DIY video: M Performance Height Adjustable Suspension (HAS) install

[Tommy L Garage]

I know that there are a couple of threads with pictures on installing the M Performance suspension but I don’t think I’ve seen a video.
I had a chance to tackle this job last week and I’ve got to say it was pretty straightforward. I used some tutorials from this website to get the job done. Thanks Carlos - you know who you are

Initially I was very worried about not having a press to do the front suspension. It turns out all you need is a big hammer and that’s it. I was able to hammer everything in place and it sits as it should. I highlighted it in the video in full detail

The front suspension was very easy. I used the jack to loosen up the tension from the spring and undo the top not. Then I dropped everything.

In the back - I marked the camber adjustment bolt to get me in the ball park after I put everything back together, but overall it was also very easy.

What’s annoying about the suspension is the fact that the rear springs are pretty difficult to adjust once you install them. They are hard to get to so make sure you start with a ball park Height to get you started.

The ride quality is a lot better. One of the first things I noticed compared to just the springs is how noticeable are the various suspension settings. With the springs everything felt pretty similar, and comfort did not feel very comfortable. With this setup comfort is comfortable and sport plus is very sporty. I’m super happy with It. Corner balancing is getting done next week and track time hopefully later this month.

Enjoy the clip - hope this helps you out with your DIY.

Oh and this is very similar to KW and Dinan HAS systems when it comes to the installation.

[SherM4n]

FWIW, a plier-type oil filter wrench makes adjusting the rears much easier. It can chew up the finish a bit on the ring, though, so be careful.

[Mr. Hankey]

Great video Tommy! Nice job with the install and pointing out some of the lesser published details. You motivated me to go out and drop my front a bit more...at 8 threads just like you did. Now mine is level!

[Tommy L Garage]

Originally Posted by rhk118

Great video Tommy! Nice job with the install and pointing out some of the lesser published details. You motivated me to go out and drop my front a bit more...at 8 threads just like you did. Now mine is level!

Thanks!
I'm at 5 threads now in the front

[Mr. Hankey]

Originally Posted by Tommy L Garage

Thanks!
I'm at 5 threads now in the front

Well I saw you set it to 8, then like a little kid couldn't wait! Mine was at 13 threads up in front...but now I guess I know what I'm doing again next weekend

You notice more scraping with your lip now lowered?

[matty088]

Originally Posted by Tommy L Garage

Thanks!
I'm at 5 threads now in the front

How is the sport plus? Does the car handle tighter than stock? I suppose u can’t recall

[Alan l.]

Good video. Just watched it with my kids next to me

One recommendation that I just found out in my own "clicking suspension" thread is that if your strut collar bolt isn't tight enough it will cause clicking sounds when you are turning the wheel at very slow speeds. I believe that bolt is only suppose to be 50lbs ft tq but I don't think its enough. Several others reported the same fix for their cars as well. I replaced my 7K mile strut top hat thinking it was the issue when it was just the collar bolt not being tight enough I guess during my MS spring install.

Alan

[jmciver]

Great video. I definitely will use it as I am also considering this suspension upgrade - installing it myself should I do it. But I have a related question.... Based on the fact you DD your M3 AND you take your car to the track periodically, did you consider installing camber plates when installing the HAS kit? Why or why not?

[Porsha]

Thank you for this!

My set arrives this week (prior to my car haha) and can't wait to get them installed and put them through their paces.

[Tommy L Garage]

Originally Posted by matty088

How is the sport plus? Does the car handle tighter than stock? I suppose u can’t recall

Yes - sport plus seems tighter for sure - but very compliant. I mean it's definitely an upgrade

Originally Posted by Alan l.

Good video. Just watched it with my kids next to me

One recommendation that I just found out in my own "clicking suspension" thread is that if your strut collar bolt isn't tight enough it will cause clicking sounds when you are turning the wheel at very slow speeds. I believe that bolt is only suppose to be 50lbs ft tq but I don't think its enough. Several others reported the same fix for their cars as well. I replaced my 7K mile strut top hat thinking it was the issue when it was just the collar bolt not being tight enough I guess during my MS spring install.

Alan

I hope this wasn't a horror movie that you picked for your kids

Regarding the clicking - I don't have any but that's good to know. I actually did have clicking with my springs - so hopefully I tightened them enough

Originally Posted by jmciver

Great video. I definitely will use it as I am also considering this suspension upgrade - installing it myself should I do it. But I have a related question.... Based on the fact you DD your M3 AND you take your car to the track periodically, did you consider installing camber plates when installing the HAS kit? Why or why not?

Thanks! And honestly I did consider camber plates BEFORE my first track day. After that I realized that my tire wear in the front was perfect, so I did not want to change something that wasn't broken. I get my car aligned "as close to stock as possible" so perhaps that helps. I track the car to have fun - not really to be super competitive. Perhaps guys who drive at the very limit need them?

Originally Posted by Porsha

Thank you for this!

My set arrives this week (prior to my car haha) and can't wait to get them installed and put them through their paces.

Awesome! You'll be happy with them. Doing it yourself?

[Porsha]

Originally Posted by Tommy L Garage

Awesome! You'll be happy with them. Doing it yourself?

I'm considering it and videos like this help for sure.

One question as I've seen people post about this. After the install, is there any coding needed for the suspension so the EDC resets the compression and rebound rates with the new springs?

[Tommy L Garage]

Originally Posted by Porsha

I'm considering it and videos like this help for sure.

One question as I've seen people post about this. After the install, is there any coding needed for the suspension so the EDC resets the compression and rebound rates with the new springs?

Technically The manual calls for it but I didn’t do it and I really had no issues. I think it’s to ensure you have the latest and greatest software.

[allinon72]

The most useful DIY videos are those done by normal guys with normal tools in the driveway. Thanks Tommy.

[x.shell]

Good job TL. I added the video to the Master Suspension thread.

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1143161

[jmciver]

So what are you going to do with the extra set of front EDC dampers . For some of my DIYs in the past I have purchased "practice" parts before (in fact there are still some of them in my garage now )...

[Tommy L Garage]

Originally Posted by jmciver

So what are you going to do with the extra set of front EDC dampers . For some of my DIYs in the past I have purchased "practice" parts before (in fact there are still some of them in my garage now )...

Originally Posted by x.shell

Good job TL. I added the video to the Master Suspension thread.

Thanks!!!

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1143161

Originally Posted by jmciver

So what are you going to do with the extra set of front EDC dampers . For some of my DIYs in the past I have purchased "practice" parts before (in fact there are still some of them in my garage now )...

Haha funny. I actually ended up borrowing a set from a friend. I gave him back my fronts after the swap.

[minn19]

Hmm, I should of posted my video of my MP HAS install. Drop off car at dealer and pick up 5 series loaner. Drop off loaner tomorrow and pick up car, done!

Kidding aside, I wish I had the time and confidence to do DIYs like this. Great job and great videos, thanks for them!

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by minn19

Hmm, I should of posted my video of my MP HAS install. Drop off car at dealer and pick up 5 series loaner. Drop off loaner tomorrow and pick up car, done!

Kidding aside, I wish I had the time and confidence to do DIYs like this. Great job and great videos, thanks for them!

The benefit of a dealer install is the peace of mind that comes with a full warranty.

[Tommy L Garage]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

The benefit of a dealer install is the peace of mind that comes with a full warranty.

What is the warranty for? Springs breaking? Or struts leaking?
If my struts leak the dealer would still replace them under warranty. I’ve got a great relationship with my guy and he gets $100 from me every time I go

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Tommy L Garage

What is the warranty for? Springs breaking? Or struts leaking?
If my struts leak the dealer would still replace them under warranty. I’ve got a great relationship with my guy and he gets $100 from me every time I go

Could be anything. As an example, recently I had the front strut accelerometer go, putting the chassis functions in limp mode at the track. Dealer fixed it no questions asked. If I'd done the MP-HAS installation myself, they might have blamed that for the faulty sensor. Like I said, it is a question of "peace of mind".

But, you're right, a good relationship with one's dealer goes a long way. I am very happy with the relationship I have with my dealer, they've been great with me .

[minn19]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

The benefit of a dealer install is the peace of mind that comes with a full warranty.

Agreed and peace of mind it was done correctly in my case. The rears don't look bad, but no way I'd want to tackle the fronts unless I had someone experienced (such as Tommy) helping me.

[Tommy L Garage]

Originally Posted by minn19

Agreed and peace of mind it was done correctly in my case. The rears don't look bad, but no way I'd want to tackle the fronts unless I had someone experienced (such as Tommy) helping me.

Too kind