I am at.

Brand Rate Drop Price
TCK SA 400/600 1”/25mm $2200
BMWPS 160/240 .39"/10mm $1500
Koni/Swift 201/503 1"/25mm $1000
Bilstein B12 148/456 .59"/15mm $800

Here is the standard suspension post disclosure, I want something sporty and stiffer, but keep in mind this is my daily. I dont want to feel every bump. I am also not looking to SLAM my ride. Most importantly, I DO NOT want to rub with my new wheels (thinking 235/40/18 tires). I am looking to do a few AX throughout the summer (2 or 3). Just fun, nothing competitive.

I do want to lower it a bit, just no rub lol. I want to get rid of the wheel gap. I am leaning against the TCK just because, i just had a kid, and spending 2k on a coilover is something i am leaning against. So is it Koni's with BMWPS (little to no drop), the Koni/Swift combo or the Bilstein/Eibach combo?

Help!!

[135iam]

Before I found a set of KWv3's on here bnib for $1600 shipped, I was going to go with bilstein b8's in the front (shorter version of the b6, with same valving, that can be found cheaper than b8 if you search by part number) and b8's in the rear with swift springs.
Stiffer rear springs reduce understeer, so they were my first choice for springs.

[Zombie1]

koni/Swift ftw! really love this seup drives smoother then stock and waaaaaay better handling.

[128GP]

Originally Posted by Zombie1

koni/Swift ftw! really love this seup drives smoother then stock and waaaaaay better handling.

wow, something I just noticed, the Swift springs say 135i only? Is that a technicality? No other spring manufacturer differentiates between the 128/135, hell most sell the same spring for the e90's as well. Whats the word, will the swift spring work for my 128??

[andrey_gta]

Originally Posted by 128GP

wow, something I just noticed, the Swift springs say 135i only? Is that a technicality? No other spring manufacturer differentiates between the 128/135, hell most sell the same spring for the e90's as well. Whats the word, will the swift spring work for my 128??

They were designed on the 135i with performance dampers. Hense why Koni & Swift reviews are great

I think its one of the best springs for e82 based on swift's technology, since other brands cross list their e82 springs.

[135iam]

Below was taken from another thread......


Yes the 135 springs will work on the 128. We designed the springs to work with all of the 1 series. We designed the springs based on the BMW performance suspension, and made sure that it would work with all of the other models.

You should be able to run the springs without a problem.

Thank you for looking into our springs!

Best Regards,

The Swift Team

[128GP]

Originally Posted by 135iam

Below was taken from another thread......


Yes the 135 springs will work on the 128. We designed the springs to work with all of the 1 series. We designed the springs based on the BMW performance suspension, and made sure that it would work with all of the other models.

You should be able to run the springs without a problem.

Thank you for looking into our springs!

Best Regards,

The Swift Team

Perfect! I see EAS is the only one that lists them for 128 as well. I think i am leaning towards the swift/koni setup. Its less than $200 more than the Bilstein set up, and after looking at more bilstein pics it seems the rear of the B12 kit doesnt sit level with the fronts.

That being said, 225 or 235 tires??? No power mods, I have a CPO warranty to preserve for now. Thoughts??

[andrey_gta]

Koni's are on sale this month still. Good luck

[128GP]

Originally Posted by andrey_gta

Koni's are on sale this month still. Good luck

yes they are

[135iam]

Originally Posted by 128GP

Perfect! I see EAS is the only one that lists them for 128 as well. I think i am leaning towards the swift/koni setup. Its less than $200 more than the Bilstein set up, and after looking at more bilstein pics it seems the rear of the B12 kit doesnt sit level with the fronts.

That being said, 225 or 235 tires??? No power mods, I have a CPO warranty to preserve for now. Thoughts??

I would go with 235/40/18's, remove the locating pins on the strut tops, and get as much negative camber as you can without camber plates. (some on here have posted minor rubbing issues with larger 235's like Re-11's and APEX says 235/40's fit fine)
I have 225/40/18 snow tires F&R on factory staggard wheels and they work good, but for summer I would go with 235's all around.

Having owned off the shelf koni adjustables as well as bilstein sports I will add the following. I have had good experiences with both, but if I was buying Konis I would pay the extra $200 to get the rears adjustable on the car. because removing the truck liner, jacking up the car, removing the shocks, adjusting, and then putting it all back together is a such a PITA they might as well be non adjustable IMO. (most put the rears on once and never mess with them)

koni - I liked being able to set them firmer on the track or autocross. I softened them up as a daily driver setup. I often found them too soft on the street when I decided to drive spirited (highway turnabout, etc). In my case (subaru) the rears were adjustable on the car which is nice just pop open the trunk put on the knob and adjust. Also, they have a reputation for needing rebuilds (depends on how hard you use them).

bilstein - They were firmer on the street than soft Konis, not rough, just firmer. If you want plush get Koni's. But when pushed hard I thought they were awesome, very consistant, and I aways knew how the car was going to react as it was the same on the track as the street. They also have a reputation for staying consistant and lasting damn near forever.

[135iam]

If you havent seen this, its a good deal with nice street camber plates.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=943693

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by 135iam

Before I found a set of KWv3's on here bnib for $1600 shipped, I was going to go with bilstein b8's in the front (shorter version of the b6, with same valving, that can be found cheaper than b8 if you search by part number) and b8's in the rear with swift springs.
Stiffer rear springs reduce understeer, so they were my first choice for springs.

So what was the drop going to be with the B8/Swift combo?

[135iam]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

So what was the drop going to be with the B8/Swift combo?

same other shock options with those springs.

The B8 just has a slightly shorter piston rod and shock body (for use specifically with lowering springs) compared to the B6.

[128GP]

Originally Posted by 135iam

bilstein - They were firmer on the street than soft Konis, not rough, just firmer. If you want plush get Koni's. But when pushed hard I thought they were awesome, very consistant, and I aways knew how the car was going to react as it was the same on the track as the street. They also have a reputation for staying consistant and lasting damn near forever.

I'm actually leaning Bilsteins right now. I doubt I will ever change the damping settings of the Konis. The B8's can be had on a few sites on the web at very good pricing.

Originally Posted by 135iam

If you havent seen this, its a good deal with nice street camber plates.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=943693

I saw it first thing this am, great price, but I want to buy new here for this.

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

So what was the drop going to be with the B8/Swift combo?

Should be 1"/25mm according to the Swift info.

[Vossen wheels]

Why not going with KWs ? Full adjustments and great product.