F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Today's Posts
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Suspension | Chassis | Brakes > Should I Get Coilovers?!
ARMA SPEED
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      12-15-2021, 09:54 AM   #1
simplyeric
Private First Class
70
Rep
131
Posts

Drives: F30 2018 330i
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: South Korea

iTrader: (0)

Should I Get Coilovers?!

Currently on stock. Just using 19" inch wheels for now.

Looking into the KW's and nothing else as I don't want to just replace springs.

Would upgrading the suspension be a major difference to finish off the tuning process? Or is the stock suspension suffice?

Of course a lowered look is the side benefit for its confident looks.

Thank you.
Attached Images
   
Appreciate 0
      12-15-2021, 10:34 AM   #2
McGyv3r
Second Lieutenant
United_States
161
Rep
245
Posts

Drives: 1989 325i & 2014 335i
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Philadelphia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 BMW 335i  [0.00]
1989 BMW 325i  [0.00]
That depends on what you're trying to accomplish and how much you're willing to spend.
  • If you just want the car lower, get any cheap lowering springs.
  • If you want more aggressive / crisper handling with a harsher ride, get a combo of quality springs and shocks designed for your type of driving.
  • If you want full adjustability and plan to track the car, quality coil-overs are a good option.
Appreciate 0
      12-15-2021, 12:04 PM   #3
simplyeric
Private First Class
70
Rep
131
Posts

Drives: F30 2018 330i
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: South Korea

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by McGyv3r View Post
That depends on what you're trying to accomplish and how much you're willing to spend.
  • If you just want the car lower, get any cheap lowering springs.
  • If you want more aggressive / crisper handling with a harsher ride, get a combo of quality springs and shocks designed for your type of driving.
  • If you want full adjustability and plan to track the car, quality coil-overs are a good option.
Thanks for the answer. What if I just want it for pure cosmetic looks without wanting to sacrifice the ride quality too much, with the added benefit of performance even if it's thw slightest?
Appreciate 0
      12-15-2021, 01:27 PM   #4
cfm56d7b
Lieutenant General
United_States
5886
Rep
10,256
Posts

Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by simplyeric View Post
Thanks for the answer. What if I just want it for pure cosmetic looks without wanting to sacrifice the ride quality too much, with the added benefit of performance even if it's thw slightest?
What's your budget for the suspension upgrade project?
Appreciate 0
      12-15-2021, 02:00 PM   #5
McGyv3r
Second Lieutenant
United_States
161
Rep
245
Posts

Drives: 1989 325i & 2014 335i
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Philadelphia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 BMW 335i  [0.00]
1989 BMW 325i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by simplyeric View Post
Thanks for the answer. What if I just want it for pure cosmetic looks without wanting to sacrifice the ride quality too much, with the added benefit of performance even if it's thw slightest?
Everything is a compromise. The stock suspension is a good middle ground of comfort and performance. Lowering the car leaves less room for suspension travel before scraping. People also tend to lower cars to prevent body roll. Both of these require stiffer shocks and springs, which leads to a harsher ride.

"too much" of a harsh ride is really subjective. I have fun with a low car and stiff suspension in my e30, but I want my f30 to be quiet and comfortable.
Appreciate 0
      12-15-2021, 11:45 PM   #6
Logicoeur
Lieutenant Colonel
Logicoeur's Avatar
993
Rep
1,934
Posts

Drives: F30 335i xDrive
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Boston

iTrader: (0)

Coilovers full stop.

Don't do springs on old struts. Don't try and match springs to aftermarket struts.

For looks and comfort get kw streetcomfort or bilstein comfort. Can't beat those.
__________________
F30 335iX | Remus Axleback | Fabspeed Catted DP | VRSF Comp IC | 18X9 ET35 19lb MT1 | 255/40/18 ECS | Ohlins RT Millway Street | Millway Control Arm Bushings | Turner Endlinks | TMH 75mm 14x1.5 Studs | BMW MPerf LSD | XDelete | Pipercross Filter | MHD Stg2 93
Appreciate 1
cfm56d7b5886.00
      12-16-2021, 09:53 AM   #7
mike@x-ph.com
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
mike@x-ph.com's Avatar
United_States
24199
Rep
190,807
Posts


Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Las Vegas

iTrader: (23)

From what you described, Coilover is the best option for you. Checkout KW or Bilstein
__________________
Check out our current sale by clicking on this link!
https://x-ph.com/sale/

Phone number 702-494-9435
Appreciate 0
      12-16-2021, 10:50 AM   #8
cfm56d7b
Lieutenant General
United_States
5886
Rep
10,256
Posts

Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Logicoeur View Post
Coilovers full stop.

Don't do springs on old struts. Don't try and match springs to aftermarket struts.

For looks and comfort get kw streetcomfort or bilstein comfort. Can't beat those.
Echoing the same. KW Street Comfort coilovers are an excellent product. Had these on my previous 335i sedan.
Appreciate 0
      12-17-2021, 03:10 PM   #9
simplyeric
Private First Class
70
Rep
131
Posts

Drives: F30 2018 330i
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: South Korea

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by cfm56d7b View Post
What's your budget for the suspension upgrade project?
My budget is around 2-3K for any good entry coilovers!!
Appreciate 0
      12-17-2021, 03:12 PM   #10
simplyeric
Private First Class
70
Rep
131
Posts

Drives: F30 2018 330i
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: South Korea

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by McGyv3r View Post
Everything is a compromise. The stock suspension is a good middle ground of comfort and performance. Lowering the car leaves less room for suspension travel before scraping. People also tend to lower cars to prevent body roll. Both of these require stiffer shocks and springs, which leads to a harsher ride.

"too much" of a harsh ride is really subjective. I have fun with a low car and stiff suspension in my e30, but I want my f30 to be quiet and comfortable.
I understand the pain I think there are definitely trade-offs when it comes to lowering due to scraping.. We got some crazy speedbumps and literally 65 degree angle drive in points for the driveways here in Korea.. I have to call up the owners of all the restaurants before I even think about going to go eat out lmao.

You think with my setup it's possible to lower it without any rubbing issues?

225 40 19 front
255 35 19 rear
Appreciate 0
      12-17-2021, 03:13 PM   #11
simplyeric
Private First Class
70
Rep
131
Posts

Drives: F30 2018 330i
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: South Korea

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Logicoeur View Post
Coilovers full stop.

Don't do springs on old struts. Don't try and match springs to aftermarket struts.

For looks and comfort get kw streetcomfort or bilstein comfort. Can't beat those.
Yeah, I've done so much research on coilovers, it's literally between apples and oranges at this point. I've set my mind on the KW street comforts.

Do you have any idea if there will be rubbing issues with the current tire setup?

225 40 19 front
255 35 19 rear

Don't want any rubbing issues. Just curious how much lower I can go without rubbing.
Appreciate 0
      12-17-2021, 03:14 PM   #12
simplyeric
Private First Class
70
Rep
131
Posts

Drives: F30 2018 330i
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: South Korea

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by cfm56d7b View Post
Echoing the same. KW Street Comfort coilovers are an excellent product. Had these on my previous 335i sedan.
Ugg seems like KW SC's is what everyone is echoing.

You know if there will be any issues with rubbing with my current tire setup?

225 40 19 front
255 35 19 rear

Also got a front lip on, I'm so scared of scraping lmao
Appreciate 0
      12-17-2021, 03:18 PM   #13
cfm56d7b
Lieutenant General
United_States
5886
Rep
10,256
Posts

Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by simplyeric View Post
Ugg seems like KW SC's is what everyone is echoing.

You know if there will be any issues with rubbing with my current tire setup?

225 40 19 front
255 35 19 rear

Also got a front lip on, I'm so scared of scraping lmao
With the front lip, your car is at the mercy of architects who designed on / off ramps and water drainage depressions in the pavement. KW Street Comfort coilovers can be set at nearly OEM height. If rubbing does not occur today, there is high confidence it will not be an issue.
Appreciate 0
      12-17-2021, 03:23 PM   #14
simplyeric
Private First Class
70
Rep
131
Posts

Drives: F30 2018 330i
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: South Korea

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by cfm56d7b View Post
With the front lip, your car is at the mercy of architects who designed on / off ramps and water drainage depressions in the pavement. KW Street Comfort coilovers can be set at nearly OEM height. If rubbing does not occur today, there is high confidence it will not be an issue.
I'm getting crazy scrapes even with the OEM m sport suspension height, it's almost ridiculous lol. I can't imagine going any lower, but I do want to fill the wheel gap even further (refer to the attached pics!).

It's a battle against looks vs performance.. Here in korea we have literally 30-45 degree angle parking lot off ramps just to get into parking lots w/ a crap ton of speed bumps. I am surviving barely on the current setup.

What you think? Should I lower it a tad bit more? Getting about 2-3 fingers in between the gaps as we speak.

Also, you mentioned that rubbing shouldn't be an issue for oem height obviously, but what about any lower?
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:25 PM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST