Author Topic: Coilovers vs Lowering springs (Read 7470 times)

Dreed76 · « **on:** May 04, 2012, 06:43:30 PM »

I'm looking to lower my car this summer. It's mostly just for looks since all I use my car for is a daily. I like the idea of being able to adjust my height with the coilovers but they're more expensive than just springs. Springs are cheap, but if I don't like the way the car sits I can't adjust it. I don't want to spend more than $600 on the setup. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

Geoff · « **Reply #1 on:** May 06, 2012, 06:31:41 AM »

probably not gonna like my suggestion..and it may be because i'm grumpy and havent had my coffee yet..
if only for looks, why bother? a lowered e-30 with m42 that is daily driven is always in danger of smashing the oil pan. If you are tracking a car, low is good. if daily driving it, not so much.
just my opinion....i think i'll stagger off to the kitchen and have that coffee now....:rolleyes:

keflaman · « **Reply #2 on:** May 06, 2012, 08:42:11 AM »

But if you absolutely, positively insist on lowering your car there are many options including, but not limited to spring perch adjusters, spacers and drop hats. All have their pros and cons and you'll have to decide what's best for you.

For me, after trying out four different combos...I'm going back to stock for my DD.

Nick_318is · « **Reply #3 on:** May 06, 2012, 08:46:36 PM »

If you're going to do it I'd suggest H&R Sport Springs and Bilstein Sport Shocks, probably going to cost a little over $700 though, but, it will work alright on the car. However, be careful lowering it and driving it on the street, I've broken 2 oil pans over about 6 years.

Coilovers are overkill and probably cost too much if you're only daily driving it and not spending any time on the track.

d.hitchcock · « **Reply #4 on:** May 07, 2012, 07:44:22 AM »

I have Tokico lowering springs on my 318is courtesy the previous owner. The car looks great, rides and turns great, and isn't too low for oil-pan safety as a DD.

But I have to be very, very aware of my iS airdam. :-)

Geoff · « **Reply #5 on:** May 12, 2012, 08:56:58 AM »

amongst the grizzled veterans, swapping tall tales (and some outright fabrications, lets be honest) about feats BMW related, there is an old saying: "There are 2 types of oil pans on lowered m42 powered e-30's. There are those that have been smashed, and there are those that have not been smashed. yet. "
i had my coffee and still no change:cool:
Geoff

sfinsf · « **Reply #6 on:** May 12, 2012, 09:40:55 AM »

mine was lowered by the PO and has been smashed so much that the cooling fins on the bottom of the pan are completely ground down. the drain plug was pretty difficult to remove... it only had six sides, not 8. I have my PO installed JOM's adjusted up as far as they'll go until I get a new pan.

d.hitchcock · « **Reply #7 on:** May 13, 2012, 06:21:02 PM »

I have no trouble keeping my oil pan off the ground in the 318is.

But I'm well-trained. My other e30 is an autoX car riding fairly low (please, NOT stanced) on coilovers. I go slow over stuff. :-)

318kid · « **Reply #8 on:** June 01, 2012, 09:43:11 AM »

I got some Koni Springs used (similar to H&R race) for a decent price, so I went with those.

I love the look, but if I had to do it again I would just get some drophats, keep the stock springs, and add a cabrio front sway along with an e30 m3 rear sway (or 325ix). Less body roll, and the suspension isn't too stiff or low for daily driving.

3urotrash · « **Reply #9 on:** July 17, 2012, 12:39:32 AM »

i have my IS on ground control coils and absolutely love it, i dd her all around a town with sub par roads. you have to be a defensive driver 100% of the time, but hey thats why we drive.. its an experience not just haullin your a$$ from point A to B. thats just my thought.

getouth · « **Reply #10 on:** July 29, 2012, 12:29:39 AM »

something has to give, good ride doesn't equal super low stance.