[HoustonTXE92]

Sorry for the NooB question, but due to too many options, suggestions and members preferences, I am still confused with which way to go.

Here's my problem...
I recently installed a set of the 19" wheels on my e92 328i. I now have a gap between my tires and fenders that I would like to fill. It appears that lowering springs would be a cheap solution, but at the expense of diminishing my shocks longevity.

Here's my questions...
Is installing stiffer springs such as the HR sports or Elbach Pros on my stock shocks a bad idea?
What is the estimated life expectancy of my shocks if I were to install these?
Of the two, which is better for my stock shocks?
Do you have any other suggestions?

Thanks for the help!!

[PandaBear]

cheap route- springs
the better/do it right the first time route- coilovers

[BOOSTED4DR]

Go with springs I ride on H&R with stocks and the ride is not rough at all..Also if you have lots of miles on your stock might aswell change them while you at it..

[HoustonTXE92]

Originally Posted by BOOSTED4DR

Go with springs I ride on H&R with stocks and the ride is not rough at all..Also if you have lots of miles on your stock might aswell change them while you at it..

How many miles have you put on your stocks with the HRs?
I've go 15k on my stocks, should I change them before adding the springs?

[gizmo335i]

Don't go cheap man...do it right the first time with suspension. It's a pain to have to go back and do the same job again when you could have done it all right the first time. Take your time, save the $$ and get what you want after reading reviews from every setup on here....trust me..that's the way to go, period.

[Cooper35]

h&r race springs, $200. stock shocks, car rides like the one next to it. and behind it. factory shocks are still good after driving 10k like this by the previous owner and 5k by me

[gizmo335i]

DAMN that's low, lol.....

[HoustonTXE92]

Originally Posted by gizmo335i

Don't go cheap man...do it right the first time with suspension. It's a pain to have to go back and do the same job again when you could have done it all right the first time. Take your time, save the $$ and get what you want after reading reviews from every setup on here....trust me..that's the way to go, period.

I usually agree!
I guess I'm just being cheap. The new wheels and tires were expensive, now new shocks&springs. I wanted to go as cheap as possible without damaging my car. What would you recommend?

[HoustonTXE92]

Originally Posted by Cooper35

h&r race springs, $200. stock shocks, car rides like the one next to it. and behind it. factory shocks are still good after driving 10k like this by the previous owner and 5k by me

Nice!! Do your wheels rub? I think the springs I'm looking at (HR Sport) are less of a drop then that.

[Cooper35]

it is less of a rub. im not running any spacers so no my tires dont rub or come close in their stock position. the stock wheels are incredibly sunken at this height.

[cyphr]

Save up, do it right the first time. Go cheap with just springs and you'll be kicking yourself after blowing your shocks way before they would normally start to deteriorate.

[brocklanders]

do you have sport package if not i am selling a complete oem sport suspension with brand new bmw performance stuts and shocks for $300 right here in houston you can check everything out before you buy. you are not going to get anything better at even close to that price.

[HoustonTXE92]

Originally Posted by brocklanders

do you have sport package if not i am selling a complete oem sport suspension with brand new bmw performance stuts and shocks for $300 right here in houston you can check everything out before you buy. you are not going to get anything better at even close to that price.

Thanks, but I'm really looking to go lower than the ZSP setup.

[brocklanders]

the sport suspension with supreme powers front lowering perches is a nice look without compromising ride quality what so ever. something to think about.

[gizmo335i]

Originally Posted by HoustonTXE92

I usually agree!
I guess I'm just being cheap. The new wheels and tires were expensive, now new shocks&springs. I wanted to go as cheap as possible without damaging my car. What would you recommend?

The E90 drops slightly lower than the E92. H&R sport is damn near perfect. Eibach isn't enough. You should seriously just save and get Coilovers.

But if you HAVE to buy right now...get H&R sport. There are plenty of people that have them on stock shocks and don't mind them.

You gotta figure that your shocks life will be cut in half if you do it. So if you don't mind the headache of having to go and do all that work again later on..then more power to you.

I'm telling you to take your time on suspension because I'm positive you will be pissed later if you don't. You'll be happy for the first couple months if you get only springs...but you'll start realizing that the ride sucks eventually and want something else...and think "Damnit, I should have listened and waited." Then you'll be typing the same thing to others asking the same question later.

I'm saving to get Coilovers now..even though I did get shocks and like my ride for now.

This is an expensive car we're talking about man....not a cheapass civic that you can tear apart every day and not care...treat it right the first time..

[Professor///M]

Deflate the tires to 12 PSI

[ModBargains.com]

The answer is simple, you get what you pay for when it comes to vehicle suspension. As such a crucial component of your vehicle, suspension is definitely something you do not want to cheap out on.

A coilover suspension basically gives you a matched lowering spring and shock absorber combination with the added benefit of adjustable ride height and spring rates through a moveable spring perch or perches. Coilovers are to your car's advantage by reducing unsprung mass, increasing suspension travel, and allowing the car to be corner balanced.

I would recommend that you check out KW's lineup of coilovers for your BMW. When deciding it's definitley a good idea to ask yourself what your goals are for your vehicle. Is your car your daily driver or are you planning to go to the canyons or the track more than once a year? I'll shoot you over a PM with more details!

- Alan

[caliban]

coilover setup is the way to go

[HoustonTXE92]

Originally Posted by PAMidge

Deflate the tires to 12 PSI

I tried this! I can't figure out why I keep getting a TPM error...
So, I'll try 5-psi.

[HoustonTXE92]

Originally Posted by caliban

coilover setup is the way to go

Lol, if only I could justify the expense.

[gizmo335i]

Justify it how?? With the wife? Or justify it as "Is it necessary?" If you are EVER going to be able to get the money...get Coilovers...

[HoustonTXE92]

Originally Posted by gizmo335i

Justify it how?? With the wife? Or justify it as "Is it necessary?" If you are EVER going to be able to get the money...get Coilovers...

Both!
Seems like a lot of money for such a small drop. If the cheap option of installing springs is a complete mistake, I may just stay stock height.

I guess it's not too bad...