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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis > Best bang for buck coilovers?



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      03-05-2019, 07:22 AM   #1
TheMidnightNarwhal
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Best bang for buck coilovers?

I'm interested in getting my car lower for summer times and would like to get coilovers, not get something that isn't really good either but still pay the less amount possible.

So looking for best bang for buck selection. It seems to range from 600$ all the way to 2500$ for a set.

Or should I go with springs? The thing with springs is I'm afraid it might not lower perfectly or lower to much and then I rub on the inside or something. I also think my rear shocks might be due since the rear looks kinda lowered.

Or is going with used coil overs not a bad idea either?
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      03-05-2019, 07:28 AM   #2
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The megan racing ones seems to be a good balance in terms of pricing and they are a known name brand correct?

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-megan-ra...rcdke92ez~mgr/

EDIT: Reading this post, https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1153157 they seem to be like shit.

Well then..

Last edited by TheMidnightNarwhal; 03-05-2019 at 07:34 AM..
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      03-05-2019, 08:36 AM   #3
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I picked up a set of new ST V1 Coilovers for around $800. They were easy to install, had great build quality, and ride decent for how bad the roads are around me. It might be worth going with the KW V1 (same exact design, just uses stainless steel bodies) if you live in an area with a lot of car rust.
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      03-05-2019, 08:54 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SnapCoupe View Post
I picked up a set of new ST V1 Coilovers for around $800. They were easy to install, had great build quality, and ride decent for how bad the roads are around me. It might be worth going with the KW V1 (same exact design, just uses stainless steel bodies) if you live in an area with a lot of car rust.
Ok thanks. Those coils seems to be 1K$ USD or more. Did you grab yours new or on a sale?

And yes I live in a rusty winter area but I plan on swapping back factory shock and strut when winter times arrive and go back to coils when season is done.
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      03-06-2019, 11:56 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal View Post
Ok thanks. Those coils seems to be 1K$ USD or more. Did you grab yours new or on a sale?

And yes I live in a rusty winter area but I plan on swapping back factory shock and strut when winter times arrive and go back to coils when season is done.
I reached out to one of the forum sponsors and they were able to get me a new set at a discounted price.
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      03-06-2019, 12:01 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal View Post
Ok thanks. Those coils seems to be 1K$ USD or more. Did you grab yours new or on a sale?

And yes I live in a rusty winter area but I plan on swapping back factory shock and strut when winter times arrive and go back to coils when season is done.
Just curious - are you concerned about getting out of alignment by changing ride height so often?
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      03-06-2019, 12:12 PM   #7
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Quote:
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Just curious - are you concerned about getting out of alignment by changing ride height so often?
Ah shit that's not something I thought of you're right. Changing the height without alignment isn't a good idea uh? Doing an alignement everytime might be a pain and $$$.

I suppose if would have to get one of them with proper protection and keep em on? It's just in the winter I rather not be any lower than I am now... I was already scooping some snow from time to time.
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      03-06-2019, 12:17 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal View Post
Ah shit that's not something I thought of you're right. Changing the height without alignment isn't a good idea uh? Doing an alignement everytime might be a pain and $$$.

I suppose if would have to get one of them with proper protection and keep em on? It's just in the winter I rather not be any lower than I am now... I was already scooping some snow from time to time.
Guessing being out of alignment would be less detrimental to tire life in the winter. Snow and ice are softer than roadway. Whether you feel much difference will depend on how much toe changes with the height changes. I know camber changes a fair amount.
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      03-06-2019, 01:04 PM   #9
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I got the new redesigned Bilstein B14 kit, drives amazing so far.
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      03-06-2019, 01:06 PM   #10
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I got the new redesigned Bilstein B14 kit, drives amazing so far.
I see you are in NJ? How long you have them? Do you drive in the snowy/salty seasons?
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      03-06-2019, 01:08 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Amitt View Post
I got the new redesigned Bilstein B14 kit, drives amazing so far.
I see you are in NJ? How long you have them? Do you drive in the snowy/salty seasons?
I had them for a week so far. These redesigned ones just hit the market last month.
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      03-06-2019, 01:09 PM   #12
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Yes I drive in snow/salt.
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      03-07-2019, 01:35 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal View Post
Ah shit that's not something I thought of you're right. Changing the height without alignment isn't a good idea uh? Doing an alignement everytime might be a pain and $$$.

I suppose if would have to get one of them with proper protection and keep em on? It's just in the winter I rather not be any lower than I am now... I was already scooping some snow from time to time.
As long as you get the KW V1s with the stainless steel bodies you will be fine with rust/corrosion. Honestly, compared to OEM sport suspension, the drop really isn't that much of a difference with what I would consider a "proper ride height". I have mine set maybe 1/4" lower in the rear than my stock (worn) sport suspension was, and maybe 3/4-1" lower in the front. It really wouldn't make it that much worse in the winter.
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      03-07-2019, 03:21 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SnapCoupe View Post
As long as you get the KW V1s with the stainless steel bodies you will be fine with rust/corrosion. Honestly, compared to OEM sport suspension, the drop really isn't that much of a difference with what I would consider a "proper ride height". I have mine set maybe 1/4" lower in the rear than my stock (worn) sport suspension was, and maybe 3/4-1" lower in the front. It really wouldn't make it that much worse in the winter.
Man those are 1450$ and that's USD... I was digging the Bilstein B14 PSS but I think they're not stainless steel and are allu.

As for drop in winter yeah... still any drop is detrimental and will make quality of life worse haha... I guess I'll look at my options and budget this summer when the summer wheel are back on.

Maybe I'll just get springs. 1450$ USD is a f'ing lot just to get my car lower so it looks better
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      03-07-2019, 03:22 PM   #15
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Quote:
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Yes I drive in snow/salt.
Oh ok but only for ~ a week now? That's not enough data to let me know unfortunately. I would like my coils to last a good 3+ years at least..
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      03-07-2019, 04:31 PM   #16
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ST V1, 10% Off now.
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      03-08-2019, 01:45 PM   #17
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Yea, Unfortunately buying parts is so much more expensive with the $CAD being so low better to just search the used markets and hope something in decent shape comes up that's relatively affordable. Being a Canadian a 34% markup sucks.
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      03-08-2019, 01:57 PM   #18
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I'm assuming you want the front wheel gap to close a bit.

If you want a budget solution, well here it is.

1. Get lowering perches
2. Trim the locator tab on the strut.

Name:  tab.JPG
Views: 1609
Size:  18.8 KB

With those two combined you will get one inch drop on the front.

Last edited by Wolf 335; 03-08-2019 at 02:05 PM..
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      03-08-2019, 02:01 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal View Post
Man those are 1450$ and that's USD... I was digging the Bilstein B14 PSS but I think they're not stainless steel and are allu.

As for drop in winter yeah... still any drop is detrimental and will make quality of life worse haha... I guess I'll look at my options and budget this summer when the summer wheel are back on.

Maybe I'll just get springs. 1450$ USD is a f'ing lot just to get my car lower so it looks better
Message some of the forum sponsors and see if you can get a discount. That price seems a bit high.

If you are looking to upgrade the suspension purely for aesthetics and not for any performance improvements, you might be better off looking at a cheaper (non stainless) setup and coating them in something that would help fend off corrosion.

Whatever you do, avoid just throwing lowering springs on old/stock shocks. You will get a shitty ride and handling.
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      03-08-2019, 05:32 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brucha850i View Post
Yea, Unfortunately buying parts is so much more expensive with the $CAD being so low better to just search the used markets and hope something in decent shape comes up that's relatively affordable. Being a Canadian a 34% markup sucks.
Fuck I know right? 34% that's so bad! Where do you search for used 335i parts? Kijiji has nothing.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wolf 335 View Post
I'm assuming you want the front wheel gap to close a bit.

If you want a budget solution, well here it is.

1. Get lowering perches
2. Trim the locator tab on the strut.

Attachment 2005809

With those two combined you will get one inch drop on the front.


Yes mainly my front is a bit high. Like my rear I can't fit a shoe but the front I could fit the front part of my shoe.



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      03-08-2019, 05:37 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SnapCoupe View Post
Message some of the forum sponsors and see if you can get a discount. That price seems a bit high.

If you are looking to upgrade the suspension purely for aesthetics and not for any performance improvements, you might be better off looking at a cheaper (non stainless) setup and coating them in something that would help fend off corrosion.

Whatever you do, avoid just throwing lowering springs on old/stock shocks. You will get a shitty ride and handling.
Ok thanks I'll look around.

But like the issue is the threads seizing up for ride adjustement or? Because shocks are like just painted steel right? Mines look ok.
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      03-08-2019, 09:49 PM   #22
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BC racing BR are decent. I would recommend getting custom spring rates a bit lower than what they come with (no charge) but they have nice adjustability and ride decent for what they are.
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