coil overs

I have a 1998 318i. I need new coil springs and new shocks. I was looking into getting coil overs but I wasn't sure if my car was set up for that. I was told yes by an Indy place but he said he would get a second opinion because he wasn't 100% sure. Has anyone used coil overs? What is the best brand to get and did you like them or should I just stick with the OEM?

What are you goals for the car, and what is your budget? Also, unless you want to occasionally adjust your car to different ride heights, there's no point to getting coilovers.

Your car can have coilovers, but we need more info as Karl stated, bc that would determine which coilovers or shock/strut setup would suit your needs along with not kill your wallet.

http://www.evasivemotorsports.com/mm...&Store_Code=EM

Originally Posted by ZeGerman

What are you goals for the car, and what is your budget? Also, unless you want to occasionally adjust your car to different ride heights, there's no point to getting coilovers.

I have to disagree with this to some extent. Coilovers are good because you can tinker with it until you get the exact height that you want. You can't do that with a static setup. Well, you can add spacers, but you can't make it lower (at least not without a sawzall ).

Originally Posted by cj.surr

I have to disagree with this to some extent. Coilovers are good because you can tinker with it until you get the exact height that you want. You can't do that with a static setup. Well, you can add spacers, but you can't make it lower (at least not without a sawzall ).

I agree. You can initially set the ride height you want, which 90% of the time is different than that of just a strut and spring combo. I didn't buy coilovers to adjust the ride height every few months, I want to be able to set the ride height I want, not what a company decided was right. Plus there are many many more settings to fiddle with.

Ok so if I wanted to drop my car 1" and do it cheaply what do I need? Not really looking for added performance. Just fender gap.

^Cut the springs.





But seriously, don't do that. There's no cheap way to lower your car. You need to buy a coilover setup, or a lowering spring/shock combo.

I have the equipment available to me to cut the springs. Would it work?

I was pretty sure you guys would disagree with me. I just think that for 95% of people out there who just want a mild drop, simple lowering springs are fine, and they're more durable.

I agree with that for just wanting a lower ride height.

More durable though?

So this would be fine?
http://www.amazon.com/1992-1998-BMW-.../dp/B006QOP3Z6

Then you run into the issue of blowing your OEM shocks/struts by using lowering springs. You also need sport shocks/struts.

Ok what if I use the oem set which lowers it 1"/.5"rear? I think that should be fine as I don't want to lower it to much. IDK I was just interested. I'm not gonna pay $1000+ because I don't really think cars look good lowered a lot anyways

race lands and call it a day.

after some quick research the race lands seem like a perfect set for me. Thanks for the info and if I keep the car will probably throw a set on.

The reason I was looking into the coil overs is actually price. My brother works at a dealer ship and gets 20% off parts. I need new coil springs and new shocks. It is actually cheaper for me to buy coil overs then to buy the springs and shocks seperatly

if you want a cheap drop, Racelands all day everyday

they dont preform badly (auto crossed on them for 1 and a half years) and dont ride badly until you bottom them out (see sig pic lol)

they were 300 shipped when i got them and ive loved them for almost 3 years now.

/end raceland pitch.

*I am an unpaid spokesperson

Originally Posted by BiGPaPaRu

Ok what if I use the oem set which lowers it 1"/.5"rear? I think that should be fine as I don't want to lower it to much. IDK I was just interested. I'm not gonna pay $1000+ because I don't really think cars look good lowered a lot anyways

hey!

hater

Originally Posted by cj.surr

^Cut the springs.





But seriously, don't do that. There's no cheap way to lower your car. You need to buy a coilover setup, or a lowering spring/shock combo.

Yea cutting the springs is the absolute worst thing you can do!!!! HR springs are a good way to go but you will have to get a different strut and shock setup. Race Lands are the least expensive and are well made. I picked mine up for $150 for everything (very slightly used)....I haven't installed them yet soon real soon.

Ok thanks everyone. Like I said, I'm looking for the cheapest way to go at the moment just because I also have to replace the fuel pump and I was in a car accident where a 90 year old lady pulled out and took off my front end GGGRRRR. Long story short waiting to get the police report amended because the responding cop messed it up and said I was at fault so if they don't amend it I'm looking at 2800 for body work and parts and a paint job. so just trying to go cheap with the coil springs and shocks at the moment but not too cheap so that I'm replacing the shocks in a year.

Originally Posted by defnse22socr

Ok thanks everyone. Like I said, I'm looking for the cheapest way to go at the moment just because I also have to replace the fuel pump and I was in a car accident where a 90 year old lady pulled out and took off my front end GGGRRRR. Long story short waiting to get the police report amended because the responding cop messed it up and said I was at fault so if they don't amend it I'm looking at 2800 for body work and parts and a paint job. so just trying to go cheap with the coil springs and shocks at the moment but not too cheap so that I'm replacing the shocks in a year.

That's funny. I've been waiting for this to happen to me. My front end needs a new paint job.

It's a pain. no damage to her car. took off my bumper and bent the hood in so you cant open it. so that sucks......but since I need a new bumper leaves options open for which type of bumper I want.