Comments on: Which suspension mods for BMW M3 (E90)

By: e46 led

e46 led — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:46:39 +0000

When the 1 series came out, I didn’t enjoy it. Perhaps if it ended up being closer to what the 2002 was and was (much) lighter, less expensive, and had a very great I4 (turboed or not, I don’t care) then I would like it greater, but whatever. What side tracked me further was the expected M unit that might rationally be called the M1. I thought that it just couldn’t be proper to compare and contrast the two M1s. Then again, since the 1 series came out in the US, the M division has created 2 SUVs that don’t even come with a manual. The Porsche Cayenne has one, was it that hard? Anyways, times are changing so go on and call it an M1. More desirable to manufacture a respectable, or possibly remarkable, car rather than not come up with it whatsoever just due to the fact a mess of fanboys would get harmed.

By: X-iomania

X-iomania — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:10:26 +0000

Thanks to everyone. However, it sounds like more research is needed, especially if the change of springs alone can lower the car enough to hit the bump stops. Since I’m a bit lazy and not mechanically inclined, it may be easier just to go with Dinan for the complete suspension upgrade, as this setup is clearly compatible with the EDC. Although I would hate to pass up better or less expensive options if I’m guaranteed it would work without complications.

By: Dalton

Dalton — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:10:26 +0000

Just get the bumpstops in that link Kevlar provided. It even has the part numbers. That should give you enough clearance for any of the springs mentioned above. It’s not a common thing to have the EDC warning. I haven’t seen anyone mention it on other sites.

By: Xia

Xia — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:10:25 +0000

You’ve got it. You don’t need emulators with springs because you’re still using your stock shocks/struts.

You’ll have to ask other’s about which springs to get since I haven’t even sat in a car with springs. Nick’s comments seem to be what other’s have said.
Again, the Eibach/Dinan’s drop the car the least and are suppose to offer a ride that’s almost stock with the H&R/RDSports maybe a little stiffer. And like Nick said, there are different H&R springs you could choose from.

By: Xaria

Xaria — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:10:25 +0000

Thanks. I guess the next step would be for me to contact H&R and see which springs are compatible with my M3. I put a set of H&Rs on my 2000 S4, which in retrospect were too stiff and spoiled the ride. On the other hand, that Audi pushed like a pig, had no steering feel and was a big deal at the time with 250 stock hp.

By: Timber

Timber — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:10:25 +0000

I have heard stories of some people who have used the H&R race springs that they get EDC faults because the car is too low and is riding on the bump stops. If the DINAN white paper is right, there is only 1/2" of suspension travel up front, so if you lower the car without fixing the bump stops you are essentially riding on the bump stops which negate the use of the springs.

By: Tybalt

Tybalt — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:10:25 +0000

Just contact one of the board sponsors. JLevi, Modbargains, EAS all sell the springs. I would at least get the shorter bumpstops for the reasons Kevlar mentioned. It also shouldn’t be too hard to sand/grind down the hats a little either.

I haven’t heard about EDC malfunction with springs alone, but it makes sense since the EDC computer and the shocks talk to each other and this allows the EDC to change the valving acitively. If the shock is giving information that is out of set parameter’s, it will set off a malfunction.

Having said that, someone did contact H&R about this and their response was the springs are designed to work while the car is on the bumpstops.

By: Xaviere

Xaviere — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:10:24 +0000

H&R springs are fully compatible with EDC. They lower the front 1" and the rear .6". (Don’t judge by my sig, the photo is pre-slam)

I like the ride and love the look.

By: Batzorig

Batzorig — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:10:24 +0000

Can you still drive that in the winter? or it doesn’t get taken out in the snow. Even mine is tough to get through the snow without scrapignng every little snow ball on the road . Inclined driveways are a pain too.

By: Nadalia

Nadalia — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:10:24 +0000

I have a Tacoma Off-Road for this time of year. Unfortunately, there won’t be a lot of fun to be had until the spring.

It’s just as well. With the Powerchip flash I just did this week, an M3, summer tires, and cold pavement don’t play well together.