lowering

Eastsix · Post by **Eastsix** » Mon 18 Mar, 2013 21:54

I find myself thinking about wheels and lowering. Now, I know this isn't the kind of thing a bloke should admit on a forum like this, but I don't know much about what goes on behind the wheels of a car. There doesn't seem to be a guide to lowering in the knowledge base, and what I really need is an idiots guide. at the moment she looks like this

Im not looking for performance improvement, I just want to improve the look - not slam it but have the wheels fill the arches a little more. maybe drop it just a few cms or so. whats the simplest and most effective way of doing this without breaking the bank? If anyone feels like doing a guide or can point to one that would be MUCH appreciated

Also though, does anyone have any before and after pics of lowering so I can see real world results of different efforts?

ShinyDave · Post by **ShinyDave** » Mon 18 Mar, 2013 22:26

I'd really appreciate this also.

I'd like to lower my zed to fill the rear arches better but confused what to get as I have the M sport setup and unsure what drop I would get.

Z3cade · Post by **Z3cade** » Mon 18 Mar, 2013 22:38

Thought you were selling your zed?

You want some 30mm lowering springs.. Loads on eBay etc.. I used a cheap set from eBay on my 2.8 and they were perfect.. We're around £80 iirc..

30mm lowered

Eastsix · Post by **Eastsix** » Mon 18 Mar, 2013 22:50

Z3cade wrote:Thought you were selling your zed?

You want some 30mm lowering springs.. Loads on eBay etc.. I used a cheap set from eBay on my 2.8 and they were perfect.. We're around £80 iirc..

30mm lowered

In theory.. But 2 things have happened - a dirth of interest, and me finding the picture of the blue 2.8 with the hamaan roof! It is now a permanent fixture as my tablet wallpaper, it doesn't get old. If I actually spend money on it soon, I'll withdraw it from sale probably. is there a guide anywhere for replacing springs? and can anyone recommend a brand? it wont make any difference with spacers I assume?

Pierrick · Post by **Pierrick** » Mon 18 Mar, 2013 22:53

Eastsix wrote:I find myself thinking about wheels and lowering. Now, I know this isn't the kind of thing a bloke should admit on a forum like this, but I don't know much about what goes on behind the wheels of a car. There doesn't seem to be a guide to lowering in the knowledge base, and what I really need is an idiots guide. at the moment she looks like this

Im not looking for performance improvement, I just want to improve the look - not slam it but have the wheels fill the arches a little more. maybe drop it just a few cms or so. whats the simplest and most effective way of doing this without breaking the bank? If anyone feels like doing a guide or can point to one that would be MUCH appreciated

Also though, does anyone have any before and after pics of lowering so I can see real world results of different efforts?

Well, I'm like you, I don't know much about chocks but I think your car looks good like that and if you sell your car you'll not get your investment back... I think you should enjoy your car as it is and spend money on something else! Or do it but keep your car...

Eastsix · Post by **Eastsix** » Mon 18 Mar, 2013 22:57

Pierrick wrote:

Well, I'm like you, I don't know much about chocks but I think your car looks good like that and if you sell your car you'll not get your investment back... I think you should enjoy your car as it is and spend money on something else! Or do it but keep your car...

Thankyou, yes im in a bit of an odd situation. But the more I look at this photo the more my eye is drawn to the expanse between the wheel and the arch!

Z3cade · Post by **Z3cade** » Mon 18 Mar, 2013 23:26

To be fair a spring is a spring.. Most swear by eibach and H&R springs but mine were buy a company on eBay called Lowsuspension or something like that.. They were fine and it handled well..

If you look in my car thread 'z3 cades zed' in the gallery there's few pics from when I changed my shocks and springs

Captain · Post by **Captain** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 09:21

Or you could go this route, not sure where you would drive this

Sent from my HTC Desire

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 09:49

I did mine fairly recently...I bought a set of Eibach "sportline" springs which were specific to my car...You can go onto their website, and check which springs you need to fit your car, and the cost. My springs lowered the car by 30mm. I don't think you want any more than the 30mm. I already find that some of the more severe speed bumps need to be negotiated at an angle vs head on to avoid contact under the car. I have to say, that the biggest difference after lowering apart from the stance, is the decrease in "butt flop" on pulling away...you know that feeling that the rear bumper is about to bottom out...also the "roll" when cornering is substantially lessened now. The tyres fill the arches sufficiently to give the aesthetics a boost. I have 18" wheels with Eagle F1 245/40 tyres all round.

dallantan · Post by **dallantan** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 12:56

Z3cade wrote:Thought you were selling your zed?

You want some 30mm lowering springs.. Loads on eBay etc.. I used a cheap set from eBay on my 2.8 and they were perfect.. We're around £80 iirc..

30mm lowered

LIES!!

dont listen to this chap

(HI MATE)

get yourself on eGay, buy some cheap crappy coilovers and put it as low as possible.

then take the bump stops out

then take the rear spring cup holders out

then drive it real slow

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 13:59

LIES,LIES...FILTHY LIES...
Don't listen to Dallantan...he'd have you sliding on your belly....His car looks like something out of the Flinstones...it doesn't have a floor anymore...and just so he can perv womens' feet....

PCSAM · Post by **PCSAM** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 15:20

im also thinking of lowering my zed a little

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 16:03

Have a look for Eibach or schnitzer springs on eBay...30mm max...

ShinyDave · Post by **ShinyDave** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 16:24

Most Z3 lowering springs seem to be for non M-tec setup.

Should I get Z3M springs as I have the M suspension?

Del · Post by **Del** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 16:42

ShinyDave wrote:Most Z3 lowering springs seem to be for non M-tec setup.

There was a thread going a few days ago about the MTECH suspension fitted to some non-M cars. It seems it was already lowered by around 20mm and was a significant upgrade in terms of sporty firmness. You may therefore have limited scope to go much further given that 30mm seems to be the recommended practical maximum.

ShinyDave · Post by **ShinyDave** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 16:46

This is how she looks right now - surely I can drop her a bit?

RichP · Post by **RichP** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 16:48

Eastsix wrote:
Pierrick wrote: But the more I look at this photo the more my eye is drawn to the expanse between the wheel and the arch!

I agree. mine also looks far too practical. i can currently get over speed bumps effortlessly and i must rectify it!

So if we get the springs off fleabay do we need to get them fitted? if we do it ourselves will we need new and expensive tools? and will it ping off and remove parts of my skull during fitting?

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 16:54

It's quite an easy task...you'll need a few items like axle stands and more than one jack....and the spring should be under compression when being removed....it may be useful to have a spcouple of decent spring compressors though to hold the spring compressed when you do remove it...or you may do yourself some serious damage.

ShinyDave · Post by **ShinyDave** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 17:02

I agree. mine also looks far too practical. i can currently get over speed bumps effortlessly and i must rectify it!

So if we get the springs off fleabay do we need to get them fitted? if we do it ourselves will we need new and expensive tools? and will it ping off and remove parts of my skull during fitting?

[/quote]

I think you misunderstand - LOWERING your car will make it a LESS practical 2 seater fabric roofed sports car.

Handling heavy mechanical parts can be dangerous - if you fear loosing body parts then consult with your local trusted mechanic.

Eastsix · Post by **Eastsix** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 17:06

RichP wrote:
Eastsix wrote:
Pierrick wrote: But the more I look at this photo the more my eye is drawn to the expanse between the wheel and the arch!
I agree. mine also looks far too practical. i can currently get over speed bumps effortlessly and i must rectify it!

So if we get the springs off fleabay do we need to get them fitted? if we do it ourselves will we need new and expensive tools? and will it ping off and remove parts of my skull during fitting?

HA! The exact questions i had but was too afraid to ask! Seeing as im not alone can i ask another ignorant question? From the pics on Zcades thread it looks like the rear springs sit independently, and the front springs are around the shock absorbers. Is this correct? Does the word 'coilovers' have something to do with this?

BladeRunner919 · Post by **BladeRunner919** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 17:12

Yes, the rears are independent of the shocks and are actually pretty easy to swap. The fronts, as you say, have the shock & spring as a unit (MacPherson strut) and are more difficult as you have to remove the strut completely, then dismantle it. It's not terribly difficult, but certainly much more of a task than the rears.

Eastsix · Post by **Eastsix** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 17:21

BladeRunner919 wrote:Yes, the rears are independent of the shocks and are actually pretty easy to swap. The fronts, as you say, have the shock & spring as a unit (MacPherson strut) and are more difficult as you have to remove the strut completely, then dismantle it. It's not terribly difficult, but certainly much more of a task than the rears.

Great! thankyou. But it seems the front springs are sold separately to the Shocks, they just happen to fit over it then? I shall google MacPherson strut to make me less ignorant modern desk-based man and a little more like my dad.

BladeRunner919 · Post by **BladeRunner919** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 17:26

Eastsix wrote: But it seems the front springs are sold separately to the Shocks, they just happen to fit over it then?

Exactly. Have a look here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacPherson_strut

tangomachine · Post by **tangomachine** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 17:53

sorry to be off topic but about that pic above with the slammed car. The black bit on the back of the boot is that just a sticker or a certain part you can buy? if so what's it called?

Z3cade · Post by **Z3cade** » Tue 19 Mar, 2013 19:45

tangomachine wrote:sorry to be off topic but about that pic above with the slammed car. The black bit on the back of the boot is that just a sticker or a certain part you can buy? if so what's it called?

It's just been painted or wrapped in black. My M has the same set up, painted number plate surround

BladeRunner919 · Post by **BladeRunner919** » Wed 20 Mar, 2013 07:58

tangomachine wrote:sorry to be off topic but about that pic above with the slammed car. The black bit on the back of the boot is that just a sticker or a certain part you can buy? if so what's it called?

It is the ///M number plate carrier (painted black, as Z3cade said) - not sure what Zed you have, but non-M cars have the number plate on the bumper, and a different boot which is also why it may look unusual.

g8jka · Post by **g8jka** » Wed 20 Mar, 2013 11:34

I lowered mine on Eibach's 30mm all round and it looks so much better. As soon as you fit bigger wheels I think you really need to lower the car to get the car and wheels looking there best.

Here is mine with the 18's before I lowered it

And after

Eastsix · Post by **Eastsix** » Wed 20 Mar, 2013 11:41

g8jka wrote:I lowered mine on Eibach's 30mm all round and it looks so much better. As soon as you fit bigger wheels I think you really need to lower the car to get the car and wheels looking there best.

Here is mine with the 18's before I lowered it

And after

Thanks, that shows it really clearly. Makes all the difference. Nice wheels too!
In terms of the brand of springs, Eibachs seem to cost £221. what do you get for the money over and above less expensive springs? I assume cheaper ones arent going to shatter at the first pothole!

ShinyDave · Post by **ShinyDave** » Wed 20 Mar, 2013 11:45

Id be very happy with that look but did that Zed start out with the M suspension or standard ??

g8jka · Post by **g8jka** » Wed 20 Mar, 2013 12:24

Eastsix wrote:Thanks, that shows it really clearly. Makes all the difference. Nice wheels too!
In terms of the brand of springs, Eibachs seem to cost £221. what do you get for the money over and above less expensive springs? I assume cheaper ones arent going to shatter at the first pothole!

I have had other springs on previous cars that were just cheap versions and they seemed to be fine, so I can't see any problems using a cheaper set. Like Liam says above, a spring is a spring, and anything has to be better than the standard BMW springs which are prone to snapping

ShinyDave wrote:Id be very happy with that look but did that Zed start out with the M suspension or standard ??

It is just the standard suspension to start. I am not sure on how the M suspension differs, if it is just the springs that are shorter than the standard ones then it should end up at the same height with these springs? It wouldn't drop it 30mm lower than the M suspension, it would just drop it 30mm from standard?

Z3cade · Post by **Z3cade** » Wed 20 Mar, 2013 12:25

I think you just pay for the name when it comes to springs...

The cheap ones I bought off eBay were very good

BladeRunner919 · Post by **BladeRunner919** » Wed 20 Mar, 2013 13:13

I'm not really very knowledgeable about lowering, so if you use lowered springs do you need to change the shocks too or do the springs still 'operate' within the range of movement that the shock has?
I understand that you wouldn't be using all the possible extension that a standard shock offers, but would it be at risk of 'bottoming out' the shock?

Captain · Post by **Captain** » Wed 20 Mar, 2013 18:28

The standard shocks will be fine with a 30mm drop.

Sent from my HTC Desire

stupot50 · Post by **stupot50** » Wed 20 Mar, 2013 18:32

Nothing to do with me but these are the cheapest I've found.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-2-0-2- ... 0516727255

Z3cade · Post by **Z3cade** » Wed 20 Mar, 2013 18:34

Captain wrote:The standard shocks will be fine with a 30mm drop.

Sent from my HTC Desire

As ^^ he said

Yes 30mm drop springs are fine you use with standard shocks.. If funds allow its a good idea to replace the shocks too ( if there the originals ) makes a massive differents

Z3cade · Post by **Z3cade** » Wed 20 Mar, 2013 18:37

stupot50 wrote:Nothing to do with me but these are the cheapest I've found.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-2-0-2- ... 0516727255

There the ones I used on my 2.8

There perfect fit and I had no problems with them

RichP · Post by **RichP** » Wed 20 Mar, 2013 18:38

even cheaper:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-1-9-96 ... 53f311c9b3

Z3cade · Post by **Z3cade** » Wed 20 Mar, 2013 18:44

RichP wrote:even cheaper:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-1-9-96 ... 53f311c9b3

There for the 1.9

geordie90 · Post by **geordie90** » Wed 20 Mar, 2013 22:08

just bought some off huntert and fitted them looks very good def looks sexier but omg speed humps are a **** lol

C

RichP · Post by **RichP** » Wed 20 Mar, 2013 22:43

Z3cade wrote:
RichP wrote:even cheaper:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-1-9-96 ... 53f311c9b3
There for the 1.9

Are they different

Z3cade · Post by **Z3cade** » Thu 21 Mar, 2013 08:59

RichP wrote:
Z3cade wrote:
RichP wrote:even cheaper:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-1-9-96 ... 53f311c9b3
There for the 1.9
Are they different

I would say yes.. Because springs have different tension loads depending on the cars weight etc..
Go for the ones listed for your engine size. 6 cylinders are heavier than the 4 pots

Lewy · Post by **Lewy** » Thu 21 Mar, 2013 09:25

On the subject of lowering, am I right to think that any E36 lowering springs fit the front and any E30 lowering springs fit the rear?

Not sure if I just have dodgy front shocks which I'll check first but mine feels like it needs 30mm drop on the front but at least 40mm on the rear, if not more

BladeRunner919 · Post by **BladeRunner919** » Thu 21 Mar, 2013 10:01

The rear spring pads come in different thicknesses (5mm, 7.5mm and 10mm), so you can fine-tune the drop that way if needed. I think 7.5mm is standard.

Caledonian · Post by **Caledonian** » Thu 21 Mar, 2013 10:56

Just a word of caution from my own experience, I had a beautiful Z3 3.0 a number of years ago and fell into the trap of believing I was missing something without all the uprated spring / damper combinations available to purchase for my delictation. So I researched the forums, found fantastic advice and "how to" information and set about buying eibach springs, bilstein dampers, new mounts and took the opportunity to change my brake discs and refurb the calipers at the same time.

I really enjoyed doing the work and using my torque wrench in anger but you know what? When I was finished I had transformed the car from a relatively comfortable and enjoyable drive, I had driven from Scotland to the South of France in it, into a "corner on rails" spine cruncher! I toyed with putting it back to OEM but unfortunately my wife had thrown the old bits out during one of here famous garage clean ups. Two months later it was sold and I had an Audi TT roadster.

I had a brief fling with a Z4 but got rid of it for the same reason, too harsh for me. Fortunately I was lucky enough to pick up another Z3 3.0 from a mate who bought a Caymnan recently but no suspension tinkering from me this time !!!

RichP · Post by **RichP** » Wed 27 Mar, 2013 16:22

i read in another forum that lowering with springs causes a camber on the wheels that will shorten tyre life. anyone who has lowered experienced this?

g8jka · Post by **g8jka** » Wed 27 Mar, 2013 17:08

RichP wrote:i read in another forum that lowering with springs causes a camber on the wheels that will shorten tyre life. anyone who has lowered experienced this?

Yes

Mine has quite a lot of negative camber on the rear now, but even standard zeds that are not lowered have some. Its just the way they are. If you lowered it you will have more negative camber and will wear the insides of the tyres a lot quicker than normal.

You can get round this by swapping the rear tyres over between the 2 rear wheels once or twice to give them more life

Captain · Post by **Captain** » Wed 27 Mar, 2013 17:57

You will definitely have negative camber after lowering the car, which also helps handling. The negative is that the inside of the tyre will wear. Also dependant on the size of tyres you running.

Sent from my HTC Desire

g8jka · Post by **g8jka** » Wed 27 Mar, 2013 18:14

I don't mind a little bit more tyre wear if it means the car looks and handles better

Captain · Post by **Captain** » Thu 28 Mar, 2013 06:01

g8jka wrote:I don't mind a little bit more tyre wear if it means the car looks and handles better

That's the way I see it

paul.s · Post by **paul.s** » Thu 28 Mar, 2013 08:08

ahh but does it handle better

itl certainly feel like your going faster through the bends more go kart,ish but is it any quicker our 2.8 has no body roll when cornering quickly in fact the limiting factor is usualy wheel spin and oversteer .and we can tour in comfort