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      01-19-2009, 12:42 PM   #1
Kev
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Stock setup vs AC Schnitzer lowering springs

I ordered a set of AC Schnitzer lowering springs from Nick @ JLeviSW and received them on the day that I picked up my M3. That's seriously FAST shipping on their part!

I had an appointment to install the springs today but I had a really bad cold yesterday so I'm feeling like I got ran over by a freight train. Instead, I went downstairs to measure the stock suspenion height as a reference point so that I can compare the drop pre- and post-springs installation.

My winter tires / wheels are as follows:
Wheels = NEEZ EuroCross 7Model in Hyper Black (19X8.5 / 19X9.5, ET35 all around, with 15mm Rogue Engineering spacers all around)
Tires = Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25, Front: 255/35/R19, Rear: 265/35R19

Here's the stock height that I got (measured from the center of the wheel to the top of the fender arch:

Front: 15"

Rear: 14"

My target drop is about 3/4 - 1" in the back and 1" in the front. We'll see what the AC Schnitzer springs do and I'll report back.
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      01-19-2009, 01:30 PM   #2
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Hey Kev,

Glad to hear the springs arrived on time. I hope you feel better soon, I am looking forward to seeing these installed on your car. Try measuring the car before and after to record an accurate change in ride height too.
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      01-19-2009, 02:47 PM   #3
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let us know how you feel about them.

want to get the ACS springs once I feel confident there worth more then any other
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      01-19-2009, 04:51 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pepper View Post
let us know how you feel about them.

want to get the ACS springs once I feel confident there worth more then any other
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      01-22-2009, 03:08 PM   #5
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bump for an update
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kev View Post
I ordered a set of AC Schnitzer lowering springs from Nick @ JLeviSW and received them on the day that I picked up my M3. That's seriously FAST shipping on their part!

I had an appointment to install the springs today but I had a really bad cold yesterday so I'm feeling like I got ran over by a freight train. Instead, I went downstairs to measure the stock suspenion height as a reference point so that I can compare the drop pre- and post-springs installation.

My winter tires / wheels are as follows:
Wheels = NEEZ EuroCross 7Model in Hyper Black (19X8.5 / 19X9.5, ET35 all around, with 15mm Rogue Engineering spacers all around)
Tires = Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25, Front: 255/35/R19, Rear: 265/35R19

Here's the stock height that I got (measured from the center of the wheel to the top of the fender arch:

Front: 15"

Rear: 14"

My target drop is about 3/4 - 1" in the back and 1" in the front. We'll see what the AC Schnitzer springs do and I'll report back.
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      01-22-2009, 04:47 PM   #6
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I got sick and the springs are going in the coming Monday. Will report with results, before / after pics, and objective measurements pre and post drop.
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      01-23-2009, 12:22 AM   #7
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are these springs manufactured by ACS ?
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      01-23-2009, 06:11 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doba_s View Post
are these springs manufactured by ACS ?
Eibach made the springs for ACS with the spring rates specified by ACS.

AC Schnitzer doesn't have any manufacturing capabilities as far as I know. Everything is outsourced to OEM manufacturers.
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      01-26-2009, 07:55 PM   #9
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AC Schnitzer lowering springs installed!

Finally gotten around to install the springs today. The drop is moderate compared to RDSport. I measured the drop immediately after install and here are the measurements:

Front 14" (-1" from stock height of 15")

Rear 13.25" (-0.75" from stock height 14")

I'm very happy with the results. This is the drop that I have hoped for. I'll let the springs settle for 2 weeks and then remeasure them. The handling has not suffered one bit with these springs. EDC is still working in sync with the new springs. No error codes.

Here're some pics of the new stance:





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      01-26-2009, 09:09 PM   #10
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Looks nice, but you are now constantly riding on the front bumpstops as the front suspension appearently has 0.7" travel or so of travel before contacting them.
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      01-26-2009, 09:11 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lucid View Post
Looks nice, but you are now constantly riding on the front bumpstops as the front suspension appearently has 0.7" travel or so of travel before contacting them.
I inquired about that and AC Schnitzer in Aachen does not think it's a problem. I guess we'll see how these hold up in the long run.
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      01-26-2009, 09:19 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kev View Post
I inquired about that and AC Schnitzer in Aachen does not think it's a problem. I guess we'll see how these hold up in the long run.
I don't think you'll see anything fail or anything. It's just a matter of change the combined stiffness of the suspension without modifying the damper settings, and it the change is significant enough to result in sub-optimal handling. Anyway, enjoy springs and let us know how things go, especially if you make it to the track. Where did you have them installed? (You are in Boston, right?)
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      01-26-2009, 09:22 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lucid View Post
I don't think you'll see anything fail or anything. It's just a matter of change the combined stiffness of the suspension without modifying the damper settings, and it the change is significant enough to result in sub-optimal handling. Anyway, enjoy springs and let us know how things go, especially if you make it to the track. Where did you have them installed? (You are in Boston, right?)
Bavarian Performance Group, bar none the best shop within 128 and I93
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      01-26-2009, 09:49 PM   #14
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Bavarian Performance Group, bar none the best shop within 128 and I93
Thanks for the reference. Maybe I'll see you at NHMS this spring if you make it there...
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      01-26-2009, 10:08 PM   #15
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Hopefully, I'm still a novice, so I'll probably have the founder of BPG to teach me a thing or two. He's a licensed track instructor.
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      01-26-2009, 10:37 PM   #16
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Quote:
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Hopefully, I'm still a novice, so I'll probably have the founder of BPG to teach me a thing or two. He's a licensed track instructor.
The BMW CCA guys are pretty friendly in general, and that would be a safe start--don't know if your friend instructs with them. The track is a bit too tight though with not a whole lot of run-off areas and so on. It's still a lot of fun. I run in the high-intermediate group, so I have much to learn as well.
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      01-27-2009, 12:17 AM   #17
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lol. lucid preaching "thou shall not ride on bumpstops again".
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      01-27-2009, 12:24 AM   #18
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Looking Good KEV!!! Real Nice
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      01-27-2009, 04:41 AM   #19
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Looks good Kev
And it will go lower than that after few weeks, my fronts and rears are lower than the first day I've installed them.
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      01-27-2009, 07:56 AM   #20
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it's more like "lucid questioning if constantly riding on bumstops without messing with the shocks is a good idea". anyway, i don't want to jack this thread. and it sure looks good.
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      01-31-2009, 02:53 PM   #21
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got the ac springs on my E93 myself. I just gotta say, Love em!

rides like its stock just looks better
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      02-05-2009, 07:56 PM   #22
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I think the ride actually got a little harsher. EDC off is not as cushy as before, but I'm not too worried. I looked at the ride height today and it seems to have settled a bit more. I'll take some measurements tomorrow to see if there's any change in ride height.
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