[RT]

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking about lowering my 320i lately and as I'm don't really know much about suspension and brake I'll really appreciate your advices. I was first thinking lowering my car with springs from H&R or Eibach, but all the shops I spoke with told me that my stock shocks can't hold on to them after several months. Their recommendations were either a shock/spring combo such as the Bilstein B12 or coilovers. The coilovers sound most ideal to me but if I opt for the B12 instead I can spend the difference on other things such as exhaust. It seems like the Bilstein B12 is the only shock/spring combo for the E90 at the moment, but I'm aware of the risk that I might not like the ride quality and only coilovers can be adjusted for these things. What would you recommend?

My other question has to do with brakes. I've switched from OEM 16" to BBS CH 18" for about a month now, and I've noticed a rather significant difference in terms of brake feeling. With my OEM RFT tires the brakes felt sharper with greater braking power. However, with my CH wheels and ContiSportContact2 tyres now somehow I'm having this feeling that the brakes are weaker and it takes longer distance and time to stop the car than it used to. I'm wondering if the increase of wheel size or going from RFT to non-RFT have anything to do with it? I really enjoy the handling improvements but would like to retain the old braking feeling if possible. Maybe a BBK is the solution? Thanks for reading and answering my questions!!

Cheers,

Roger

[Fraggy]

Hey there,
There is the Eibach/Koni FSD combo. H&R Sports will also work with either Koni Sports or Koni FSD. Several members on the board have either of these combinations and from I hear (and hopefully will soon find out) is that the handling is better and the ride is more comfortable than stock.

Does this help?

[montreal_bimmer]

Eibach/Koni FSD combo looks to be what you are looking for.

[RT]

Thanks Fraggy and montreal bimmer for your suggestions!! I was not aware of the Koni FSD/Eibach combo before but after speaking with the local Koni distributor today I don't think it's possible for me to get it (at least not from them). With the price they quoted me I can get the coilovers from Bilstein or KW for a little more. So I guess I'll either go with the B12 or I'll have to find a way to get the Koni FSD/Eibach combo from the US. I'm still tempted by the idea of swapping my stock springs with the ones from Eibach or H&R but the shocks wearing out prematurely issue still bugs me a bit.

[Fraggy]

Hey no problem. Funny that coilovers cost the same there as a spring/shock combo

[LTO]

hmmm... the koni fsd/eibach spring combo is around $790. coilovers should cost around $1200+

[Adham]

I say pay the extra 400 or so and get coilovers. I have always believed that a springs and shocks that have been manufactured specifically for one another will almost always function better than a simple spring shock combo. The $400 wont go as far in another part of the car ... spend it on the right suspension system.

As for you brake problem ... i have no clue why your brakes would now feel mushy. It could be in your mind ... or it MAY possibly be that the runflat's reinforced sidewalls gave your brakes a sharper feel ... but i really don't see how a difference in sidewall stiffness could make a noticeable difference. If you still have your other wheels/tires you could throw them back on and see if the brakes go back to feeling sharp again

[montreal_bimmer]

post pics once you are lowered

[RT]

Fraggy and LTO: You guys are lucky to be in the US, the Koni FSD/Eibach combo costs aprrox. $1800 in Taiwan, and at this price point I'll get the Bilstein PSS 9 or KW ones in a heartbeat.

Adham: Yeah I think you have a point there buddy. Given the small price difference between shock/spring combo and coilover here I think it makes more sense to get coilovers now. The runflats may indeed have something to do with it like you said, and I'll definitely try to put my old tyre/wheel back on when I have a chance in the future.

montreal bimmer: For sure I'll post some pics here once the car is lowered.

[Evan@Creative]

Originally Posted by RT

Fraggy and LTO: You guys are lucky to be in the US, the Koni FSD/Eibach combo costs aprrox. $1800 in Taiwan, and at this price point I'll get the Bilstein PSS 9 or KW ones in a heartbeat.

Adham: Yeah I think you have a point there buddy. Given the small price difference between shock/spring combo and coilover here I think it makes more sense to get coilovers now. The runflats may indeed have something to do with it like you said, and I'll definitely try to put my old tyre/wheel back on when I have a chance in the future.

montreal bimmer: For sure I'll post some pics here once the car is lowered.

If your thinking about doing a spring/shock combo, seriously consider spending the extra money on Coils. They are a much better buy. As for the braking issue, did the weight of the new wheel and tire get larger than your OEM? If so, that could be the reason your brakes dont stop as well. Big trucks w/ 24"+
go through brakes like it's their job. All that added rolling mass takes more to stop.