Brake and Suspension recommendations needed

Y

yyz_bobby

Member
 Birmingham
Hi all some advice and recommendations on the following required:

๐—–๐—ฎ๐—ฟ ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿณ ๐—˜๐Ÿด๐Ÿฑ ๐Ÿฎ.๐Ÿฌ

1) ๐—•๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ธ๐—ฒ ๐——๐—ถ๐˜€๐—ฐ๐˜€/๐—ฃ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐˜€ - my front are oem and, produce too much brake dust along with not feeling sharp.
I have looked at EBC Red Stuff pads but if anyone has a better ceramic pads recommendation let me know.

Also for brake discs front what would you recommend and size? (prefer drilled/grooved for the aesthetics)

Does anyone recommend getting brake lines replaced since going to be down there? Big difference to braided?

2) ๐—™/๐—ฅ ๐—ฆ๐—ฝ๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด๐˜€ - its not a must have right now but seems like a doable DIY, so if I am going to be taking wheels of I am considering this.

How much difference to the ride do springs make?

Again any recommendations and before vs after comments.

3) ๐—™/๐—ฅ ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ถ๐—น๐—ผ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ - again its a nice to have, just want to get an idea of recommendations and price.

Comments on real experience before and after.
I have seen for sale full kits with the springs and coil-overs and some of these are really expensive so guess something mid-range would be ideal.

** I recently put on 18" alloys, is their potential to lower the car but not to the point the wheels rub the arches?

*** Any discount codes along with recommended sites would be great

Thanks
 
Red stuff are not good for road use, no bite when cold.
I always use EBC green, more than enough Stopping power with no dust, donโ€™t fade when hot even on a track day so youโ€™ll be fine. Just get some discs from motor-spares.

I replaced my shocks and springs with oem Sachs and KYB springs and have no complaints. I didnโ€™t need it any lower.
 
If the car is solely for road use then stick with OE discs and pads.

Donโ€™t waste your time with EBC. Red stuff are shite imo, and as mentioned there is barely any bite from cold.

Also wouldnโ€™t bother with braided lines, some mention that their pedal is firmer after installation however from personal experience I did not notice a difference apart from the ยฃ100 less in my wallet. A fresh fluid flush, ensuring there are no air bubbles in your system is probably a better bet.

In regards to your suspension, again stick with OE unless you seek to lower the car. Wouldnโ€™t bother with springs as your dampers are most probably past their best (unless theyโ€™ve been changed) and so you would be better off with a coilover kit. Unlike springs, coilovers give you the option to tweak your suspension to your desire.

As a general rule whenever you lower your car on coilovers the ride will become more firm, however a good quality kit, set up correctly will enable the car to absorb bumps better which will provide a better ride (despite it being firmer).

In regards to brands, have a search on the forum and websites such as DemonTweeks to get a jist of what is available for your car and prices.
 
mr nurburgring said:
Red stuff are not good for road use, no bite when cold.
I always use EBC green, more than enough Stopping power with no dust, donโ€™t fade when hot even on a track day so youโ€™ll be fine. Just get some discs from motor-spares.

I replaced my shocks and springs with oem Sachs and KYB springs and have no complaints. I didnโ€™t need it any lower.
Click to expand...
thanks, I'll get some green stuff in, you were the second person to advise as such.
 
R60BBA said:
If the car is solely for road use then stick with OE discs and pads.

Donโ€™t waste your time with EBC. Red stuff are shite imo, and as mentioned there is barely any bite from cold.

Also wouldnโ€™t bother with braided lines, some mention that their pedal is firmer after installation however from personal experience I did not notice a difference apart from the ยฃ100 less in my wallet. A fresh fluid flush, ensuring there are no air bubbles in your system is probably a better bet.

In regards to your suspension, again stick with OE unless you seek to lower the car. Wouldnโ€™t bother with springs as your dampers are most probably past their best (unless theyโ€™ve been changed) and so you would be better off with a coilover kit. Unlike springs, coilovers give you the option to tweak your suspension to your desire.

As a general rule whenever you lower your car on coilovers the ride will become more firm, however a good quality kit, set up correctly will enable the car to absorb bumps better which will provide a better ride (despite it being firmer).

In regards to brands, have a search on the forum and websites such as DemonTweeks to get a jist of what is available for your car and prices.
Click to expand...

Even with a coilover kit you still get the better quality springs right?

I did a quick search and saw something like this. Is this what you meant?

https://www.maxpeedingrods.co.uk/product/Street-Performance-Coilovers-Shock-Absorber-for-BMW-Z4-E85-Coupe-Roadster71.html?tracking=googleshoppingUK&code=GBP&gclid=CjwKCAjw57b3BRBlEiwA1Imyts8QRTHu1mY0qddKu72oqhlYAtiVnAIlOaTtQKWGuj81nGN6emUSzhoCACoQAvD_BwE
 
Nah you want from a good brand.

Ideally KW or equivalent.

Have a look at ST Suspension, they are made by KW but are cheaper.
 
R60BBA said:
Nah you want from a good brand.

Ideally KW or equivalent.

Have a look at ST Suspension, they are made by KW but are cheaper.
Click to expand...

Yeah i agree, thats why i am asking for recommendations or links although budget wise not more than 400.
I am not racing or ever going on track.

Main aim is improve the ride further and lower the car in process
Just need something that can further improve the ride.

I saw these which two other forum members have used with good reviews
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stance-Street-Coilovers-Suspension-Kit-BMW-Z4-2-0-E85-Roadster-03-09/272973433114?_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D225076%26meid%3D2d0f84c3a46647fa992e1909e1069147%26pid%3D100167%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D272973433092%26itm%3D272973433114%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D5411&_trksid=p5411.c100167.m2940


Will check out ST but if you got diiret links to good resellers that is appreciated.
 
yyz_bobby said:
R60BBA said:
Nah you want from a good brand.

Ideally KW or equivalent.

Have a look at ST Suspension, they are made by KW but are cheaper.
Click to expand...

Yeah i agree, thats why i am asking for recommendations or links although budget wise not more than 400.
I am not racing or ever going on track.

Main aim is improve the ride further and lower the car in process
Just need something that can further improve the ride.

I saw these which two other forum members have used with good reviews
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stance-Street-Coilovers-Suspension-Kit-BMW-Z4-2-0-E85-Roadster-03-09/272973433114?_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D225076%26meid%3D2d0f84c3a46647fa992e1909e1069147%26pid%3D100167%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D272973433092%26itm%3D272973433114%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D5411&_trksid=p5411.c100167.m2940


Will check out ST but if you got diiret links to good resellers that is appreciated.
Click to expand...

You wonโ€™t get a decent set of coilovers for ยฃ400.

At your budget you are better off replacing your dampers with OE and installing lowering springs (eg H&R or Eibach).

Just know that your ride quality will probably not improve, as the shocks will not have been designed for the shorter and firmer springs.
 
R60BBA said:
At your budget you are better off replacing your dampers with OE and installing lowering springs (eg H&R or Eibach).

Just know that your ride quality will probably not improve, as the shocks will not have been designed for the shorter and firmer springs.
Click to expand...

I see what you are saying.
I will risk it and go for the Stance set, for now for the price ill try it. Can't be any worse than my current ride which tends to bounce all over the place.

Cheers for advice mate
 
yyz_bobby said:
Mr_Ke1th said:
Any review on the Stance coilovers?
Click to expand...

Just had them delivered today.
Will hopefully get chance to have them fitted in August
Click to expand...
Was looking at these as my budget is very tight too. Have heard mixed revues, mostly good, but some have had issues with the springs "knocking". If you get this problem, it seems this can be resolved by just replacing the springs with a better quality aftermarket spring? Will follow this thread with interest. :thumbsup:
 
For now I have posted links to the items I purchased.

CAR E85 2.0 (2007)

EBC Turbo/Grooved Brake Dics and green stuff pads
https://www.ebcbrakeshop.co.uk/

** Was originally going to get mtech discs but had warnings that they warp but also heard good reviews. Just went for EBC in the end.

Stance+ Coilover Kit

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stance-Street-Coilovers-Suspension-Kit-BMW-Z4-2-0-E85-Roadster-03-09/272973433114?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

** also had to get drop-links from them but they did not have a link so did a separate order via paypal for them with venomsport



Additional
** i don't think these are a must

Front Strut Reinforcement Plates
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-e46-Front-shock-strut-tower-Reinforcement-plate-set-2-pcs-for-E46-and-Z4/124215704304?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Rear Strut Mountings
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FOR-BMW-3-SERIES-M3-E46-Z4-E85-REAR-SHOCKER-SHOCK-TOP-STRUT-MOUNTINGS-MOUNTS-X2/152652620748?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Vibration Damping Top Mount
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008MD00OI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I won't get everything until end of month so I think by August first week i will get them fitted and update this.
 
yyz_bobby said:
For now I have posted links to the items I purchased.

CAR E85 2.0 (2007)

EBC Turbo/Grooved Brake Dics and green stuff pads
https://www.ebcbrakeshop.co.uk/

** Was originally going to get mtech discs but had warnings that they warp but also heard good reviews. Just went for EBC in the end.

Stance+ Coilover Kit

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stance-Street-Coilovers-Suspension-Kit-BMW-Z4-2-0-E85-Roadster-03-09/272973433114?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

** also had to get drop-links from them but they did not have a link so did a separate order via paypal for them with venomsport



Additional
** i don't think these are a must

Front Strut Reinforcement Plates
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-e46-Front-shock-strut-tower-Reinforcement-plate-set-2-pcs-for-E46-and-Z4/124215704304?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Rear Strut Mountings
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FOR-BMW-3-SERIES-M3-E46-Z4-E85-REAR-SHOCKER-SHOCK-TOP-STRUT-MOUNTINGS-MOUNTS-X2/152652620748?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Vibration Damping Top Mount
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008MD00OI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I won't get everything until end of month so I think by August first week i will get them fitted and update this.
Click to expand...
Hope it all goes well? :thumbsup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom