[hoppy6698]

So, this week I finally got the Dinan spring set installed on my M235. The ride is great, very notably less bouncy but not overly firm - Just excellent.

One issue. After the install, the ride height lowered by about 1/16" from the stock height. Stated drop should be 1/2" front, 1" rear. Called Dinan, confirmed part numbers to be sure (matched) and they said I should wait 1000 miles for the springs to settle.

From my experience, I think I should have seen an immediate drop out the gate. The settle should sort out the last 1/4" or less I think.

Is it more likely they were installed poorly (local tuner shop did the install) or did I get a bad batch of springs? Anyone else ever have something like this happen with spring applications before?

Just a bit frustrated atm and I don't have a lift to double check all the work to eliminate that concern. Thoughts?

[pikcachu]

maybe this ?

http://www.dinancars.com/product/d10...f22-m235i-rwd/

NOTICE: Dinan Performance Spring sets should be purchased and installed with the corresponding Ride Quality and Handling Kit to achieve the advertised ride height, performance, and ride quality. While not explicitly required, if the matching component is not purchased and installed you will get less than favorable results in the form of poor ride quality and improper handling traits. While we will maintain a full warranty on product defects, any claims against the car’s improper handling/ride quality traits due to not purchasing the corresponding handling kit will not be warranted.

These are HR but I would expect similar results with the dinan set http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=982778

[hoppy6698]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

maybe this ?

http://www.dinancars.com/product/d10...f22-m235i-rwd/

NOTICE: Dinan Performance Spring sets should be purchased and installed with the corresponding Ride Quality and Handling Kit to achieve the advertised ride height, performance, and ride quality. While not explicitly required, if the matching component is not purchased and installed you will get less than favorable results in the form of poor ride quality and improper handling traits. While we will maintain a full warranty on product defects, any claims against the car’s improper handling/ride quality traits due to not purchasing the corresponding handling kit will not be warranted.

These are HR but I would expect similar results with the dinan set http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=982778

The "kit" from Dinan only comes with new bump stops - nothing that would affect the lowering in any way. HR is a good example - they sell theirs without a "handling kit" but still manage to lower 1" all around.

I knew they would not warranty the springs if they failed, but the quoted installs of over $1500 is not worth the warranty.

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by hoppy6698

The "kit" from Dinan only comes with new bump stops - nothing that would affect the lowering in any way. HR is a good example - they sell theirs without a "handling kit" but still manage to lower 1" all around.

I knew they would not warranty the springs if they failed, but the quoted installs of over $1500 is not worth the warranty.

Not sure then.... maybe it wasn't installed correctly... but isn't it just the springs? what can you screw up on the install ?

[hoppy6698]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

Not sure then.... maybe it wasn't installed correctly... but isn't it just the springs? what can you screw up on the install ?

My thought exactly ... now I wonder if the new spring batch is off a bit. May have to get a different garage to take a look at it. If all I can expect out of the Dinan springs is a 1/16" drop, they will definitely be replaced by HRs.

[RDKing2]

TBH I have not looked at the F22 front end, if similar to the e46. The strut assembly may not be fully seated in the steering knuckle pinch bolt.

[MrBucket]

Originally Posted by RDKing2

TBH I have not looked at the F22 front end, if similar to the e46. The strut assembly may not be fully seated in the steering knuckle pinch bolt.

Best shot I got of my car (stock suspension) showing the part you are talking about

[hoppy6698]

Originally Posted by RDKing2

TBH I have not looked at the F22 front end, if similar to the e46. The strut assembly may not be fully seated in the steering knuckle pinch bolt.

Thanks, had not thought of that one either!

[configt]

Originally Posted by hoppy6698

Thanks, had not thought of that one either!

Could you get a shot of you measuring the front and rear gap? I have the same setup and am wondering the same thing now.

[hoppy6698]

Originally Posted by configt

Could you get a shot of you measuring the front and rear gap? I have the same setup and am wondering the same thing now.

As Dinan recommends, measuring from the center of the wheel to the arch, here are my heights:
F: 13.25"
R: 13.5"

The Dinan rep I talked to said they should settle to 13" in both front and rear. While the rear has come down about 1/4", I somehow doubt I will see another 1/2" in the next 800 miles to meet their 1000 mile break in. So, overall, I am seeing about 1/4" drop all around from stock

I guess time will tell. But if they do not drop to the stated heights, Dinan will not find me a fan or supporter. HR springs will at least hit near their claimed drop height immediately after install, settling the last 1/4-1/16" over a few weeks. Oh, and they cost a good chunk less for nearly the same performance.

[configt]

Originally Posted by hoppy6698

As Dinan recommends, measuring from the center of the wheel to the arch, here are my heights:
F: 13.25"
R: 13.5"

The Dinan rep I talked to said they should settle to 13" in both front and rear. While the rear has come down about 1/4", I somehow doubt I will see another 1/2" in the next 800 miles to meet their 1000 mile break in. So, overall, I am seeing about 1/4" drop all around from stock

I guess time will tell. But if they do not drop to the stated heights, Dinan will not find me a fan or supporter. HR springs will at least hit near their claimed drop height immediately after install, settling the last 1/4-1/16" over a few weeks. Oh, and they cost a good chunk less for nearly the same performance.

I just checked mine. It is exactly the same @ F: 13.25" and R: 13.5".

I have had mine on for 1400 miles now. I don't think they will be settling any more.

If I decide to get new wheels, I will also be going to H&R springs. Pretty sad. I paid too much for the Dinans.

[hoppy6698]

Originally Posted by configt

I just checked mine. It is exactly the same @ F: 13.25" and R: 13.5".

I have had mine on for 1400 miles now. I don't think they will be settling any more.

If I decide to get new wheels, I will also be going to H&R springs. Pretty sad. I paid too much for the Dinans.

Looks like I need to call Dinan and make an official complaint then. They claim drops to 13" all around and neither of us are close to that.

Extremely happy that I did not pay the $1200+ Dinan installation fee! I think that would have sent me over the edge.

[configt]

Originally Posted by hoppy6698

Looks like I need to call Dinan and make an official complaint then. They claim drops to 13" all around and neither of us are close to that.

Extremely happy that I did not pay the $1200+ Dinan installation fee! I think that would have sent me over the edge.

Let me know what they say. The more I think about this the more it bugs me. I think I will go H&R with new wheels later this year.

[pikcachu]

what's the reason you guys went with Dinan instead of the HR?

[configt]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

what's the reason you guys went with Dinan instead of the HR?

New to BMWs and thought Dinan was the premium company to go with. Basically I was an idiot lol.

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by configt

New to BMWs and thought Dinan was the premium company to go with. Basically I was an idiot lol.

Ah I see.... Ya seems like Dinan is not what it used to be... and higher prices don't help either... like with their Stage 1 tune lol

Do they allow you to return the items if you don't like it?

[configt]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

Ah I see.... Ya seems like Dinan is not what it used to be... and higher prices don't help either... like with their Stage 1 tune lol

Do they allow you to return the items if you don't like it?

It's probably way too late. I have had them on for 2 months now.

[Silvermike]

I just measured my H&R setup.

F - 13.25"
R - 13.4"

So not much difference in it.

[hoppy6698]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

what's the reason you guys went with Dinan instead of the HR?

I went with Dinan for a couple reasons. First, the rake is not as much as HR (only 1/2" drop up front on Dinan vs. the 1" on HR). Second, having had HRs in the past (albeit with a more aggressive drop) I was hoping the Dinans would be a bit softer for DD, while sufficient for track time as well. On the second bit, I bet the ride feel between the two is a wash honestly. Owners of both compliment them for the same ride improvements - less bounce/upset over bumps and less lean in corners.

Originally Posted by Silvermike

I just measured my H&R setup.

F - 13.25"
R - 13.4"

So not much difference in it.

That actually helps a lot! Thank you for the input. Anyone got the stock measurements? Middle of wheel to arch please

[pikcachu]

Mine are F - 13.6" R - 13.5" ... weird that front is higher than the rear

[hoppy6698]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

Mine are F - 13.6" R - 13.5" ... weird that front is higher than the rear

That is odd - it always looked like it had at least some slight rake in stock form. But even more odd is that our rear is the same height. Something sounds fishy from the spring sellers. I swear that a few pics from guys like Abirmaher have a much more flush look. Think I may have to meet someone local and measure side by side?

[BLK235iNJ]

I have the dinan springs and handling kit and my car is definitely lowered to advertised specs.