lowering
lowering
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?
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?
Re: lowering
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.
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.
2002 3.0 Sport in Sterling Grey with full red/black leather
Re: lowering
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
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
///M Roadster - Evolve Stage 3
Re: lowering
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?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
Re: lowering
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...
Re: lowering
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!
Re: lowering
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
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
///M Roadster - Evolve Stage 3
Re: lowering
Or you could go this route, not sure where you would drive this
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Sent from my HTC Desire
- Southernboy
- Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
- Posts: 6437
- Location: Johannesburg
Re: lowering
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.
Re: lowering
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
Dallan |07712 415 619
OZ Breyton 3-Piece Splits (17x9 & 17x12), Rayvern Hydraulics, Custom Top Mounts, Bespoke Hubcentric Spacers, Strutbrace, Aero Wipers, Wind Deflector, PiperX Air Filter, Deleted Plate Recess, Deleted Front Badge, Smoothed Boot, Continental Fogs, All Red Rears, Cleaned Bulbs (all round), Stubby Aerial, Black Grills, Halo Projector Lights, Components Upgrade, Clifford 5104x Intellistart Alarm, Custom Boot Install.
OZ Breyton 3-Piece Splits (17x9 & 17x12), Rayvern Hydraulics, Custom Top Mounts, Bespoke Hubcentric Spacers, Strutbrace, Aero Wipers, Wind Deflector, PiperX Air Filter, Deleted Plate Recess, Deleted Front Badge, Smoothed Boot, Continental Fogs, All Red Rears, Cleaned Bulbs (all round), Stubby Aerial, Black Grills, Halo Projector Lights, Components Upgrade, Clifford 5104x Intellistart Alarm, Custom Boot Install.
- Southernboy
- Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
- Posts: 6437
- Location: Johannesburg
Re: lowering
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....
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....
Re: lowering
im also thinking of lowering my zed a little
- Southernboy
- Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
- Posts: 6437
- Location: Johannesburg
Re: lowering
Have a look for Eibach or schnitzer springs on eBay...30mm max...
Re: lowering
Most Z3 lowering springs seem to be for non M-tec setup.
Should I get Z3M springs as I have the M suspension?
Should I get Z3M springs as I have the M suspension?
2002 3.0 Sport in Sterling Grey with full red/black leather
Re: lowering
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 wrote:Most Z3 lowering springs seem to be for non M-tec setup.
Re: lowering
This is how she looks right now - surely I can drop her a bit?
2002 3.0 Sport in Sterling Grey with full red/black leather
Re: lowering
I agree. mine also looks far too practical. i can currently get over speed bumps effortlessly and i must rectify it!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!
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?
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." George Best
- Southernboy
- Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
- Posts: 6437
- Location: Johannesburg
Re: lowering
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.
Re: lowering
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.
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.
2002 3.0 Sport in Sterling Grey with full red/black leather
Re: lowering
RichP wrote:I agree. mine also looks far too practical. i can currently get over speed bumps effortlessly and i must rectify it!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!
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
- Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
- Posts: 2225
Re: lowering
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.
Re: lowering
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 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.
- BladeRunner919
- Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
- Posts: 2225
Re: lowering
Exactly. Have a look here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacPherson_strutEastsix wrote: But it seems the front springs are sold separately to the Shocks, they just happen to fit over it then?
-
- Joined: Thu 11 Oct, 2012 22:05
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Re: lowering
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?
Re: lowering
It's just been painted or wrapped in black. My M has the same set up, painted number plate surroundtangomachine 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?
///M Roadster - Evolve Stage 3
- BladeRunner919
- Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
- Posts: 2225
Re: lowering
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.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?
Re: lowering
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
Here is mine with the 18's before I lowered it
And after
2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Titanium Silver Roadster with too many mods to list
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Re: lowering
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!
Re: lowering
Id be very happy with that look but did that Zed start out with the M suspension or standard ??
2002 3.0 Sport in Sterling Grey with full red/black leather
Re: lowering
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 snappingEastsix 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!
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?ShinyDave wrote:Id be very happy with that look but did that Zed start out with the M suspension or standard ??
2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Titanium Silver Roadster with too many mods to list
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Re: lowering
I think you just pay for the name when it comes to springs...
The cheap ones I bought off eBay were very good
The cheap ones I bought off eBay were very good
///M Roadster - Evolve Stage 3
- BladeRunner919
- Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
- Posts: 2225
Re: lowering
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?
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?
Re: lowering
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
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-2-0-2- ... 0516727255
1999 2.8 Arctic Silver Z3
1987 Black Renault Alpine GTA V6 Turbo
2007 325d Msport - remapped
1987 Black Renault Alpine GTA V6 Turbo
2007 325d Msport - remapped
Re: lowering
As ^^ he saidCaptain wrote:The standard shocks will be fine with a 30mm drop.
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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
///M Roadster - Evolve Stage 3
Re: lowering
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
///M Roadster - Evolve Stage 3
Re: lowering
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." George Best
Re: lowering
just bought some off huntert and fitted them looks very good def looks sexier but omg speed humps are a **** lol
C
C
Re: lowering
Are they differentZ3cade wrote:There for the 1.9
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." George Best
Re: lowering
I would say yes.. Because springs have different tension loads depending on the cars weight etc..RichP wrote:Are they differentZ3cade wrote:There for the 1.9
Go for the ones listed for your engine size. 6 cylinders are heavier than the 4 pots
///M Roadster - Evolve Stage 3
Re: lowering
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
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
- Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
- Posts: 2225
Re: lowering
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.
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- Joined: Sun 31 Oct, 2004 15:26
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- Location: Gourock
Re: lowering
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 !!!
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 !!!
Re: lowering
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?
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." George Best
Re: lowering
YesRichP 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?
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
2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Titanium Silver Roadster with too many mods to list
Click For 2.0 Progress Journal
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Re: lowering
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.
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Re: lowering
I don't mind a little bit more tyre wear if it means the car looks and handles better
2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Titanium Silver Roadster with too many mods to list
Click For 2.0 Progress Journal
Click For 2.8 Progress Journal
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Click For 2.8 Progress Journal
Re: lowering
That's the way I see itg8jka wrote:I don't mind a little bit more tyre wear if it means the car looks and handles better
Re: lowering
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