Eibach lowering springs

[Gca]

My 2015 28i M Sport is fitted with the suspension delete which I assume means standard springs and dampers as fitted to a 28i.

Considering the car has 18” run flat tyres fitted,I am suprised how well the car generally rides and drives, turning into corners very nicely and overall considering how poor roads surface can be to actually exceed my expectations.

However it does sit a little high so have bought a set of Eibach pro kit springs with a drop25mm front and 15 m rear drop.

My question I’d does anybody have experience of this modification as I am loath to fit if they are likely to run out of supension travel compared to the present set up and maybe touch the front bump stops early causing the sudden jolt which I detest?

 

[warmasice]

My experience is that the ride is better. No issues with suspension travel at all. The H&R springs are harsh and have an even lower drop. Eibach pro-kit springs are bang on.

 

[Gca]

Thanks for that.

Your car does look low and on 19’s
Mine’s on std non MSport suspension on 18’s so should be good.

 

[B21]

A decent set of shocks to suit would be a good investment

 

[R.E92]

A decent set of shocks to suit would be a good investment

Yes, get shocks at the same time. With all the work involved changing the springs you may as well do a full refresh. New shocks, top mounts and spring pads.

 

[warmasice]

Yes, bare in mind you'll be on SE springs. M sport springs or equivalent would be a better match.

 

[Gca]

Not sure if my response went though however I am only concerned as to the compatibility of the Eibach spring with the minimum drop with the standard 28i non M Sport set up.

I think the first reply stated that it was very good and an improvement over standard.

Apart from a whole change has anyone else got experience of this spring change only?

 

[Gca]

I do appreciate other recommendations re the Eibach pro kit spring and damper set up but I just don’t need it as I happy enough with the standard non M Sport set up… just sits a tad high!

 

[warmasice]

I can only comment on m sport shocks with eibach pro-kit springs and they're great.

Not sure about the SE shocks and eibach pro-kit match-up. Perhaps someone who has that setup will chime in soon. You just don't want a bouncy ride.

 

[Gca]

Just to reconfirm about your car…. Did you have standard non m sport springs and then you changed to a large spring drop with Eibach? I ask as your car although on 19’s look set pretty low.

Thanks

 

[Gca]

Thanks again and clears the question up a treat!

Agreed don’t want a bouncy ride. I have experience of Eibachs in the past especially on race cars and they are good springs, however Eibach blurb indicates good compatibility for the Z4 using there numbers for the Susp drop on standard non m sport springs!

 

[warmasice]

Just to reconfirm about your car…. Did you have standard non m sport springs and then you changed to a large spring drop with Eibach? I ask as your car although on 19’s look set pretty low.

Thanks

I had factory m sport suspension (shocks and springs). Replaced the springs with the eibach pro kit.

 

[Gca]

Not suprised that the Eibach kit was better especially on 19’s!

Interestingly I read when the 28i E89 series first came out the press recommended staying away from the M Sport suspension - I’ve not driven one but can vouch for how good the standard set up is for general use, actually I really enjoy it especially as it’s also a manual which allows me to interact and heel and toe beautifully especially in sport mode which livens the response up very well.

 

[warmasice]

I also moved away from runflats not long after changing the springs. Completely different car! None of that crashiness. It's really enjoyable to drive. Especially with a remap!

 

[Gca]

Agreed the tyres although my run flats are in good shape at the moment.

Did you find that non run flats took away some of the sharpness when turning in although may be the better damper action plus resetting the toe in restored it all back.

Re the remap is yours a 28i?

My 28i averages 41.5 mpg and although always the remap people will tell you otherwise my own experience is that I’ve always noticed a fairly large drop even trying for economy… can stand wasting money on fuel especially at the moment.

By the way I adore big V8 engines !

 

[Silverstar]

Not suprised that the Eibach kit was better especially on 19’s!

Interestingly I read when the 28i E89 series first came out the press recommended staying away from the M Sport suspension

This was advised to me too by Kevin Bird of Birds BMW a well respected BMW independent and tuning company. He indicated that the M Sport suspension from the factory does not really add much to the handling off the Z4 but just makes the ride harsh. He indicated that I would be better off with the standard suspension and then look at aftermarket options to improve handling / stance etc. Which I still haven't gotten around to doing! :|

 

[Gca]

This is exactly where I am now!

My car M sport car with suspension delete or std springs / dampers drives, rides and turns int corners really well with no excessive roll and good road compliance- just sit too high and I don’t want to spoil it by fitting Eibach springs to std dampers unless someone can tell me it doesn’t!

I know the pro kit with Bilstein dampers should improve it but it’s good enough std to not bother even with run flat tyres which bring 18” likely had a bearing.

Sure non run flat tyres will improve again but will I loose some of the great turn in it presently has?

And yes I have also spoken to Kevin Bird and agree with his thoughts.

Done a lot of motor racing so not looking to career around just enjoy a nicely rounded package as it is…. Sounds maybe crazy but I am really enjoying this car and do rash to live with.

 

[warmasice]

Agreed the tyres although my run flats are in good shape at the moment.

Did you find that non run flats took away some of the sharpness when turning in although may be the better damper action plus resetting the toe in restored it all back.

Re the remap is yours a 28i?

My 28i averages 41.5 mpg and although always the remap people will tell you otherwise my own experience is that I’ve always noticed a fairly large drop even trying for economy… can stand wasting money on fuel especially at the moment.

By the way I adore big V8 engines !

For sure, the run flats were very darty and immediate, with lots of tramlining, but those Bridgestones are terrible. Only realised when I moved over to Goodyear non rfts. Amazing comfort and loads of grip. Lowering the car helped reduce body roll too which brings back a little more sportiness. Adding wheel spacers and decent wheel alignment and it's a completely different car. Love it now. (I was on the verge of selling the car with 19s and RFTs.. was falling out of love with it.. but now it's an absolute keeper!).

Mines a 20i and has a number of options I just couldn't find in a 28i. It's remapped to beyond 28i power anyway. I really wanted one in mineral white (really catches the light) with a few bells and whistles.

 

[Gca]

Interesting, really opposite to what I’m finding with run flats…. Mine turns in lovely with little to no downside and really a very small amount of tramlining which to be honest I never really notice …. Maybe the 18” wheels are the answer!

I have fitted non run flats before on BMW and yes the both improve the ride and are quieter. From memory think they took away a bit of immediacy when turning in though.

A mate of mine has driven my car a lot and also thinks it’s great to drive certainly more fun than a Golf R 7.5 which I had up until recently! Would you believe !!

I do want to lower a touch which is what my post is all about and was also considering rear wheel spacers to fill the arch a little better, however thought about the road chipping even though I have mud flaps fitted. Didn’t think the front would need them though.

 

[Gca]

The Golf R is just too good at what it does and being DSG also took away the involvement you get with a manual box. Really quick yes especially with a stage I map, but so what you can’t use the performance anyway…. Give me my 245 bop 28i any day for fun especially with the roof down!
Hope no one from Golf R forums looking in cause they will think I’m mad!!