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      10-09-2018, 05:24 AM   #11
dpaul
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Drives: 2009 E90 335xi, 2011 E93 M3
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Boston

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jacobharris View Post
So I'm assuming your vehicle is an xdrive, correct? e92?

My knowledge on coilovers isn't too great. I'm still learning. Would the installation of coilovers require any other parts? Or is it as simple as get a set of coilovers and slap them on?

That being said, what would my options be?

Keep in mind this is going on a 328i DD, it doesn't see the track, never has &never will. So I'm not exactly worried about extreme performance or adjustability. If I can maintain the quality of the stock ride- I'm happy. That's why I was leaning more towards the lowering spring/ shock combo.
xDrive E90. This vehicle is driven strictly on the street - it's my daily driver. People often say that the changes they implement make "night and day" differences, which is not usually plausible. But for me, going from OEM to coilover was indeed a night and day difference. The ride is improved in every way. It is actually more comfortable. Plus I got the mild lowering to eliminate wheel gap that I desired. I should add that I tried a cheaper coilover before going to the KWs. Don't do it - I believe that most are sprung much too stiffly and damped much too heavily for street use. Or possibly they are just pieces of shit.

Coilover installation does not necessarily require any additional parts but replacement of the guide support (#1 in linked drawing) is often performed ($35-$60 for OE part, $120 for BMW part). It has some rubber and a bearing in it that can wear over time.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=31_0716

I did my own installation which is not much more involved for the coilover than for the lowering springs. A somewhat special socket for the self-locking nut is a good idea so you can get an allen wrench in there while you tighten. An impact wrench can substitute for the special socket but is not recommended - it's very easy to overdo it and break threaded part of the strut off. This is what the socket looks like (although I cannot remember if 21,22 or 24mm is the correct size):

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...xoC8HYQAvD_BwE

A spring compressor is necessary and the kind you rent from AutoZone does not fit very well on the BMW spring due to it's conical shape. I did make it work first time I replaced things but it was a struggle. I bought a decent ebay tool to do the job for subsequent work.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MacPherson-...-/321202568345

If the struts have been in there a long time, it can be difficult to remove the lower body from the wheel carrier. This tool made the job easier:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...BoCls0QAvD_BwE

Some DIYs describe removing the spring without removing the shock body from the wheel carrier. I found that very difficult to do and gave up trying - I removed the entire strut from the car before taking off the guide support and releasing the spring

Good luck

Last edited by dpaul; 10-09-2018 at 05:31 AM..
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