Coil Overs or Springs?

Ok so im about to buy some suspension on my 06 325i.

Im not sure if i want to go with Coil Overs (adjustable) or H&R Springs.

I will be keeping stock wheels and maybe going with spacers on them.

Just looking to see if you guys recommend springs, of what size i would need before rubbing on stock wheels. and what size rear spacers will be good.

Thanks

Originally Posted by 4Doorz

Im not sure if i want to go with Coil Overs (adjustable) or H&R Springs.

If shocks aren't matched to springs, a risky purchase. Even if, do you want old shocks w/new springs?

You're way ahead w/new coilovers + rear, assuming you choose wisely.

Ok well this is my first BMW lol, but i have done suspension work to multiple cars before, like coilovers.

and iver always ran coilovers on my previous cars, im just not sure how BMW handle coilovers, i would love to go with them instead of springs cause i love to adjust them when i feel like it.

Originally Posted by 4Doorz

Ok well this is my first BMW lol, but i have done suspension work to multiple cars before, like coilovers.

and iver always ran coilovers on my previous cars, im just not sure how BMW handle coilovers, i would love to go with them instead of springs cause i love to adjust them when i feel like it.

Fronts are coilovers, rears not.

Go-to vendors: Ground Control; HP Autowerks.

Poss more important: Limited Slip Differential

Seek and ye shall find the other usual suspension mods, very effective.

Right, Fronts are coils, and Rears are shocks with springs to adjust.

Im about to pick up the brand i used on my 96 Jetta and see how they are on a BMW

Originally Posted by 4Doorz

Right, Fronts are coils, and Rears are shocks with springs to adjust.

Im about to pick up the brand i used on my 96 Jetta and see how they are on a BMW

Seek advice! Suspension section here often gives good response.

Originally Posted by 4Doorz

Ok so im about to buy some suspension on my 06 325i.

Im not sure if i want to go with Coil Overs (adjustable) or H&R Springs.

I will be keeping stock wheels and maybe going with spacers on them.

Just looking to see if you guys recommend springs, of what size i would need before rubbing on stock wheels. and what size rear spacers will be good.

Thanks

As mentioned already in the above posts, the springs wont be matched with the stock shocks, or even a set of shocks you can purchase in the aftermarket as well. Having a spring/shock combo such as a coilover that are valved for the right spring will give you worlds better comfort and performance. If you're looking for something inexpensive that will perform great, that will last a long, long time, and you want something that will give you comfort, I'd look at ST Coilovers, made by KW Suspensions:


*ST Coilovers For BMW E90/E91/E92/E93 3 Series

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask, I'll be here to help!

Originally Posted by 4Doorz

what size rear spacers will be good.

I have guys running everything from 5mm to 20mm out back on the E90 on stock wheels, your tastes are what dictate the "right sized" spacer. The photo below shows how to measure for spacers.



Once you take the simple measurements you can decided how aggressive you'd like to go. I have everything from simple 2mm spacers all the way up to super aggressive 30mm spacers avaible HERE. Most likely you're going to be in the 12.5mm range, make sure to grab new bolts as you'll need extended wheel bolts. I have kits about half way down the first page which include the proper length wheel bolts.

Originally Posted by 4Doorz

Just looking to see if you guys recommend springs, of what size i would need before rubbing on stock wheels

You can lower an E90 petty heavily before the stock wheels begin to rub.

Originally Posted by 4Doorz

I will be keeping stock wheels and maybe going with spacers on them.

If that's the case I'd go for a mild spring, going with an aggressive spring is going to destroy the life of your stock struts. H&R Sports (found HERE) are as aggressive as I would suggest on stock struts, and even then remember your struts life is going to be shortened by using the lowering springs on them.

Originally Posted by 4Doorz

and iver always ran coilovers on my previous cars, im just not sure how BMW handle coilovers, i would love to go with them instead of springs cause i love to adjust them when i feel like it.

They love quality set ups.

What type of ride are you looking to maintain?

Your entry level coilovers (ST, FK Highsports and Silverlines, etcs) are all going to have a rather firm ride, not uncomfortable but firmer than say the stock sport suspension by a good bit. Stepping into a Bilstein, H&R, FK Plus X, FK Konigsport, KW V2 and V3 set up, etc (your middle to upper tear) coilover system is going to give you greater adjustable (damping) which will allow you to fine tune your ride and maintain a better quality ride.