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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis > ARB Droplink issue - some help required please



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      03-27-2020, 01:28 PM   #1
Yam_440i
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ARB Droplink issue - some help required please

I fitted a set of coilovers to my car which came with shortened droplinks. I about 40-50mm Low on the front.

All good however after a year of wear and tear, the droplinks became tired and started clunking.

After reading forums, I ordered a set of MeyleHD droplinks which looks great as they were robust and strong.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221583058468


When it came time to fitting it, the Meyle droplinks would not meet the strut hole.

My mechanic told me I need shortened ARB droplinks. Is he correct? Does the height of the suspension relate to the length of the ARB Droplink?

Am I missing something in terms of pre-load?

Either way, if these can't be fitted, I will have to order another set of ARB droplinks.
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      03-27-2020, 02:00 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Yam_335i View Post
I fitted a set of coilovers to my car which came with shortened droplinks. I about 40-50mm Low on the front.

All good however after a year of wear and tear, the droplinks became tired and started clunking.

After reading forums, I ordered a set of MeyleHD droplinks which looks great as they were robust and strong.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221583058468


When it came time to fitting it, the Meyle droplinks would not meet the strut hole.

My mechanic told me I need shortened ARB droplinks. Is he correct? Does the height of the suspension relate to the length of the ARB Droplink?

Am I missing something in terms of pre-load?

Either way, if these can't be fitted, I will have to order another set of ARB droplinks.
40mm - 50mm drop I think you definitely need shorter endlinks. I'm dropped only about 20mm from stock and got the Whiteline adjustable links. There was a noticeable, slight but noticeable, improvement in handling in everyday driving.
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      03-27-2020, 02:07 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gjm120 View Post
40mm - 50mm drop I think you definitely need shorter endlinks. I'm dropped only about 20mm from stock and got the Whiteline adjustable links. There was a noticeable, slight but noticeable, improvement in handling in everyday driving.
Incorrect. Front links need to be longer on front on lowered e9x. Shorter on rear.
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      03-27-2020, 02:24 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by feuer View Post
Incorrect. Front links need to be longer on front on lowered e9x. Shorter on rear.
I started just to write you need adjustable endlinks b/c I knew I'd get it wrong without scribbling out a diagram
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      03-27-2020, 02:26 PM   #5
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Here's a good thread on the subject..

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1523944
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      03-27-2020, 04:07 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by feuer View Post
Incorrect. Front links need to be longer on front on lowered e9x. Shorter on rear.
But do the fronts still need to be shortened/adjustable if I am quite low on the front?

My MeyleHD is about 12" long but don't fit the strut hole.

My coilovers came with a 240mm shortened drop links which fit fine. Do I just need to find another 240mm heavy duty set?
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      03-27-2020, 10:26 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Yam_335i View Post
But do the fronts still need to be shortened/adjustable if I am quite low on the front?

My MeyleHD is about 12" long but don't fit the strut hole.

My coilovers came with a 240mm shortened drop links which fit fine. Do I just need to find another 240mm heavy duty set?
No. Longer. Study the suspension.
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      03-28-2020, 02:39 AM   #8
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As feuer says, you should have longer front droplinks to compensate for the lower ride.

To fit the meyle ones you've just bought, simply rotate the sway bar until the holes line up. Note that front droplinks are also handed.
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      03-28-2020, 07:11 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tambohamilton View Post
As feuer says, you should have longer front droplinks to compensate for the lower ride.

To fit the meyle ones you've just bought, simply rotate the sway bar until the holes line up. Note that front droplinks are also handed.
Do I need to pre-load the suspension? When I initially tried fitting it, the front suspension was up in the air. Also the new longer drop link would potentially be hitting the driveshaft.

I think my problem is that my coilovers do not use the stock ARB drop link mounting position. (Budget coilovers).

I'm really trying to get my head out my ass on this one trying to understand it - I appreciate all your patience in explaining it to the likes of a simpleton.

Last edited by Yam_440i; 03-28-2020 at 08:14 AM..
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      03-28-2020, 08:29 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Yam_335i View Post
Do I need to pre-load the suspension? When I initially tried fitting it, the front suspension was up in the air. Also the new longer drop link would potentially be hitting the driveshaft.

I think my problem is that my coilovers do not use the stock ARB drop link mounting position. (Budget coilovers).

I'm really trying to get my head out my ass on this one trying to understand it - I appreciate all your patience in explaining it to the likes of a simpleton.
Read the thread I linked just above. Someone does a good job explaining the geometry and how to install adjustable endlinks properly.
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      03-28-2020, 12:07 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Yam_335i View Post
Do I need to pre-load the suspension? When I initially tried fitting it, the front suspension was up in the air. Also the new longer drop link would potentially be hitting the driveshaft.

I think my problem is that my coilovers do not use the stock ARB drop link mounting position. (Budget coilovers).

I'm really trying to get my head out my ass on this one trying to understand it - I appreciate all your patience in explaining it to the likes of a simpleton.
If the strut droplink mount isn't in the stock position, then all bets are off as whether the new droplinks you've got will fit/work.

You shouldn't need to preload the suspension; all parts should fit together without interference at any point of the suspension travel.
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      03-31-2020, 01:08 PM   #12
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