[325ier]

So, ive been searching and searching and going crazy about what to do to lower my car..
I want to get adjustable coilovers with the price range of upto $1,600.. But im not sure which to get as some need spacers to clear wheels from coilovers.. Someone help?
my wheel offsets are 19x9 +40 and tyres are 245/35/19...
i was looking at KW V1s but not sure about the spacers?

Thanks in advance ><

 

[Snik]

Ive been told on here that the KWs almost always need spacers up front. And with that wheel width and offset, i think you will too.

 

[325ier]

really? ah.. could you recommend any coilovers that have a decent ride and durability that wouldnt need spacers? ><

 

[Snik]

My Eibach prokit coilovers dont need spacers. I dont think Tiens do.
Dont really know for sure on other.

Whats the big deal with a spacer, Theyre cheap and easy and do the job, just get the coilovers you want, and if you need spacers get a 5mm set and your wheels should still fit fine.

 

[325ier]

because here in Darwin, spacers are defect-able and are one of the first things they check for because of our number of import cars running them

 

[Snik]

Welll thats a stupid policy on their part. So even if you get TUV approved spacer, and bolts, they'll still ticket you?
Dunno man, you might have to wait and see if others chime in. I can only speak for my Eibachs.

You could post and ask in the suspension sticky thread. Where everyone lists their specs and reviews and whatnot.

 

[Snik]

cant find the thread. Looks like its not a sticky anymore.

 

[Snik]

ah, found it.
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=519192

hopefully that helps, maybe you could send a few PMs and ask.

 

[325ier]

yeahs, no spacers in general :/

ah okays, thanks for the help anyways! btw, how low did you Eibach go?

 

[Snik]

the rears can go low enough to tuck almost any wheel i think. im on 19x8/10 and the rear adjuster is at almost at the top of the perch and my fender is basically level with the tire thread.
The fronts however, dont go so low. They use a spring design similar to the OEM strut, so its range of adjustability is only so much before wheel hits spring.
Im all the way down in the front, and basically looks the same as the back, but the fender gap is actually higher, i can fit more fingers up front, than the back. I wish it could be lower. Im thinking about removing the lock ring fro the front spring perches.
I did go with shorter sway bar end links tho, the stock ones seems to be loaded when i went all the way down.
The Eibach Pro-kit S has regular coilover springs up front, and different brand dampers, and go lower up front.

best i could find.

 

[325ier]

I just saw your post with the link, thanks a lot !

you're car is beautifully set up! :thumbup: i think im going to try looking into Eibach while im at it

nice roof racks too btw, i was planning to look into some later on haha

 

[ating]

Yeah spacers are illegal but many ppl here run spacers. Anyway, in that price range I'd go for BC Racing BR series. I believe they use linear springs (so you shouldn't have clearance issues as with KWs that use progressive beehive shaped springs). They also come with camber plates, should you need to dial in camber at the front. 30 adjustable levels for comrpession/rebound. All for around $1100-$1200.

 

[Snik]

^ I agree. Im toying with the idea of going with BC coils next. Why?
well the height adjustment is independent of spring preload. So rather than adjusting the spring perch, like most, which affects the preload of the spring, its actually the lower part that bolts to the hub, that adjusts up and down the threaded shaft.
The multiple damping adjustments are nice too, but i really dont expect 30 click adjustments to work, its not Ohlins. lol, but being able to slam the car and independently of the spring preload i think is awesome. and theyre just under $1k or so.

We'll see tho, i might just leave it as is. but if i do, im looking at BC or Fortune coilovers, for the above stated reasons.
Thats a feature i dont think you can even get with KW V2s.

 

[325ier]

so ive searched bc racing coils br series, and they seem to be quite good. all the features are basically what i need. thanks guys haha

is it a hard job to install the coilovers on your own?

 

[DamoBMW]

Doesn't look too hard to me:

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=764587

 

[Jall]

I'm super happy with my BC's, jump on it.

 

[NBMW]

Not too hard. If you have an impact wrench. Make sure you get an alignment after.

 

[Snik]

yeah its pretty easy.

 

[325ier]

Alright so after reading about BCs I've decided to get them and I've found a supplier in Aus also

is there anything else i should get? endlinks? control arms?
and a friend mentioned something about pillowbrush mounts..?

 

[Snik]

id recommend, upgrading your RSMs. rear shock mount. ive used GC and RE, both are solid designs, wont ever have to change em.

coilover time is a great time to add strut reinforcement plates. theyre a OE part and are cheap.

Im not sure if BC come with endlinks, but as low as they go, the stock ones wont work i think. adjustable ones are overrated, IMO, because you prolly wont ever change the height once u get the one you like.
Im using chevy impala links on mine, theyre 7" long. perfect for me, ive heard of guys using toyota links and other cheap shorter ones.