Suspension Dilemma

[ZTec]

I think its time I renewed the suspension on my Zed, thing is I'm torn between standard or coil overs, lowered or not. It's a 1.9 M44 running on original size wheels and tyres. I'm sure many of you have been through the same predicament over the years. What can you suggest. I don't want to spend a fortune.

 

[GazHyde]

Eibach pro's give a 30mm drop from standard, along with Bilstein B4 shocks for the best look with relatively standard handling.

Or you can fit B6 shocks for some what sportier handling.

Either way, Eibachs over coil overs.

 

[ZTec]

Eibach pro's give a 30mm drop from standard, along with Bilstein B4 shocks for the best look with relatively standard handling.

Or you can fit B6 shocks for some what sportier handling.

Either way, Eibachs over coil overs.

Thanks Gaz, any brand of coil overs?

 

[GazHyde]

You get what you pay for with coilovers. I bought some cheap ones and took them off a thousand miles later.

Unless you need the adjustability then I would stick with standards springs.

Others will need to comment what's a good brand.

 

[ZTec]

You get what you pay for with coilovers. I bought some cheap ones and took them off a thousand miles later.

Unless you need the adjustability then I would stick with standards springs.

Others will need to comment what's a good brand.

Many thanks Gaz

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

Some members have had this problem and gone down the route of adding about 75kg of ballast around their waist to help the car sit lower, dedication!

Or, a z3 I just bought and will be tracking in a few weeks on ST coilovers and shocks and handles really well in the road, from the same manufacturer as KW

 

[ZTec]

Some members have had this problem and gone down the route of adding about 75kg of ballast around their waist to help the car sit lower, dedication!

Or, a z3 I just bought and will be tracking in a few weeks on ST coilovers and shocks and handles really well in the road, from the same manufacturer as KW

 

[mktommo]

I think its time I renewed the suspension on my Zed, thing is I'm torn between standard or coil overs, lowered or not. It's a 1.9 M44 running on original size wheels and tyres. I'm sure many of you have been through the same predicament over the years. What can you suggest. I don't want to spend a fortune.
View attachment 33810

@ZTec - let us know what you do and what you think when you've done it! I'm also proposing to do 'something' with my suspension this year and have the very same dilemma. My Zed has similar looks to yours (Atlanta Blue 1.9 M44 on Zedstar alloys) and am really eager for feedback and photos from others on aesthetics and handling before I make my mind up - probably won't get round to it until just before MOT time in October.

 

[ZTec]

@ZTec - let us know what you do and what you think when you've done it! I'm also proposing to do 'something' with my suspension this year and have the very same dilemma. My Zed has similar looks to yours (Atlanta Blue 1.9 M44 on Zedstar alloys) and am really eager for feedback and photos from others on aesthetics and handling before I make my mind up - probably won't get round to it until just before MOT time in October.

I certainly will. Spent a long time today sat out in the sun with a few beers and my iPad looking at loads of different types, it's a minefield.

 

[t-tony]

You could do far worse than fit some Eibach springs as they work well with standard shocks and/or replace the shocks with OEM ones if yours are tired.

Tony.

 

[ZTec]

You could do far worse than fit some Eibach springs as they work well with standard shocks and/or replace the shocks with OEM ones if yours are tired.

Tony.

That sounds about right for me, I don't really want to lower the car if I can help it so what you have suggested makes sense. Are the OEM shocks Sachs on the M44? As you can tell, I don't know much about suspensions.

 

[Antm72]

I would imagine they are Sach its a good brand to use i have them on my 2.8 and they perform well.

 

[5harp3y]

I've got eibach springs on mineplus brand new bilstein b4s and it's ace.

If you what longevity and performance from coilovers you need to spend upwards of £800

 

[t-tony]

That sounds about right for me, I don't really want to lower the car if I can help it so what you have suggested makes sense. Are the OEM shocks Sachs on the M44? As you can tell, I don't know much about suspensions.

If you're not wanting to lower you car then the best bet is to replace everything with standard stock springs and shockers. If you just want to refresh the original, this is the way to do it.

Tony.

 

[GazHyde]

re the OEM shocks Sachs on the M44?

Sachs/Boge are OEM fitment but couldn't tell you what you had on there originally. My OEM shocks were stamped BMW as a lot of third party produced "OEM" stuff is. Sachs are now coming branded as Boge - been the same company for a long time now - but they seem to prefer printing that name on the boxes at the moment.

Bilsteins have such a good reputation as a replacement for OEM.

Whichever way you go make sure you check the German sellers on eBay as they are a lot cheaper than the UK sellers for Eibach & Bilstein. No idea on Sachs/Boge because I wasn't going to fit them.

 

[ZTec]

I've got eibach springs on mineplus brand new bilstein b4s and it's ace.

If you what longevity and performance from coilovers you need to spend upwards of £800

Just priced up B4's on Demon Tweeks, £26!!!!! For fronts Is that right.? Seems cheap for a better shock than the original Sachs.

 

[t-tony]

Just priced up B4's on Demon Tweeks, £26!!!!! For fronts Is that right.?

Sounds incredibly cheap to me .

Tony.

 

[GazHyde]

That was a starting from price...

 

[ZTec]

That was a starting from price...
View attachment 33860

Bugger, I was wondering why my iPad was stuck on that page. Thanks Gaz

 

[GazHyde]

One alternative is a complete kit - Eibach pros and Bilstein B4's for all four corners. Obviously will lower the car 30mm.

Full set of B4's on this link £280 UK Seller.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bilstein-...pe:1.9&hash=item4d2e5dc8e4:g:fR0AAOSwcL5XNdCc

Obviously these are a couple of quick searches and you would need to confirm they are the correct ones for your car

b*****, I was wondering why my iPad was stuck on that page. Thanks Gaz

I've always found Demon Tweeks website incredibly slow to browse.