Forgive my rhyming tag line but I've been doing a lot of research and asking questions here and there and haven't gotten any difinitive answers.
*Is there a comfortable coilover kit that is adjustable? *
My shocks are getting to be shot.
My springs, at least the front, are uneven so they're shot.
So I figure coilovers solve all my problems. I'm in the market for say $1000 for shocks and springs.
Now, I live in Chicago where roads sucks but I like to autocross and go out the country to curvy road and drive balls out. So I figured coilovers with damping adjustment might be best.
I don't want to give up my comfy ride. I'm not dead set on adjustable. I really just want OEM+ but adjustable knobs sounds like a lot of fun.
BR Racing coilovers seemed good with in the dly damping until I realized their spring rates were 500-600#. I doubt I'll ever get comfortable with that (also 1 year warranty? Really)
Bilstein PSS seems good but all reviews say they're SUPER soft and are basically like stock
Vogtland coilovers don't have progressive springs which I feel would be not good for rough road and really seems like a track only thing in the modern world
Most kit have descriptions like "a budget way to get low.". I have no interest in getting low. I want to replace my suspension bits for whatever makes it more fun.
I feel like pairing non matched springs and dampers is a bad idea though that seems my only other option than buying new OEM springs (which seems like a super lame thing to do honestly).
What do you guys run?
Any and all opinions will be appreciated and taken seriously by me.
I will try to maintain an open mind except I do kind of believe that softerish springs have more grip even on mildly bumpy roads.
Thanks in advance for the feedback. I apologize for the long length
If your car is sitting crooked a coil has probably broken. It is Chicago after all. Given the weather extremes and the roads the last thing I would do is coilovers.
I have extensive experience with PSS9’s, soft doesn’t come to mind. For a Bilstein they are relatively softer at full soft, they can also be quite hard at more aggressive settings. Even at full soft they’re going to be lower and ride harder than stock. Harsh winters just aren’t coilover friendly.
I would find another set of factory springs and perhaps do a mild damper upgrade, or just do stock Sachs again. It will still have a major improvement.
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PCA HPDE Instructor
current:
2004 M3 convert 6sp man - low mileage beauty!
past:
1995 BMW M3 3.2
2004 M3 convert SMG
2003 BMW 540i6 Alpine White M sport (I want her back!)
Comfort is all about suspension travel. Lessen the travel, lessen your comfort.
If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue
ST and KW ride really well and are very smooth. You can also put softer springs on any brand, however you will risk coil bind since the spring is shorter and each coil is directly above the next (unlike a beehive style spring).
Harrison Motorsports
Motion Control Suspension
Daytona M3
Since ride-height adjustability is NOT your primary goal or requirement,
a simple shock/spring combo would be best due to Chicago winters/salt corrosion.
Possibilities,
1.non-adjustable = ZHP suspension refresh kit - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-zhp-suspension-refresh-kite4633500429577kt
rear kit - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...plex-06164kit1
+ front springs - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...l-spring-06163
2. adjustable = KONI sport dampers paired with EIBACH pro-kit springs - https://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...rmance+Package
My ZHP is on H&R Sport springs and Koni Yellow struts and I will tell you that while it's a blast to drive hard, as a daily driver in New England with bad roads I am strongly considering adjusting Koni that are on mid level to slightly softer setting. H&R has nailed ride height though and overall, I am still pleased with this setup.
Last edited by Mless5; 02-12-2019 at 01:06 PM.
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