Can someone advise on what the correct ride height is on 88 M6 with SLS

[maxg765]

Hello

I am a big fan of keeping things original. That said, since I have had my SLS system serviced on my 1988 M6 I find the rear looks a little high. Maybe it wasn't working properly and I'm just not used to it. To me it looks like a stock non M6 SLS set up in height. I know the M series was suppose to be lower.

Can some one please advise on what the correct ride height is on a 1988 North American Spec M6 with the OEM SLS system still in place? Not sure how you would measure it, maybe the height from the ground up to the lip of the rear fender or from the rear tire.

Maybe its over compensating and raising up too much? I am hoping its too high and if so that it can it be adjusted?

If I do indeed have the correct ride height does anyone know if it can be lowered a little while still keeping the SLS system in place and active? I'm not looking for a dropped look.

Thanks

Max

[Layne]

The service manual has specs for it measured from the bottom rim of the wheel to the fender lip. If no one else comes up with it first I can check my manual next week.

The SLS is easily asjusted up and down, you should be able to easily get the height you want on the rear.

[maxg765]

The service manual has specs for it measured from the bottom rim of the wheel to the fender lip. If no one else comes up with it first I can check my manual next week.

The SLS is easily asjusted up and down, you should be able to easily get the height you want on the rear.

I will need to add getting a service manual to my list of things wanted.

Thanks, I would appreciate it very much. If you can toss in there on how to adjust it along with the ride height that would also be appreciated.

I am happy to hear its adjustable :)

Again, thanks

Max

[tschultz]

No specs, but he is our car after replacing with new accumulators:

http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/1069/2zs7dd4.jpg
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/9238/m62013.jpg
http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/417/m62014.jpg
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/498/m62015.jpg
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/3001/m62004.jpg


To me, it looks like a very "even" gap between wheels and fenders front to back.
But also note, obviously the gap will change if you are on an incline-- with the nose uphill, the system will compensate and raise the rear. Should be obvious, but I wanted to point this out.

[88m53453]

the system is adjusted at a u clamp on the rear sway bar link. It is infinitely adjustable ;) It was always my belief and practice that the rear was always slightly higher in the rear on an e24, very slightly. ok , now someone can tell me i was wrong, but somewhere in the dark recesses, i think i have the specs

be aware ,lowering the rear will raise the front and vice versa

[CW6er]

As mentioned, the height (A) is measured from the bottom edge of the rim (2), to the bottom edge of the wheel arch (1)
http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/files/2832091_639.jpg

Below is the rear ride height chart, but that is with the TRX rims (390/410mm), so it has to be re-calculated to account for your replacement rim size. The following thread explains the calculation (using the front chart as an example) - Ride Height:
http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9439&

Further explanation and the rear chart:
http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6768&

____________________

http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/files/bodyheightrear_375.jpg


I will need to add getting a service manual to my list of things wanted.

BTW, have you seen the "Goodie Page"? It has links to Online (or PDF Downloads) of the Factory Workshop Manuals (Service Manual), Wiring Diagrams (ETM's), Parts Manuals, Online Suppliers, etc.:
http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10410
.

[team2win]

If you have the sls in, I don't think there is room for much adjustment... especially if you are looking for the lowered effect. The sls allows movement of about 1/4 - 1/2 inch I believe.. When I was trying to get my rear lower on the 88, was trying to get help from anyone/everyone and only solution was to take out the sls and put in regular shocks as I recall... will be interesting if there's another solution with sls..

[CW6er]

the system is adjusted at a u clamp on the rear sway bar link. It is infinitely adjustable ;) It was always my belief and practice that the rear was always slightly higher in the rear on an e24, very slightly. ok , now someone can tell me i was wrong, but somewhere in the dark recesses, i think i have the specs

be aware ,lowering the rear will raise the front and vice versa

Here is the SLS control box (Above the CV Joint), showing a control rod going to the "U" clamp on the Sway bar that Steve mentioned.

The Question is, how do you safely adjust it without dumping the car on your chest?

Some more photos:
http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=529&
http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/download.php?id=67

[88m53453]

very carefully... LOL. Seriously, as I recall, I would move it a touch and THEN switch the car on to activate the system, then roll it back and forth a few times for safety and to settle the suspension out completely

[5280 M6]

Here's another example of measurement of the rear. I took this prior to replacing the springs & shocks on all four corners, which was done partially because the rear SLS was starting to have problems (would hunt for height up/down). I can't say this height is the proper spec for an '88 M6, only that this is where mine was. The tape measurement is from the floor, up to the fender lip.

Jim

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt267/5280JB/88%20BMW%20M6/IMG_0311.jpg

[maxg765]

Well thanks to al for the replies. I faintly got around to measuring mine.

Please keep in mind the the car is all stock. No modification plus I am still running the stock TRX Wheels and a new set of Michelin 410 or 415 TRX's .

From the Floor up to the lower section of the fender lip I come to 26&3/4"

From the lowest section of the wheel lip to the lower section of the fender it comes to a figure right in the middle of 23&1/2 to 23&3/4"

I think from what I am seeing here it appears to be to high.

Please not that I am not asking this for reasons of wanting to lower my car. I prefer to remain stock. I am asking because it appears to me that since I have had my SLS serviced last month the car looks a little too high to me. Its an M series and I believe they are suppose to be a little lower than what the standard 635's.

Based on what I am seeing here is it possible that my car is an entire 3/4 to an 1" too high at the rear?

Thanks

Max

[88m53453]

remember, if you lower the rear, you will raise the front, if you use the SLS system to achieve the adjustment

[maxg765]

As mentioned, the height (A) is measured from the bottom edge of the rim (2), to the bottom edge of the wheel arch (1)
http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/files/2832091_639.jpg

Below is the rear ride height chart, but that is with the TRX rims (390/410mm), so it has to be re-calculated to account for your replacement rim size. The following thread explains the calculation (using the front chart as an example) - Ride Height:
http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9439&

Further explanation and the rear chart:
http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6768&

____________________

http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/files/bodyheightrear_375.jpg



BTW, have you seen the "Goodie Page"? It has links to Online (or PDF Downloads) of the Factory Workshop Manuals (Service Manual), Wiring Diagrams (ETM's), Parts Manuals, Online Suppliers, etc.:
http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10410
.

By using your info and the link at bigcoupe it appears that my rear ride height is not too far off from the correct figure but is with in the +- tolerance of 10mm allowance.

I had a figure between 23.5" and 23.75" from lower lip of fender to lowest lip of the what I now confirm to be the 415 wheels. I thought 410 before checking.

If I go with an exact middle value of 23.63" that translates to +- 600.1mm

Your link to big coupe shows that the correct height for the 210 TR415 Wheel Rims for the M6's should be 593mm +-10. That puts me within the correct height at 600.1mm. I am going to look into trying to lower it a couple of mm to bring it down to +-595mm while trying to make sure I don't bring the front up higher than the rear.

I do find this high looking for what should be a sport touring. If the M cars were lower than the regular 635's then I am wonder how high those cars look in stock form if I'm finding mine on the high side.

If I've done the math incorrectly or have read the charts wrong and am mistaken on what the figures should be please advise accordingly.

Thanks

Max

PS: If anyone knows of a way that they car can be lowered a little on both the front and rear while keeping the SLS and most if not all the OEM components I'd love to hear about it. I am not looking for a dropped look. half an inch to an in at the most to just give it that little bit of a more sporty look I feel is should have anyways is what I'd e after. Again, I am a big fan of OEM stock thus don't want to get into modifications etc...