Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.

Suspension upgrade advice

"M" Specific discussion
Post Reply
Muckinonthesofa
Member
Member
Posts: 456
Joined: Mon Aug 15, 2016 8:40 am

Suspension upgrade advice

Post by Muckinonthesofa » Tue Jun 06, 2017 2:31 pm

I like to upgrade the suspension on my Z4MC at some point. After hearing a lot of good stuff about KW V3's I had hoped to fit these one day.
Only thing is, I don't plan on ever tracking my car so I'm not sure that I need an adjustable set up. I'd set it up for fast road use and probably leave it like that, leaving me thinking it's maybe an unnecessary and expensive option for what I actually need.

So my question is, are there any other good quality kits, or separate spring/damper set ups, out there which are set up for road use which anyone would recommend? Thanks!
Z4MC, Silver/Grey, Imola Red Leather, Sat Nav, Heated Seats, DSP, Intravee, Stubby, ZHP, Gruppe M, CDV, Bilstein B12's, Vibra-Technics engine mounts.

mmm-five
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 12714
Joined: Sun Nov 30, 2008 1:03 pm
Location: Liverpool
Contact:

Suspension upgrade advice

Post by mmm-five » Tue Jun 06, 2017 4:33 pm

You'd probably be better going for the lower-priced Bilstein B12 kit or ST's fixed-damping ST-X (KW's budget-conscious brand) - for about half the price of the fully-adjustable variants.

I have the Bilstein B16/PSS10 kit, but it's on the softest setting most of the time, and even at the Ring I only crank it up about half way - otherwise it's too skittish. But as you say, paying a premium for adjustable coilovers when you'll never adjust them, seems pointless.
Trigger’s Z4MC
Some bits now over 163,000 miles, some less than 1,000 miles.
Individual Ruby Black, Individual extended champagne leather, plus many options

Image

User avatar
Argenta
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1051
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2015 7:49 pm

Suspension upgrade advice

Post by Argenta » Tue Jun 06, 2017 11:45 pm

I've been super happy with Eibach Pro springs.
Better comfort, better looks. :)

D4dawg

Suspension upgrade advice

Post by D4dawg » Tue Jun 06, 2017 11:58 pm

Or h&R lowering springs and arbs
Not massive money but huge difference

Muckinonthesofa
Member
Member
Posts: 456
Joined: Mon Aug 15, 2016 8:40 am

Suspension upgrade advice

Post by Muckinonthesofa » Wed Jun 07, 2017 5:29 pm

Thanks for the replies.

I'm really not sure what would be best now! :D I always thought that a full damper/spring upgrade would be needed to improve the original set up. I think I'd be tempted by the B12 kit if other owners could confirm it's a major step up. :thumbsup:
Z4MC, Silver/Grey, Imola Red Leather, Sat Nav, Heated Seats, DSP, Intravee, Stubby, ZHP, Gruppe M, CDV, Bilstein B12's, Vibra-Technics engine mounts.

User avatar
MrPT
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 4745
Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2012 7:44 pm
Location: Bucks/Oxon

Suspension upgrade advice

Post by MrPT » Wed Jun 07, 2017 8:24 pm

I would challenge the idea that adjustable dampers won't be of benefit for road use. Go for it if you can stretch to them. It's fun dialling in your own settings - everybody has their own preference and you will end up with something that is a lot more compliant on a typical British B road than the stock setup.

Plus stainless shocks look awesome - amazed that 'dawg hasn't gone for them just for the glam factor. :D
2008 Z4MC: heavy wheels | crap suspension | skittish rear end | wobbly engine | not enough induction noise | underwhelming turn in | inconsistent braking | lardy battery | chubby steering wheel
2006 Z4 2.5si: gone

User avatar
pHilli0
Member
Member
Posts: 579
Joined: Thu Apr 30, 2015 11:21 am
Location: Bedford
Contact:

Suspension upgrade advice

Post by pHilli0 » Wed Jun 07, 2017 9:23 pm

+1 for if you can afford KW V3s go for them. You cover all options, and they are first class all round. Personally I would not pay for coilovers if you can't fine tweak. Maybe go for a one-way adjustable set if you are on a budget, the rebound adjustment alone will give you options to get it just how you like it. Having 2 way adjustable is a lovely thing but at a price.
2006 Z4 ///M Coupe || Schrick CSL Cams | Eventuri | Brembo 6/4 & Pagid RS-29s | KW V3s | H&R ABRs | Stromung | ARC-8s | Corbeau Revolution | OEM Strut | ZHP | Stubby | CDV | RTAB | Evolve Map ||
http://www.phillynchracing.com/index.php/blog/

Bottom
Member
Member
Posts: 305
Joined: Tue Mar 19, 2013 1:16 pm

Suspension upgrade advice

Post by Bottom » Wed Jun 07, 2017 9:28 pm

B12 kit here. Just do it, it's the best thing I've ever done to a car, the difference is night and day. The ride is a tiny bit firmer but much more controlled. You can chuck the car into corners with total confidence :driving:

User avatar
RedUn
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1102
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2012 7:33 pm
Location: Hertfordshire

Suspension upgrade advice

Post by RedUn » Wed Jun 07, 2017 10:20 pm

Adjustable suspension doesn't mean you need to adjust it all the time, it must means you can get the perfect setup for "you" in effect.

I'm a huge fan of KWs, done well over 100k on various cars and setups with not one problem, your paying for quality as well as the adjustability :thumbsup:
IMOLA Z4///MR

User avatar
Beedub
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 10973
Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2008 2:25 pm
Location: Sutton Coldfield

Suspension upgrade advice

Post by Beedub » Thu Jun 08, 2017 9:50 pm

I love my clubsport kws.... immense quality....
very expensive however.
www.topwrapz.com - Multi Award Winning - Detailing | Vinyl Wrap | Paint Protection Film Specialists |

User avatar
Argenta
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1051
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2015 7:49 pm

Suspension upgrade advice

Post by Argenta » Fri Jun 09, 2017 3:36 pm

Yeah as above, if tight budget it's worth keeping in mind KW's are usually 10 times the cost of Eibach Pro's. :)

Muckinonthesofa
Member
Member
Posts: 456
Joined: Mon Aug 15, 2016 8:40 am

Suspension upgrade advice

Post by Muckinonthesofa » Fri Jun 09, 2017 3:49 pm

Argenta wrote: Fri Jun 09, 2017 3:36 pm Yeah as above, if tight budget it's worth keeping in mind KW's are usually 10 times the cost of Eibach Pro's. :)
Cheers Guys.

It's more about value than cost for me. Would KW's be x3 better than Bilstein B12 or x10 better than just Eibach Pro's?
:scratchhead:
Z4MC, Silver/Grey, Imola Red Leather, Sat Nav, Heated Seats, DSP, Intravee, Stubby, ZHP, Gruppe M, CDV, Bilstein B12's, Vibra-Technics engine mounts.

User avatar
RedUn
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1102
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2012 7:33 pm
Location: Hertfordshire

Suspension upgrade advice

Post by RedUn » Fri Jun 09, 2017 11:53 pm

You can't really compare lowering springs to a full coil over setup, it's another level...

Whether they are worth 3x some b12s I'm not sure, maybe someone on here has had both?
IMOLA Z4///MR

D4dawg

Suspension upgrade advice

Post by D4dawg » Sun Jun 18, 2017 1:23 pm

MrPT wrote: Wed Jun 07, 2017 8:24 pm I would challenge the idea that adjustable dampers won't be of benefit for road use. Go for it if you can stretch to them. It's fun dialling in your own settings - everybody has their own preference and you will end up with something that is a lot more compliant on a typical British B road than the stock setup.

Plus stainless shocks look awesome - amazed that 'dawg hasn't gone for them just for the glam factor. :D
Hahahaah just reread this thread and spotted this;)

I will do in the future buddy as dear God our roads are crap

Post Reply