Where is the best place in the area to get some shocks/springs installed?

Pep Boys

It's not a Honda, Andy.

You're probably better of finding a friend or board member around here to give you a hand with it. Its really not too hard. Worst case scenario, take the the front strut assembly to a shop to have the top nut impacted. You can put that back in the car relatively easily. The rears are pretty simple to do. After the having to swap out springs and adjusters so many times, I can do it under an hour for both sides.
I looked into having a shop install my coilover set. Checked Currys, Pro-Imports, SSI Auto (Joppa Road, north of Towson), and a couple of smaller shops. Everyone quoted upwards of $350. I suppose if you had to get someone to install it. They quote a $316 flat rate on their site for suspension install (non-Koni, its additional $80 for the cutting for that). They seem to be pretty reputable, and the flat rate pricing is way better than some douchebag mechanic jacking up the hours he worked on your car.

If you have the space to work, definitely do it yourself. Rent the spring compressors, and definitely buy the tool for doing the front strut mount. You'll have to get creative if you don't have the proper tool.

I think I'm strong enough to compress the springs with my arms. According to my calculations, it should work.

Originally posted by dcardenas
I think I'm strong enough to compress the springs with my arms.

:laugh Dude, I have seen you before. Trust me, you are not.

Let's move on to plan B.

Originally posted by dcardenas
I think I'm strong enough to compress the springs with my arms. According to my calculations, it should work.

Hahah, I don't care how big you are, you're not going to be able to do it yourself. I'ld lend you my spring compressors, but I left them in Jersey :( You can easily pick up a set at Autozone or Advanced Auto Parts for $30, and return them the very next day.

Originally posted by dcardenas
It's not a Honda, Andy.

:lol:

you probably wouldnt be able to compress the spring on a bmw but if it was a focus thats a different story...we compress them with our hands at work all the time

now if you had 2 strong guys, like football players you might be able to do it

Actually, the M3 spring can be compressed by hand. I don't know about the regular 3-Series or 318.

yeah, I just did my rears and me and jerome were able to compress them by hand, got to step on the rotor a little bit that's all ;)

Originally posted by GreekM3
yeah, I just did my rears and me and jerome were able to compress them by hand, got to step on the rotor a little bit that's all ;)

:confused: How on earth would you compress a spring by stepping on the rotor?

And why would you need to compress the REAR springs?

:lol: George is lost.

Originally posted by SoloII///M
:confused: How on earth would you compress a spring by stepping on the rotor?

And why would you need to compress the REAR springs?

sorry I worded it wrong:D We stepped on the rotor to give me a little space to pull out the spring from the rear.

I'm obviously not a great DIY'er but I'm trying.......I have no backround on working on cars and everytime is a learning experience:awink:

ill do it, no charge, just some beer. My friend and I can have them on there in a hour...
kinda a far drive for you though...

Beer or lunch for me too, but I live in Ellicott City, and I have the tools.

Originally posted by RRSperry
Beer or lunch for me too, but I live in Ellicott City, and I have the tools.

Where do you want to eat? You can have anything you want from the McDonald's Dollar Menu. JK, LMK.

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