Suspension improvements ?

[mikem7709]

OK, my last car was an Exige V6, before that an Elise running Nitrons and before that a 996 GT3 with KW club sports. How is it possible for the Zed to roll about as much as it does but still crash and bang the way it does. What do I need to fit?

(Car is standard save for eibach springs and a fastish geo)

 

[abar121]

Worn dampers and lowering springs would do it!

I'm also from a Lotus background. There are plenty of options that people have used on here. KW, Bilstein and ACS kits are popular.

Have fun.

 

[KevinC]

I put Bilstein B6's with stock springs on my first Z4MC at 40k miles. Excellent solution for a street-driven car, and will last 100k miles or more. I'll do the same sooner than later with my current one, which now sits at 39k miles, though the shocks feel fine to me at this point. I'll replace them before I hit 50k.

 

[mikem7709]

Thanks guys, want it a tad lower so will look for a B12 kit

 

[Viren]

I have the b12 kit. It's fantastic for fast road/light track work. Keeps the car very flat with almost no roll (although coming from a lotus you may be used to somewhat better handling!). Some sticker tyres and more aggressive geo will make a lot of difference. From stock the geo was terrible and the suspension was only ok. Also I have added 12mm spacers all round, vibra technics engine mounts and rear trailing arm bush limiter kit. When you add this all up it makes a nice difference to handling.

 

[RedUn]

Thanks guys, want it a tad lower so will look for a B12 kit

Slap some H&R bars on there too, make a real nice difference

 

[Argenta]

I started with std setup so I’m very happy with Eibach Pro springs. Greatly improved looks, handling & ride.
Will upgrade to KWV3 kit but it’ll probably make it less of a GT as I understand it, even in softest mode.

 

[MrPT]

New dampers would be a good idea if yours are a bit tired, but I think you need to find a way of going back in time and un-owning those other three cars! You've set a very high bar for yourself.

Don't think the Z4M can get within reach... at least not in terms of handling/comfort compromise. Just get a decent alignment and enjoy the sound of the engine.

 

[mikem7709]

Thanks guys, on looking a bit closer it seems the last owner fitted 255/35 PS4s to the rear - I’ve had some 255/40 SSs delivered today to see if this helps and have dropped the tyre pressures slightly. Still looking into suspension but leaning towards a simple B12 kit I think.

Anyone want some 255/35 PS4s with 6mm left?

 

[idej_z4]

Thanks guys, on looking a bit closer it seems the last owner fitted 255/35 PS4s to the rear - I’ve had some 255/40 SSs delivered today to see if this helps and have dropped the tyre pressures slightly. Still looking into suspension but leaning towards a simple B12 kit I think.

Anyone want some 255/35 PS4s with 6mm left?

Get them on the for sale thread. Someone will have them for sure!

 

[RedUn]

Thanks guys, on looking a bit closer it seems the last owner fitted 255/35 PS4s to the rear - I’ve had some 255/40 SSs delivered today to see if this helps and have dropped the tyre pressures slightly. Still looking into suspension but leaning towards a simple B12 kit I think.

Anyone want some 255/35 PS4s with 6mm left?

For info, not sure the B12 kit will give you anything like the previous cars if that's what you were expecting... If not no worries

Also change the rear trailing arm bushes (rtab) they make a big difference to the feel at the rear, stops it wondering all over! Nice cheap mod, ball ache to fit!

 

[mikem7709]

Thanks guys, actually handling wise it’s fine - turn in is nice and sharp turning into understeer unless I stab the throttle. There’s no wandering, it’s nice and tight. Dampers appear fine, I’m just surprised it feels so hard over bumps yet clearly isn’t as it rolls about. I want more comfort

 

[Beedub]

i use kw clubsports , completely transformed the car, turn in, on limit behaviour, handling wise its a wonderful thing to drive now... unfortunately the ride isnt very comfortable.... but the damping high quality feel, its doesnt crash around but its very stiff. Also amusingly the front wheel will come clean off the floor during sideways movements over speedhumps to avoid the crunch.... Great stuff but dont forget to sort the re-inforcement plates for the towers.

 

[Vanne]

Another vote for the KW Clubsports.

 

[mmm-five]

I think the issue with standard components is that the springs are too soft and the damping is too hard - so you get the worst of both worlds.

With adjustable suspension you can set it up how you like it (within limits of course) for bump & rebound (some individually, some combined into one knob) and ride height too in some cases.

 

[Argenta]

I do think it’s the opposite, the oem springs are rock hard. Just changing them for progressive ones make a great improvement.

 

[mmm-five]

I do think it’s the opposite, the oem springs are rock hard. Just changing them for progressive ones make a great improvement.

My thinking was that rock hard OE springs wouldn't let the car roll as they do (and aftermarket springs invariably also lower the car somewhat - so is it the progressiveness or the shortness that removes that roll?) - and the skittish handling was due to having really poor rebound & bounce settings.

 

[Argenta]

Yeah the skittish is prob both (below par) shock tech and stiff springs..
I actually don’t think the Z4M rolls that bad but if so the ARB’s could also be to blame.