Best suspension for H&R race springs?? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

dwall · 12-05-2011, 10:36 AM

Hi I am new here and first time BMW owner so a complete newbie. I recently bought a 2007 335i (Sports package) from a friend. After much researching, what I have found out is that the car has either Sport or Race (H&R) springs and OEM shocks. I am more inclined to believe that it has Race springs going by the drop in the car.

The car has about 30K miles on it and ride is very very bumpy. I am almost certain that the shocks are blown. Now my questions –

1. Coilovers versus Springs and 3 rd part shocks? To my understanding, the only real advantage is being able to adjust the height

2. I want to keep the race springs, which are the best shocks for H&R race springs? I read good things about Koni Yellows but at the same time saw a lot of people complaining about the ride quality and handling.

My priorities – I want to keep the same stance of the car as I like the handling and look but want to make the ride more comfortable.

I have searched a lot through the forums and only saw people discussing shocks for Sport springs and not race springs.

Any help is much appreciated, thanks.

Picture of car below to give you idea about the clearance.

dwall · 12-05-2011, 11:17 PM

30+ views and no reply. Help please. I am completely confused. So far I have read good things about Koni Yellow but not sure.

Fraggy · 12-05-2011, 11:41 PM

Koni's should work fine but I would not expect a good ride. With a car that low, there's very little suspension travel left.

edirtaynine · 12-06-2011, 02:27 AM

those do look like race springs. as far as what shocks to pair that up with, not much (any) i can think of thatll give u a "comfortable" ride. konis will definitely help over the stock shocks, but i think the konis are more suited for sport springs instead. if ride comfort is a high priority, then id suggest just selling those race springs and getting coilovers that have damper adjustability.

dwall · 12-06-2011, 08:16 AM

I am not looking for stock level comfort but something better and more comfortable than the current setup. if i get koni yellow, would there be any difference and would it be worth the $$$ or i should just stick to current setup and save the money???

NaturalBornDriver · 12-06-2011, 08:47 AM

still running run flats? try new non rfts

dwall · 12-06-2011, 08:56 AM

Still on stock run flats. But the fact my stock shocks are most probably blown, wouldn't i need to change them in anycase?

dwall · 12-06-2011, 12:19 PM

Ok, here is what i am thinking that i go for koni yellow and still have a bumpy ride then i change the springs to H&R sport springs.

Only one concern is that how much is the ride quality difference between koni yellow and koni FSD? I know FSD won't work with race but they work with sport springs. So if i later change to sport springs, dint want to regret getting yellows vs FSD.

cpt97m3 · 12-06-2011, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwall

Ok, here is what i am thinking that i go for koni yellow and still have a bumpy ride then i change the springs to H&R sport springs.

Only one concern is that how much is the ride quality difference between koni yellow and koni FSD? I know FSD won't work with race but they work with sport springs. So if i later change to sport springs, dint want to regret getting yellows vs FSD.

Go with the Yellows. They are rebound adjustable, so you should be able to get them to match the H&R race springs OK. They will also work fine with the sports if you change you mind. They will handle better than the FSD's also.

dwall · 12-06-2011, 08:05 PM

Thanks for the input. Now to find a good deal on the Koni Yellows!

BLKLYZ · 12-06-2011, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwall

Thanks for the input. Now to find a good deal on the Koni Yellows!

Honestly, I would go with the H&R Sport spring and Koni whites. The Koni whites are the newer shocks sold by HP Autowerks http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=573263. Im currently on H&R sport with koni yellows and my ride is not that bumpy but it still rides a little rough. I dont have rfts. It's a sacrifice deal overall. Looks or quality.

dwall · 12-11-2011, 11:58 AM

I tried to look for Koni Whites but can't find any information/reviews except the thread you mentioned.

How are they different from the yellow?

I am hoping the yellows will improve the ride from what I have right now, that is practically no shocks (blown OEM shocks).

lonestar22 · 12-13-2011, 01:44 AM

ive been running the same setup as you since 2009. H&R race and stock sport shocks. ive put about 40k on the setup and i just now replaced the rear shocks because i THOUGHT they were worn. as it turned out, the driveability unstable drive feel i was getting from the rear was coming from a rear wishbone on the passenger side that had begun to SPLIT! causing uneven camber.

but back on topic, these cars have really good shocks that can handle race springs like you wouldnt believe. ive been in other peoples cars with coilover setups that were bouncy and felt like they werent dampened for the weight of the car. if my shocks were indeed blown, id go with OEM sport shocks again. not so say this setup is better than coilovers, but for what it is, its not really worth the premium for Koni's or more expensive shocks. also, i wouldnt recommend running bumpstops in the front on this setup, or you will spend most of your drive hitting them

dwall · 01-21-2012, 10:35 AM

going the coilover route.

Getting KW V2 coilovers installed next week!

labedra · 01-26-2012, 05:57 PM

Post your thoughts after you install them and a photo if you can.

dwall · 01-26-2012, 06:11 PM

Installing on monday night. Will post after that.

Fraggy · 01-27-2012, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lonestar22

ive been running the same setup as you since 2009. H&R race and stock sport shocks. ive put about 40k on the setup and i just now replaced the rear shocks because i THOUGHT they were worn. as it turned out, the driveability unstable drive feel i was getting from the rear was coming from a rear wishbone on the passenger side that had begun to SPLIT! causing uneven camber.

but back on topic, these cars have really good shocks that can handle race springs like you wouldnt believe. ive been in other peoples cars with coilover setups that were bouncy and felt like they werent dampened for the weight of the car. if my shocks were indeed blown, id go with OEM sport shocks again. not so say this setup is better than coilovers, but for what it is, its not really worth the premium for Koni's or more expensive shocks. also, i wouldnt recommend running bumpstops in the front on this setup, or you will spend most of your drive hitting them

Your standards must be very different. I can't even tolerate H&R Sports with stock shocks, let alone Race springs.

I've tried it with both an E46 and an E90 and it sucked both times. Bilsteins Sports solved it on the E46 and Koni Yellows solved it in the E90.

lonestar22 · 01-27-2012, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fraggy

Your standards must be very different. I can't even tolerate H&R Sports with stock shocks, let alone Race springs.

I've tried it with both an E46 and an E90 and it sucked both times. Bilsteins Sports solved it on the E46 and Koni Yellows solved it in the E90.

well considering you have bmw performance springs, which are pretty much sport suspension, yes we do have different standards.

luckyu · 01-27-2012, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lonestar22

but back on topic, these cars have really good shocks that can handle race springs like you wouldnt believe. [...]

You're right. I don't believe it.

Quote:

[...] also, i wouldnt recommend running bumpstops in the front on this setup, or you will spend most of your drive hitting them

LOL

dwall · 02-08-2012, 07:32 PM

suprise surprise!! It turns out the car was on H&R Sport springs and NOT H&R race springs but the shocks were completely gone!

The ride is much better with the KW V2 coilovers. Absorbs the bumps and the car is more planted. I kept the same drop with the coilovers so car looks exactly the same.

Overall I am happy with the whatever little driving I have done on the coilovers so far.

Will try to take pics and post.

Thanks to AKMotorwerk in NJ for the install. Amazing work.

engotski · 02-08-2012, 09:17 PM

Hearing any kind of noises with your kw?

dwall · 02-08-2012, 11:32 PM

nopes. none. Why do you ask?

12-05-2011, 10:36 AM	#1
dwall Private Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 90 iTrader: (0)	Best suspension for H&R race springs?? Hi I am new here and first time BMW owner so a complete newbie. I recently bought a 2007 335i (Sports package) from a friend. After much researching, what I have found out is that the car has either Sport or Race (H&R) springs and OEM shocks. I am more inclined to believe that it has Race springs going by the drop in the car. The car has about 30K miles on it and ride is very very bumpy. I am almost certain that the shocks are blown. Now my questions – 1. Coilovers versus Springs and 3 rd part shocks? To my understanding, the only real advantage is being able to adjust the height 2. I want to keep the race springs, which are the best shocks for H&R race springs? I read good things about Koni Yellows but at the same time saw a lot of people complaining about the ride quality and handling. My priorities – I want to keep the same stance of the car as I like the handling and look but want to make the ride more comfortable. I have searched a lot through the forums and only saw people discussing shocks for Sport springs and not race springs. Any help is much appreciated, thanks. Picture of car below to give you idea about the clearance. Attached Images Last edited by dwall; 12-05-2011 at 11:16 PM.
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12-05-2011, 11:41 PM	#3
Fraggy Brigadier General Drives: 2007 e90 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 3,235 iTrader: (11)	Koni's should work fine but I would not expect a good ride. With a car that low, there's very little suspension travel left. __________________ Step--Premium--Sport--Nav--20% Tint--Blacklines--18" Beyern Mesh--Michelin Super Sports--Bastuck Exhaust--M3 Steering Wheel--BMW Performance Springs--Koni--M3 Front/Rear Sways--

12-13-2011, 01:44 AM	#13
lonestar22 Ground Clearance? Drives: 330i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: DFW Posts: 1,335 iTrader: (-1)	ive been running the same setup as you since 2009. H&R race and stock sport shocks. ive put about 40k on the setup and i just now replaced the rear shocks because i THOUGHT they were worn. as it turned out, the driveability unstable drive feel i was getting from the rear was coming from a rear wishbone on the passenger side that had begun to SPLIT! causing uneven camber. but back on topic, these cars have really good shocks that can handle race springs like you wouldnt believe. ive been in other peoples cars with coilover setups that were bouncy and felt like they werent dampened for the weight of the car. if my shocks were indeed blown, id go with OEM sport shocks again. not so say this setup is better than coilovers, but for what it is, its not really worth the premium for Koni's or more expensive shocks. also, i wouldnt recommend running bumpstops in the front on this setup, or you will spend most of your drive hitting them __________________ Slammed E90. One of the First. Stay Fitted

01-26-2012, 05:57 PM	#15
labedra Second Lieutenant Drives: 2008 BMW 335i E92 6 MT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Somewhere in Chicago Posts: 208 iTrader: (2)	Post your thoughts after you install them and a photo if you can. __________________ .../// TURBO! Why in the world would you choose anything else?... ///

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12-05-2011, 11:17 PM	#2
dwall Private Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 90 iTrader: (0)	30+ views and no reply. Help please. I am completely confused. So far I have read good things about Koni Yellow but not sure.

12-06-2011, 02:27 AM	#4
edirtaynine Major General Drives: e92 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: SoCal Posts: 5,100 iTrader: (0)	those do look like race springs. as far as what shocks to pair that up with, not much (any) i can think of thatll give u a "comfortable" ride. konis will definitely help over the stock shocks, but i think the konis are more suited for sport springs instead. if ride comfort is a high priority, then id suggest just selling those race springs and getting coilovers that have damper adjustability.

12-06-2011, 08:16 AM	#5
dwall Private Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 90 iTrader: (0)	I am not looking for stock level comfort but something better and more comfortable than the current setup. if i get koni yellow, would there be any difference and would it be worth the $$$ or i should just stick to current setup and save the money???

12-06-2011, 08:47 AM	#6
NaturalBornDriver Private First Class Drives: AW E92 Coupe M-Sport Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 178 iTrader: (7)	still running run flats? try new non rfts

12-06-2011, 08:56 AM	#7
dwall Private Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 90 iTrader: (0)	Still on stock run flats. But the fact my stock shocks are most probably blown, wouldn't i need to change them in anycase?

12-06-2011, 12:19 PM	#8
dwall Private Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 90 iTrader: (0)	Ok, here is what i am thinking that i go for koni yellow and still have a bumpy ride then i change the springs to H&R sport springs. Only one concern is that how much is the ride quality difference between koni yellow and koni FSD? I know FSD won't work with race but they work with sport springs. So if i later change to sport springs, dint want to regret getting yellows vs FSD.

12-06-2011, 08:05 PM	#10
dwall Private Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 90 iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the input. Now to find a good deal on the Koni Yellows!

12-11-2011, 11:58 AM	#12
dwall Private Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 90 iTrader: (0)	I tried to look for Koni Whites but can't find any information/reviews except the thread you mentioned. How are they different from the yellow? I am hoping the yellows will improve the ride from what I have right now, that is practically no shocks (blown OEM shocks).

01-21-2012, 10:35 AM	#14
dwall Private Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 90 iTrader: (0)	going the coilover route. Getting KW V2 coilovers installed next week!

01-26-2012, 06:11 PM	#16
dwall Private Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 90 iTrader: (0)	Installing on monday night. Will post after that.

02-08-2012, 07:32 PM	#20
dwall Private Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 90 iTrader: (0)	suprise surprise!! It turns out the car was on H&R Sport springs and NOT H&R race springs but the shocks were completely gone! The ride is much better with the KW V2 coilovers. Absorbs the bumps and the car is more planted. I kept the same drop with the coilovers so car looks exactly the same. Overall I am happy with the whatever little driving I have done on the coilovers so far. Will try to take pics and post. Thanks to AKMotorwerk in NJ for the install. Amazing work.

02-08-2012, 09:17 PM	#21
engotski oh haiii Drives: e92 328i Join Date: May 2011 Location: VanCity Posts: 1,101 iTrader: (4)	Hearing any kind of noises with your kw?

02-08-2012, 11:32 PM	#22
dwall Private Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 90 iTrader: (0)	nopes. none. Why do you ask?