Suspension setup in my ZHP

Wondering if anyone has a preference in these coilover kits I've been looking at.

Bavarian autosport height adjustable-front and rear:
springs and shocks $850

Bilstein PSS coilover suspension kit with adjustable adjustable ride height:
$999

Anyone have experience with either?

I'd go with bilstein they have a lifetime warranty

Just out of curiosity, why are you changing the springs on your ZHP? It's already factory lowered, and I think provides a quality ride for its purpose.

Originally Posted by marlin1881

Just out of curiosity, why are you changing the springs on your ZHP? It's already factory lowered, and I think provides a quality ride for its purpose.

It wouldn't be a permanent mod... Just something for track and summer play. Trust me I love everything about the ZHP package and chose it because of it's everyday appeal over an M.

If you're just looking for 'track and summer play' I would consider getting some camber plates and a slightly beefier front sway bar. I've tracked E36s and E46s in MANY different configurations and I've noticed that the single biggest difference is made with -3* to -3.5* of camber at the front wheels. I got a much better driving experience with that than I did with different springs and no additional neg camber in the front.

Bilstein's are pretty good and have a great warranty. My friend had them on his ZHP and really liked them. But they are STIFF!

Originally Posted by ffej

If you're just looking for 'track and summer play' I would consider getting some camber plates and a slightly beefier front sway bar. I've tracked E36s and E46s in MANY different configurations and I've noticed that the single biggest difference is made with -3* to -3.5* of camber at the front wheels. I got a much better driving experience with that than I did with different springs and no additional neg camber in the front.

interesting... anyone have input on this?.. one thing that also drives me nuts and why i looked at springs is the larger wheel gap in the front.

Originally Posted by Mpulse

interesting... anyone have input on this?.. one thing that also drives me nuts and why i looked at springs is the larger wheel gap in the front.

My input is that ffej knows what he's talking about .

That said, I have ground control coilovers (springs: 450f, 550r) w/ koni single adjustable shocks & vorshlag camber plates... the car is fun.

Originally Posted by KrisL

That said, I have ground control coilovers (springs: 450f, 550r) w/ koni single adjustable shocks & vorshlag camber plates... the car is fun.

I have non sport OEM with 75k miles on them, the car ISN'T fun.

Originally Posted by KrisL

My input is that ffej knows what he's talking about .

That said, I have ground control coilovers (springs: 450f, 550r) w/ koni single adjustable shocks & vorshlag camber plates... the car is fun.

What he said, but that said, I have TC Kline coilovers with 500/600 springs, single adjustable shocks, and vorshlag camber plates set at -3.0* of camber. Also have UUC Swaybarbarian sway bars, as does KrisL, mine are at 1 notch from full stiff up front, full stiff in the rear. The car is very neutral and easy to rotate. Oh, also run a square wheel/tire setup, as does KrisL. 255/35/18 all around.

I much prefer this suspension to the stock ZHP suspension. It is firm, but better damped. The shocks are top adjustable and I run mine much firmer than Kris does. At full firm up front, half turn from full in the rear (my track and autox setup) the car is only good on smooth surfaces. For normal driving I move both an additional half turn towards soft and like it there. My "commute" type driving is all mountain twisties, so I choose handling over comfort.

I don't think you'll get -3.0* of camber with the stock springs up front, but I don't know for sure. They are substantially larger in diameter than aftermarket coil over springs. Search on my username and "TC Kline" and you will find a thread from a few years ago where I chronicled my suspension install with lots of pictures comparing stock and TCK. You'll see what I mean about the springs. Their size may limit the movement of the strut assembly...

but I don't recommend -3.0* for a car that does mostly freeway commute driving... you'll wear out the inside edge of your tires in no time. -2.0 is probably better for that and if you desire -3.0 for track days, then you can change it, but you also have to change your toe setting up front as increased camber = toe change. A camber gauge and toe plates is all you need to adjust the front end alignment... and some wrenches and a perfectly level surface.

well the roads here in NE aren't nearly as nice as CA, and already having done the entire suspension over in another car, i don't think i'll be going all out with this one. i was just curious to see if anyone had a particular spring/shock combo that they preferred for something like a seasonal change and for the occasional track day.

jvr826 our cars are almost identical and i love the way yours sits by the way

Originally Posted by Mpulse

well the roads here in NE aren't nearly as nice as CA, and already having done the entire suspension over in another car, i don't think i'll be going all out with this one. i was just curious to see if anyone had a particular spring/shock combo that they preferred for something like a seasonal change and for the occasional track day.

I'd start with camber and the next step would simply be Koni single adjustable shocks with the OEM springs.

Originally Posted by Mpulse

jvr826 our cars are almost identical and i love the way yours sits by the way

Thank you... and I do too.

Recent pic... left side all loaded up! Courtesy of Cliff...

Originally Posted by KrisL

I'd start with camber and the next step would simply be Koni single adjustable shocks with the OEM springs.

Werd!

Originally Posted by jvr826

Recent pic... left side all loaded up! Courtesy of Cliff...

It was interesting that Kris' car consistently lifted a wheel while yours did not. How did your guys' times compare?

FWIW, Matt (P-Tech nee Edge) and Tony (Edge) both recommend I go with TCK single-adjustables for my car, should I decide to go with coilovers.

Originally Posted by Cliff

It was interesting that Kris' car consistently lifted a wheel while yours did not. How did your guys' times compare?

Interesting, Jeff has stiffer springs and his shocks were set stiffer...AND he's got stickier tires.

My times were faster.

Originally Posted by KrisL

Interesting, Jeff has stiffer springs and his shocks were set stiffer...AND he's got stickier tires.

My times were faster.

You were faster at Marina too, which is pancake flat. Have you guys ever swapped cars and timed it?

Originally Posted by Cliff

You were faster at Marina too, which is pancake flat. Have you guys ever swapped cars and timed it?

Yes. I'm faster in his car too.

Originally Posted by KrisL

Yes. I'm faster in his car too.

I had a feeling that was what the answer would come back as..

Originally Posted by KrisL

My input is that ffej knows what he's talking about .

Can I quote on that?

(I guess I just did )

That said, I have ground control coilovers (springs: 450f, 550r) w/ koni single adjustable shocks & vorshlag camber plates... the car is fun.

Yes. It is.

Originally Posted by Cliff

You were faster at Marina too, which is pancake flat. Have you guys ever swapped cars and timed it?

Originally Posted by KrisL

Yes. I'm faster in his car too.

Originally Posted by Cliff

I had a feeling that was what the answer would come back as..

It's that way in a lot of circumstances...

crud. double post

Originally Posted by ffej

It's that way in a lot of circumstances...

I know. I am 100% certain that either Kris or Jeff would be faster than me if we swapped cars too.

(I don't even make it into the top 10 in A class)

Best place to buy Koni single adjustables for my ZHP?

Originally Posted by jvr826

Search on my username and "TC Kline" and you will find a thread from a few years ago where I chronicled my suspension install with lots of pictures comparing stock and TCK..

This one?......

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...689&highlight=

Originally Posted by jetblackbimmer

Best place to buy Koni single adjustables for my ZHP?

I think Tirerack sells 'em.