Need advice- Want to lower car

leonian0109 · 08-03-2015, 12:43 PM

This forum has been my to go place when I need a question answered. I have come across a new dilemma - What should I buy ?

I don't plan on tracking my car at all.

Looking into springs, I don't want my car too low because of the winter here.

Maybe coil overs?

Give me a few options + prices. The cheaper the better, also one last question

My e90 06 325xi has about 133k on it, is it worth modding up ? I've been very happy with just the projector 90 headlights with umnitza v4 orions, and the m3 rep bumper but it feels alittle empty. Or should I just give it new shoes, lower, and start saving for a new car?

Sha · 08-03-2015, 12:47 PM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=613

bmwmsport · 08-03-2015, 12:49 PM

Bilstein B14 PSS

KW V2

Those are the two I've narrowed it down to.

Antetokounmpo · 08-03-2015, 12:51 PM

Cheaper the better? Just cut the springs.

E93Manny335 · 08-03-2015, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bk335

Cheaper the better? Just cut the springs.

Ah! The good ol' Honda days. Been there done that lol

Antetokounmpo · 08-03-2015, 01:05 PM

But really I'd recommend either Bilstein B8 w/ eibach pro kit or Koni yellow w/ eibach pro-kit. The eibachs are the least aggressive lowering spring but still make it look aggressive. Coilover threads will get ruined with the salt and snow.

n54gte · 08-03-2015, 01:07 PM

HRE wheels, pilot super sports, with kW clubsports. Ya that should do it

Wingnut335 · 08-03-2015, 01:11 PM

If you go the coilover route, I suggest you get the ST coilovers (suspension techniques NOT sonic tuning) or the KW-V1s. They are the same internally, but the KWs have a stainless body. That being said, bk335 is somewhat accurate in his statement about the threads getting ruined because of salt. You would need to apply anti-seize regularly and wash them down regularly.

That being said, a set of ST coilovers would be your cheaper route at about $900 shipped as compared to $1,300 for KWs.

bmwmsport · 08-03-2015, 01:15 PM

Didn't see the "on a budget" and the KW V2's arent cheap.

+1 for the Ebiach pro kit for this case

Antetokounmpo · 08-03-2015, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wingnut335

If you go the coilover route, I suggest you get the ST coilovers (suspension techniques NOT sonic tuning) or the KW-V1s. They are the same internally, but the KWs have a stainless body. That being said, bk335 is somewhat accurate in his statement about the threads getting ruined because of salt. You would need to apply anti-seize regularly and wash them down regularly.

That being said, a set of ST coilovers would be your cheaper route at about $900 shipped as compared to $1,300 for KWs.

Anti-seize will definitely help. Though ST coils are galvanized steel versus stainless steel for the KW V1s and galvanized steel will corrode even faster than stainless. OP if you do go coils, get KW Vx's since they're stainless.

Wingnut335 · 08-03-2015, 04:49 PM

OP mentioned he wanted to do it cheap, so if cost is most important, I wouldn't hesitate from the ST coilovers. Also, from what my installer has mentioned, most problems that coilovers suffer from are seized threads. While surface rust on the shock body may look ugly, it does no harm.

Also keep in mind that it will cost about $100 per corner to rebuild (plus shipping), and that it's best practice to rebuild a coil ever 3-5 years.

That being said, in 8 years you will have spent $1800 for the KW-V1s. You can just buy a new set of STs every 4 years and still have spent less. Just something to think about.

Honestly, I think they are both excellent options. Just some things to think about.

CantCatchMe · 08-03-2015, 06:36 PM

V1's are great if you're not tracking. The plus side is you can raise the height or lower it yourself.

However, if you plan to just drive, get Koni yellows and some springs. It'll be a good ride other than not setting your own height.

Good luck!

leonian0109 · 08-04-2015, 11:00 AM

What do you guys think of the Eibach springs? They look like they lower alittle, while still keeping the ride comfortable.

bmwmsport · 08-04-2015, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leonian0109

What do you guys think of the Eibach springs? They look like they lower alittle, while still keeping the ride comfortable.

Good value per dollar.. told you I recommended the Pro kit.

leonian0109 · 08-04-2015, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwmsport

Good value per dollar.. told you I recommended the Pro kit.

Thanks man. Just wondering, Is it okay to be on stock shocks or should i pair something up with the pro kit? considering on purchasing it now

bmwmsport · 08-04-2015, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leonian0109

Thanks man. Just wondering, Is it okay to be on stock shocks or should i pair something up with the pro kit? considering on purchasing it now

Id do Koni's but that's me. You can do stock ones but while you're in there you'd be better off replacing them instead of having to do it down the road.

b_moneyy · 08-04-2015, 02:01 PM

Messing with your suspension changes the entire dynamics of the car and I would spend the money to do this particular mod right. I purchased some KW Street Comforts from a vendor here for a nice discount off MSRP (paid about $1400). And they are awesome. Easy to change ride height and rebound rates, but the dampening is unadjustable and tuned PERFECTLY for the road; you won't crash up and down over bumps and hit your head on the roof but the car still feels firm and planted down across corners and road imperfections. They're really great and I suggest you really look into them if you want to change to coilovers. Plus they come with a lifetime warranty and are stainless steel. Not sure if its okay to disclose the vendor that helped me but send me a PM if you would like to know.

08-03-2015, 12:43 PM	#1
leonian0109 Enlisted Member 3 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	Need advice- Want to lower car - What should I get? This forum has been my to go place when I need a question answered. I have come across a new dilemma - What should I buy ? I don't plan on tracking my car at all. Looking into springs, I don't want my car too low because of the winter here. Maybe coil overs? Give me a few options + prices. The cheaper the better, also one last question My e90 06 325xi has about 133k on it, is it worth modding up ? I've been very happy with just the projector 90 headlights with umnitza v4 orions, and the m3 rep bumper but it feels alittle empty. Or should I just give it new shoes, lower, and start saving for a new car?
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08-03-2015, 12:47 PM	#2
Sha Second Lieutenant 32 Rep 245 Posts Drives: i8, X6M, X1 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=613
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08-03-2015, 12:49 PM	#3
bmwmsport Captain 127 Rep 951 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Jackson, MS iTrader: (0)	Bilstein B14 PSS KW V2 Those are the two I've narrowed it down to. __________________ 2010 E90 335i Le Mans Blue Metallic // Saddle Brown // M Sport // iDrive // Comfort Access // Blown By Twins
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08-03-2015, 12:51 PM	#4
Antetokounmpo Brigadier General 1552 Rep 3,475 Posts Drives: E90 6MT FBO; '18 F150 Platinum Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: WI iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 Ford F-150 Pla ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 335xi [0.00]	Cheaper the better? Just cut the springs. __________________ 2008 335xi 6MT \| VRSF Catless DP \| VRSF 7" FMIC \| VRSF CP \| TIAL BOV \| DCI \| MHD 2+ BC Racing BR \| Stoptech 600 \| Firehawk Indy 500 255 Square \| Atric Altimax 225 Sq. 2018 F-150 Platinum 701A \| FX4 \| 3.5 EcoBeast
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08-03-2015, 01:05 PM	#6
Antetokounmpo Brigadier General 1552 Rep 3,475 Posts Drives: E90 6MT FBO; '18 F150 Platinum Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: WI iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 Ford F-150 Pla ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 335xi [0.00]	But really I'd recommend either Bilstein B8 w/ eibach pro kit or Koni yellow w/ eibach pro-kit. The eibachs are the least aggressive lowering spring but still make it look aggressive. Coilover threads will get ruined with the salt and snow. __________________ 2008 335xi 6MT \| VRSF Catless DP \| VRSF 7" FMIC \| VRSF CP \| TIAL BOV \| DCI \| MHD 2+ BC Racing BR \| Stoptech 600 \| Firehawk Indy 500 255 Square \| Atric Altimax 225 Sq. 2018 F-150 Platinum 701A \| FX4 \| 3.5 EcoBeast
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08-03-2015, 01:07 PM	#7
n54gte Lieutenant 42 Rep 537 Posts Drives: prius Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: north korea iTrader: (0)	HRE wheels, pilot super sports, with kW clubsports. Ya that should do it
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08-03-2015, 01:11 PM	#8
Wingnut335 Lieutenant 71 Rep 477 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 335XI Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	If you go the coilover route, I suggest you get the ST coilovers (suspension techniques NOT sonic tuning) or the KW-V1s. They are the same internally, but the KWs have a stainless body. That being said, bk335 is somewhat accurate in his statement about the threads getting ruined because of salt. You would need to apply anti-seize regularly and wash them down regularly. That being said, a set of ST coilovers would be your cheaper route at about $900 shipped as compared to $1,300 for KWs.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-03-2015, 01:15 PM	#9
bmwmsport Captain 127 Rep 951 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Jackson, MS iTrader: (0)	Didn't see the "on a budget" and the KW V2's arent cheap. +1 for the Ebiach pro kit for this case __________________ 2010 E90 335i Le Mans Blue Metallic // Saddle Brown // M Sport // iDrive // Comfort Access // Blown By Twins
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08-03-2015, 04:49 PM	#11
Wingnut335 Lieutenant 71 Rep 477 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 335XI Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	OP mentioned he wanted to do it cheap, so if cost is most important, I wouldn't hesitate from the ST coilovers. Also, from what my installer has mentioned, most problems that coilovers suffer from are seized threads. While surface rust on the shock body may look ugly, it does no harm. Also keep in mind that it will cost about $100 per corner to rebuild (plus shipping), and that it's best practice to rebuild a coil ever 3-5 years. That being said, in 8 years you will have spent $1800 for the KW-V1s. You can just buy a new set of STs every 4 years and still have spent less. Just something to think about. Honestly, I think they are both excellent options. Just some things to think about.
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08-03-2015, 06:36 PM	#12
CantCatchMe Lieutenant Colonel 340 Rep 1,744 Posts Drives: 2012 335i xdrive msport(E92) Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: West Bloomfield, MI iTrader: (2)	V1's are great if you're not tracking. The plus side is you can raise the height or lower it yourself. However, if you plan to just drive, get Koni yellows and some springs. It'll be a good ride other than not setting your own height. Good luck!
	Appreciate 1 Quote

08-04-2015, 11:00 AM	#13
leonian0109 Enlisted Member 3 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	What do you guys think of the Eibach springs? They look like they lower alittle, while still keeping the ride comfortable.
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08-04-2015, 02:01 PM	#17
b_moneyy The Infamous 5 Rep 37 Posts Drives: 22%C2%92%E2%80%99 BMW M240i Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335is [10.00]	Messing with your suspension changes the entire dynamics of the car and I would spend the money to do this particular mod right. I purchased some KW Street Comforts from a vendor here for a nice discount off MSRP (paid about $1400). And they are awesome. Easy to change ride height and rebound rates, but the dampening is unadjustable and tuned PERFECTLY for the road; you won't crash up and down over bumps and hit your head on the roof but the car still feels firm and planted down across corners and road imperfections. They're really great and I suggest you really look into them if you want to change to coilovers. Plus they come with a lifetime warranty and are stainless steel. Not sure if its okay to disclose the vendor that helped me but send me a PM if you would like to know.
	Appreciate 0 Quote