Let talk suspension

[swamper]

So as above...im currently running bilstein b8's with H&R springs.
So in the last few years I'm finding that with the state of the roads that I need more compliance with the suspension.
So the B8s along with the H&Rs are to be replaced....but what with ia the question.
So that's what I'm asking....what are you running and and how's it working out for you?
Cheers
Swamp

 

[GazHyde]

@Nodzed - can't remember what you're running on Willow, but you seem happy with it?

I know the feeling about needing more compliance in the suspension, but I assumed it was age as much as the state of the roads

 

[Nodzed]

Running powerflex all round on the bushes. Spax springs. Bilstein B8 sport shocks.
Great set up IMHO with exception of the Powflex Bushes in the rear beam for me that was a step to far and did make the ride just that bit to harsh the rear beam was done several years after the rest of the upgrades so it was easy to feel the difference. And I resent the inference I am getting old. Your are correct but no need to rub my nose in it

 

[swamper]

Anyone tried coilovers?

 

[Nodzed]

I would go back to OEM with exception of the springs if re doing the M

 

[DavidM]

Anyone tried coilovers?

Interested in this too - particularly KWs.

 

[swamper]

Yeah I thought about this however.... Doesn't the longer shocks affect the spring retention.
The B8s we run are shorter than the OE struts.
Having spoken to Bilstien they said the softest they do is the B4s but they would need to be used with non lowering springs to make sure you retain the springs .
So I'm at a bit of a loss as if only want to raise it by 10 mm at most.

 

[Lee]

The next step for the M's is a KW coilover kit, but with this level of comfort and performance comes a high price tag. Beware though it's in the design of the KW's that make them so good (larger spring) most coil over kits are solid.

 

[swamper]

Around the 1600 quid mark I think they were when I looked...its worth it though if the can be used in rough roads as well as putting it on track

 

[t-tony]

My Z3 had K&W kit on it when I bought it. Very good gear but as Lee says expensive. The man I bought from, Gary Goodyear, told me it cost him £1200 and that was12 years ago now. But, it's still on the car even now.

Tony.

 

[miller1098]

I’ve kw v3 on the Coupé plus h&r anti roll bars the way it’s set now is to low for the way we drive ,but it’s very comfortable and holds the road like shi# to a blanket

 

[t-tony]

On the day @Antm72 came over to help me fit the boot spoiler on my Z4 we went to Saxilby for Fish and Chip dinner. Ant followed me back round some tight bends and he commented that my Z3 was dead flat round all those bends, no body roll at all. It was really planted.

Tony.

 

[miller1098]

On the day @Antm72 came over to help me fit the boot spoiler on my Z4 we went to Saxilby for Fish and Chip dinner. Ant followed me back round some tight bends and he commented that my Z3 was dead flat round all those bends, no body roll at all. It was really planted.

Tony.

I can’t comment on other suspension as I’ve only had standard in the Zand now the kw but it does feel like quite a few competition cars I’ve been driven in .There is so much information on setup it’s way above my pay scale and I don’t have the experience to know what I’m subtly feeling as I’m driving.If I put my buddy Mark in the driving seat he could tell what it would need ,but would it be suitable for me probably not lol.

 

[t-tony]

Our new neighbour (with the 2.8 Z3) has bought himself a Porker and tonight he was telling me a similar tale about getting it set up correctly.
Regarding Mark, it's "Horses for courses" I think.

Tony.

 

[DavidM]

The next step for the M's is a KW coilover kit, but with this level of comfort and performance comes a high price tag. Beware though it's in the design of the KW's that make them so good (larger spring) most coil over kits are solid.

View attachment 158123

Lee - would they be suitable for 2.8 Z3?

 

[Lee]

Lee - would they be suitable for 2.8 Z3?

not this particular kit but they have a normal Zed kit.

 

[Nodzed]

Yeah I thought about this however.... Doesn't the longer shocks affect the spring retention.
The B8s we run are shorter than the OE struts.
Having spoken to Bilstien they said the softest they do is the B4s but they would need to be used with non lowering springs to make sure you retain the springs .
So I'm at a bit of a loss as if only want to raise it by 10 mm at most.

The shorter stroke of the B8 is recommended for lowering spring but are so hard I find. Great fun on a hoon but can be hard on a gentle run.

 

[swamper]

The shorter stroke of the B8 is recommended for lowering spring but are so hard I find. Great fun on a hoon but can be hard on a gentle run.

Thats the problem I'm having right there...so Good at speed but just cursing around with the roads round here which are shocking ....its bone jaring

 

[Lee]

Thats the problem I'm having right there...so Good at speed but just cursing around with the roads round here which are shocking ....its bone jaring

I'll add it to your list

Your tab has some healthy numbers now

 

[swamper]

I'll add it to your list

Your tab has some healthy numbers now

Nothing changes