The shocks on my M3 are starting to go out so I'm looking to upgrade to CO's.

Looking at either one of these:

KONI
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?&make=Koni&model=Threaded+Suspension+Kit&group=Threaded+Suspension+Kit&autoMake=BMW&autoModel=M3+Coupe&autoYear=1997&autoModClar=&partNum=1150-5023&perfCode=S

BILSTEIN
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?&make=Bilstein&model=PSS9+Coil-Over+Kit&group=PSS9+Coil-Over+Kit&autoMake=BMW&autoModel=M3+Coupe&autoYear=1997&autoModClar=&partNum=F4.GM5.B567.H0&perfCode=S


Anyone that can get these at a better price? :help

Go with TC Kline or Ground Control.

They both have options for full front coilovers without re-using and gutting your stock front suspension in order to do the install

H&R and Koni both have progressive spring rates and aren't worth the money.

Go with TC Kline S/A and you won't miss the extra couple hundred dollars you spent.

Do progressive rate springs make the ride less harsh?

FWIW, KW's are supposed to be pretty good as well.

http://www.kw-suspension.com/en/

Do progressive rate springs make the ride less harsh?

That's the idea, normal driving around town, you have a softer spring rate. When you push it harder in the corners, it increases the stiffness of the spring.

I run H&R coilovers in most of my cars (KW V2s on the M5) I really like the ride typically. Installed a set of H&Rs in my Dad's 98 M3 as well, nice handling and ride quality. Firm but not too stiff. I also like Bilsteins and Konis. Not a fan of GC.

Check out TKO in Auburn, good prices and service :)
www.tkomotorwerks.com

Go with TC Kline or Ground Control.

They both have options for full front coilovers without re-using and gutting your stock front suspension in order to do the install

H&R and Koni both have progressive spring rates and aren't worth the money.

Go with TC Kline S/A and you won't miss the extra couple hundred dollars you spent.

If he's not autocrossing/tracking/competing in it, then progressive versus linear springs are pretty moot.

considered tein? quality cos

I suppose I should've mentioned that the car won't be tracked. It may see the track one day but that's not really why I'm buying the CO's.

Gonna look up some of the recommended ones at work tonight. Thanks guys!

We got anyone local that can get CO's for less than what the popular online vendors offer? Much obliged.

If he's not autocrossing/tracking/competing in it, then progressive versus linear springs are pretty moot.

Again, know what you're talking about, then talk.

Who here has run both KW V2's and an all out track suspension from TC Kline? Me.

KW V2's are nice, don't get me wrong. But they leave you wanting more and you can't use the stock swaybar endlinks.

Now that I'm running 500 up front and 600 in the rear (linear) the car handles WAY BETTER and is livable on the streets of seattle. Since install I've put 2,000 miles on the suspension.

If you're going with coilovers, you might as well do it right the first time, put some good linear springs on it and be done with it. The ride quality that progressive springs give you aren't much better than linear, but linear perform MUCH better and progressive and are much more predictable.

If you're not going with a set of coilovers with linear springs, you might as well just get a set of bilsteins or knoi's and get upgraded springs and save $600

Again, know what you're talking about, then talk.

Who here has run both KW V2's and an all out track suspension from TC Kline? Me.

Meh.

I've got a set of the Vorshlag AST4100 coilovers and camber plates, but I actually track my car.

Coilovers on a street car that doesn't see any track duty is a waste of money, but if he's hellbent on getting coilovers at an inexpensive price then there's no sense in worrying about linear versus progressive spings.

if you're looking for the best bang for your buck, i'd go with tein SS. i think there is a group buy for it..pretty good deal. some people swear by them, some dont.

if you're looking for the best bang for your buck, i'd go with tein SS. i think there is a group buy for it..pretty good deal. some people swear by them, some dont.

Yah been watching thata Group Buy, lots of mixed feelings on Tein's. Too bad the Koni Group Buy is for the E46 models only. :(

But again, I'm not trying to get the absolute best possible coilovers availible for my car. Let's say the price range is $1400~ I'm not looking to start a debate here (there's plenty of those on this topic already), I just wanna know if a local member might be able to help another local out with a discount. Don't dig into each other's throats.

Tein has completely fixed their endlink tab issues.

Mick loves his last time I checked.

No one that I know of slings this stuff locally.

Vorshlag is ALL hype until I see otherwise, they the motoforce camberplates rock though.

I have a little over a thousand miles on my Tein Basics and really like them so far. I installed them (with some help...thanks again Seth) and was really impressed with the quality of everything. The ride is definitely stiffer but that's kind of the point. The handling improvement is unbelievable but my stock stuff was pretty worn out at 78K so anything would probably have felt better. I can't wait for driving schools this summer.

$.02 for what it's worth.

I know AR sells them down here in Portland. I actually called to speak to the Tein tech support after I installed them and they knew AR (and Eddie at AR). I am sure he would be willing to ship them and I actually have a good friend in Seattle I would like to visit soon so I could even bring them up if the timing worked out.

Anyway, good luck. I have really enjoyed my suspension upgrade so far and I bet you'll be happy with whatever you end up with.

the install is CAKE and it's a great way to learn about your car 6 bolts for each side of front and 3 bolts for each side in the rear.

You need 2 18mm sockets for the lower portions of the front and rear struts and 13mm sockets for the top.

Yo Mitchel, i have to disagree with you here... as u know, i have GC coilovers with constant spring rates (450/550) and they're a little too harsh for the street... the car handles like it's on rails and i don't regret getting them for a second, but i do track the car, and for a pure street setup i'd go with something else. Something with progressive-rate springs.

My buddy just put some H&R Race springs (progressive-rate) in his car, which gave it a really nice aggressive stance - about as low as I have my C/Os set up right now - and his ride is much smoother. Mine is more responsive, but Lenny, you're doing it mostly for looks, right? And added performance is a plus, but since you're not tracking the car, you don't really need constant-rate springs. Do you even need coilovers? If you do want adjustability, for your purposes I'd get the TC Kline basics - if they give you full ride height adjustability - i don't remember if they do. I'd say just go with the cheapest ones (but still from a respected brand) that give you adjustability. The handling is still gonna be way better than stock.

Yo Mitchel, i have to disagree with you here... as u know, i have GC coilovers with constant spring rates (450/550) and they're a little too harsh for the street... the car handles like it's on rails and i don't regret getting them for a second, but i do track the car, and for a pure street setup i'd go with something else. Something with progressive-rate springs.

My buddy just put some H&R Race springs (progressive-rate) in his car, which gave it a really nice aggressive stance - about as low as I have my C/Os set up right now - and his ride is much smoother. Mine is more responsive, but Lenny, you're doing it mostly for looks, right? And added performance is a plus, but since you're not tracking the car, you don't really need constant-rate springs. Do you even need coilovers? If you do want adjustability, for your purposes I'd get the TC Kline basics - if they give you full ride height adjustability - i don't remember if they do. I'd say just go with the cheapest ones (but still from a respected brand) that give you adjustability. The handling is still gonna be way better than stock.

Coupe!!!

Your input is wise as always. How 'bout that discount though? Everyone's missing the point lol. :lol I love teh interwebz.

Where have you been anyway? We miss you at the meets yo. :(

i've been busy...
and i've got a new bimmer project - an e21. i'm swapping an e30 325i engine into it.

sorry bro, no info on special hook-ups for coilovers...

TEIN FTW!
Just about to order my pillowball upper mounts from jaaapan lol

I can refer you to my local TEIN vendor at worldone performance down in Kent if your interested.

TEIN FTW!
Just about to order my pillowball upper mounts from jaaapan lol

I can refer you to my local TEIN vendor at worldone performance down in Kent if your interested.

Which TEIN coilovers did you end up choosing? The basic street setup looks good but the pricetag has me worried about the quality and how long they'll last. From what I've read the TEIN CO's have really come a long way since they first came out for the E36.

Yo Mitchel, i have to disagree with you here... as u know, i have GC coilovers with constant spring rates (450/550) and they're a little too harsh for the street... the car handles like it's on rails and i don't regret getting them for a second, but i do track the car, and for a pure street setup i'd go with something else. Something with progressive-rate springs.

My buddy just put some H&R Race springs (progressive-rate) in his car, which gave it a really nice aggressive stance - about as low as I have my C/Os set up right now - and his ride is much smoother. Mine is more responsive, but Lenny, you're doing it mostly for looks, right? And added performance is a plus, but since you're not tracking the car, you don't really need constant-rate springs. Do you even need coilovers? If you do want adjustability, for your purposes I'd get the TC Kline basics - if they give you full ride height adjustability - i don't remember if they do. I'd say just go with the cheapest ones (but still from a respected brand) that give you adjustability. The handling is still gonna be way better than stock.

But but but but how can you question mitchel's opinion since he has "an all out track suspension from TC Kline" which clearly invalidates all other opinions?

But but but but how can you question mitchel's opinion since he has "an all out track suspension from TC Kline" which clearly invalidates all other opinions?

I can't stop chuckling when I say TC Kline... sounds like a designer clothing brand. :rofl

i am thinking about going with G-C S/A coilovers for mine, mabey this spring

I don't think you'll be disappointed with the build, fit and finish quality of the Basics at all.

The research I did led me to believe that the SS are almost identical to the Basics in build, spring rates, dampening, etc. You can just do more with the SS (add pillow ball, add in cab dampening adjustment, etc.)

But but but but how can you question mitchel's opinion since he has "an all out track suspension from TC Kline" which clearly invalidates all other opinions?
come on, these forums are not about shitting on each other, they're about helping each other, right? everyone has their own opinion/experience. when i disagree, i do it respectfully.

come on, these forums are not about shitting on each other, they're about helping each other, right? everyone has their own opinion/experience. when i disagree, i do it respectfully.

Why don't you call him on it then? I never tried to invalidate anyone's opinion because it disagreed with mine.

Again, know what you're talking about, then talk.

Who here has run both KW V2's and an all out track suspension from TC Kline? Me.

Well yeah, I should call him on it too.

Mitchel, consider yourself called on.

:)

lol

just have fun guys, no need for hostility.
but in all seriousness, mitchel (who is my friend) should probably be a little more respectful when disagreeing too.

lenny, as far as finding a good deal goes, you could consider buying used... it'll probably serve your needs perfectly, if you find an honest seller that's not gonna lie to you about the condition of the shocks. the springs pretty much never go bad (if they're well-made, that is). but the shocks can get blown or partly blown.
anyway, look into used ones. that's how i got my setup and I paid less than $500.

Well yeah, I should call him on it too.

Mitchel, consider yourself called on.

:)

lol

just have fun guys, no need for hostility.
but in all seriousness, mitchel (who is my friend) should probably be a little more respectful when disagreeing too.

lenny, as far as finding a good deal goes, you could consider buying used... it'll probably serve your needs perfectly, if you find an honest seller that's not gonna lie to you about the condition of the shocks. the springs pretty much never go bad (if they're well-made, that is). but the shocks can get blown or partly blown.
anyway, look into used ones. that's how i got my setup and I paid less than $500.

Yah you're right about the used deal. Been watching the forums for some good deals, lots of shocks + springs combos though. I'd prefer new though. Thx Todor!

anyone who knows mitchel, understands how the mitchel works:)

if i were going to go with street coilovers i would research H&R and PSS9's before anything else, i have had good experiences with Tien products (no bmw's though) as well as Eibach. There are some other cheap kits (belkkers has a really cheap set but not that good of quality from what i have read), as far as track coilovers go, there are a lot of great options, TC kline and GC are the most popular umong us. I help Brave Ulysses with his Vorshlag kit and they are nice, the ride is good, the hardware is good, little on the pricey side for my taste though.

Progressive rate springs provide good ride quality untill they ramp up (like in a corner) bot dont provide the quick response from a liner spring (which is why Liner are good for track/race) but as far as general cornering ablity go they are very similar, it is mostly the initial response that is diffrent.

Getting something with an adjustable shock may not be nessacary with a progressive spring as well, the reason to adjust your shock is to increase or decrease the amount of movement that is allowed in the suspension travel, more compression damping means the car sinks slower in a corner and visa-versa.

With a progressive rate spring coilover kit, generaly with a quality kit the shocks are well matched to the spring rates that the kit provides.

A good coilover kit that is for the street can also be very good on the track, you will just not be setting any lap times with them, you need some high spring rates and a good amouint of camber for that. just food for thought

Well yeah, I should call him on it too.

Mitchel, consider yourself called on.

:)

lol

just have fun guys, no need for hostility.
but in all seriousness, mitchel (who is my friend) should probably be a little more respectful when disagreeing too.

lenny, as far as finding a good deal goes, you could consider buying used... it'll probably serve your needs perfectly, if you find an honest seller that's not gonna lie to you about the condition of the shocks. the springs pretty much never go bad (if they're well-made, that is). but the shocks can get blown or partly blown.
anyway, look into used ones. that's how i got my setup and I paid less than $500.

You should buy my old KW's from Roman as a starting point. You COULD put linear springs and stiffer springs up front as you progress and desire more. They're very high quality and the finish is virtually rust proof.

As it stands right now, the KW's are very streetable setup. It's just not my cup of tea because I drive the living hell out of my car and treat the street like it's my own personal track...especially at night. They will give you the drop you want and a very good ride.

They'll get down too, just not as well as the TCK's.

Todor, you still need to take mine for a spin =)

Why don't you call him on it then? I never tried to invalidate anyone's opinion because it disagreed with mine.

Why would anyone call me out for being rude? I'm nice to the people that know me and matter. I've made A LOT of friends on these boards.

I'm nice to most people until they start saying stupid shit.

"Stop recommending summer tires for winter use. It's stupid and inane to keep suggesting it." - Braveulysses to Me

which pretty much invalidates what you just said.

but enough about that...

look into my old KW's, seriously. You might like what I didn't like about them (just get the shorted endlinks for $100), there's a KW distributor down in Auburn that you can buy them from.

but enough about that...

look into my old KW's, seriously. You might like what I didn't like about them (just get the shorted endlinks for $100), there's a KW distributor down in Auburn that you can buy them from.

I hit them up a few days ago and they can't really offer a very good price.. :( Kinda looking to spend $1200-ish. The H&R setup is looking pretty intriguing, so is the PSS9 setup. Lots of choices start to pop up when you think further down the road. :eyecrazy

Why would anyone call me out for being rude? I'm nice to the people that know me and matter. I've made A LOT of friends on these boards.

:rolleyes

I'm nice to most people until they start saying stupid shit.

"Stop recommending summer tires for winter use. It's stupid and inane to keep suggesting it." - Braveulysses to Me

which pretty much invalidates what you just said.

It is stupid and inane to suggest summer tires to someone who is specifically asking for winter or allseason tire recommendations.

We're all really, really, really impressed that you run a stiff suspension and summer tires in the winter to show how cool you are.

this is a coilover thread...there's another thread specifically geared towards this argument.

this is a coilover thread...there's another thread specifically geared towards this argument.

Being the OP n all, my intent was to find someone local that might be able to get CO's at a discount. Not really discuss spring rates because we end up here. Most every reply was OT because people keep shoving "suggestions" in people's faces. The tire thread went OT as well due to the same reason.

I managed to get a good deal for the Pirelli's thanks to a PM. ;) But you know, thanks for the input.

turnermotorsports sells both the H&R coils as well as the pss9's are about as good of deal as you are going to find anywhere, also tirerack.com does to, yuo might want to search the group buys or even get one going with one of those two, i have had great experiences with turner C/S

turnermotorsports sells both the H&R coils as well as the pss9's are about as good of deal as you are going to find anywhere, also tirerack.com does to, yuo might want to search the group buys or even get one going with one of those two, i have had great experiences with turner C/S

Thanks! Gonna look into Turner. :buttrock