Anyone install spacers?

[MusclezMarinara]

Originally Posted by v1k0d3n

I think the issues were a little different though. There was more concern with the spacers and dropped setup vs just one or the other though, right? not sure...my memory is hazy, but god...I remember that long drawn out feud.

I believe the issue is dropped and spacers

[JJSchmooze]

With over 1,000 miles put on since that ridiculous thread , I can say that the only noticeable issue is complete lock turning at slow speeds. However I think that rubbing issue would exist even without the drop. Before I had the car lowered I noticed that the clearance between the wheel skirt and tire at the right front when the wheel is turned to the left is very TIGHT. It looked as though it was already just missing the backside of the oil cooler vent that is in the wheel well.

[Beemer22]

I think 10 Front and 12 Rear would be perfect...

[bmwmck]

this is 12f 15r

12 all around would be good, if the 15mm is too much for you

[diegorst]

I already ordered RS technik 5mm front and 12mm rear spacers for my 1M....should have them installed next week!

[Pete_vB]

I realize most of you have never heard of scrub radius. I'm trying to do a little education so that people can at least understand the tradeoffs of what they are doing. I realize people like JJSchmooze don't take this well. Feel free to ignore my input.

I think this quote found on H&R's technical website in and article about scrub radius sums it up nicely:

When dealing with suspension design and dynamics, little things that are easily overlooked like scrub radius can make a greater difference in your car's handling and feel than all your fervent tuning can accomplish.

and

When you have excessive scrub, whether it be positive or negative, steering effort increases and road 'feel' increases, as the steering is more susceptible to road shock.

The M3 and hence 1M is designed with nearly perfect center-point steering and hence zero scrub radius stock. By adding significant spacers you will increase scrub radius.

Now it's easy to assume that a small change in scrub radius won't have a noticeable effect. Test data says otherwise, however. This is the data from one SAE paper on the subject comparing different scrub radius on a skidpad:

Scrub radius / Max. accel. (g)
54.8 mm / 0.68
24.9 mm / 0.70
-9.8 mm / 0.74
-20.2 mm / 0.79

So we see in this example that a 10.4mm change in scrub radius resulted in a 7% change in lateral Gs. I am not saying the results will be the same for the 1M- they will not. This does illustrate that small differences have a very noticeable effect, and if you look at the article the differences were actually larger in braking, steering input, etc. They sum the article up as follows:

In conclusion, the vehicle test data support the position that reduction of scrub radius improves vehicle drift performance during braking, increases the understeer coefficient, increases the obtainable lateral acceleration, and reduces the required steering wheel effort to perform transient maneuvers.

Now when you read the above, keep in mind that reduced scrub radius is what the 1M has before spacers, and by putting 12mm or whatever spacers on you are moving the scrub radius that much in the wrong direction.

This is something to be aware of when considering spacers- I would personally recommend not doing a large spacer in the front to avoid these issues. Space the rear all you want- it doesn't effect scrub radius (though it will change the handling balance slightly and add a little weight).
http://www.hrsprings.com/technical/scrub_radius
http://www.sae.org/automag/scrubradius/04.htm

[dominoM]

I'm assuming using a wheel on the front axle with a different offset also affects scrub radius (i.e. not just spacers).

[Pete_vB]

Originally Posted by dominoM

I'm assuming using a wheel on the front axle with a different offset also affects scrub radius (i.e. not just spacers).

Correct.

[mpower2]

here are some photos

front 12mm rear 15mm

[dominoM]

Originally Posted by dominoM

I'm assuming using a wheel on the front axle with a different offset also affects scrub radius (i.e. not just spacers).

Having said that, my winter wheels have an offset that pushes the fronts out by 10mm. But it is a square setup, and I wanted to have an offset match between front and rear so I can rotate for even tire wear. Still interesting stuff. Thanks.

[bmwmck]

Originally Posted by mpower2

here are some photos

front 12mm rear 15mm

Amazing shots. Looks great

I'm thinking I'll go 12front 15rear thanks to you

[Rsmatt]

Me too have ordered 12mm front & 15mm rear along with h&r springs

[EINSER M]

Originally Posted by Rsmatt

Me too have ordered 12mm front & 15mm rear along with h&r springs

exactly what i did!

rubs on full lock and has bottomed out twice in the last 2 months on full load so cant complain too much

[Rsmatt]

That's good to hear I don't drive like an idiot anyway and how often are you on full lock your car must look brilliant have got a Seibon m3 style bonnet and eisenman full race exhaust as well after my run in service! Can't wait

[terrybGT3]

Guys, which spacers are you going for please? I mean which manufacturer?

[Rsmatt]

H&r for me

[///M1]

Originally Posted by terrybGT3

Guys, which spacers are you going for please? I mean which manufacturer?

I just installed mine from these guys, were custom made but fit and finish is superb. Got them anodized as well. See a few posts down of my thread with some before and after pics.

If you decide to go with them, talk to Junior and he will hook you up.

http://www.motorsport-tech.com/

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by MusclezMarinara

Wondering if anyone has installed spacers on their 1Ms?

Thinking about

12MM REAR

15MM FRONT

Thoughts?

10mm front and 12mm rear will work fine.

12 mm front you will start to rub pretty badly on the cooler vents in the wheel well. In the rear you will run on the fender liner.

[RaptorKTM]

If running OEM wheels and KW V3 Coil overs whats the best spacer to go with?

[Rsmatt]

Originally Posted by HP Autowerks

10mm front and 12mm rear will work fine.

12 mm front you will start to rub pretty badly on the cooler vents in the wheel well. In the rear you will run on the fender liner.

Thanks mate have changed my order to 10mm front 12mm rear don't want anything rubbing badly!

[PunjabiM3]

Originally Posted by RaptorKTM

If running OEM wheels and KW V3 Coil overs whats the best spacer to go with?

Damn good question and let me know what you find out. I am planning on getting KWV3 in the near future and am thinking of going 10mm front and 12mm rear. Probably depends on how much you are going to lower the car.

[Keanu111]

Originally Posted by HP Autowerks

10mm front and 12mm rear will work fine.

12 mm front you will start to rub pretty badly on the cooler vents in the wheel well. In the rear you will run on the fender liner.

With those numbers, are we incorporating lowering springs or any sort of aftermarket suspension? Or just stock set up?

Thanks!