Coils with no EDC or adjustable lowering springs?

[travismelo3]

Hi, so I was wondering if y’all think I should get the BC Racing BR coils with a higher spring rate which would take away my EDC, or adjustable springs and keep my EDC. I want my cars handling to be better as it is a F83 but also lower, so do y’all weigh having coils or functional EDC? I am aware that if you want to spend $4k on coils I can keep the EDC, but I am a college student and don’t want to/can’t spend that much on lowering it. Thanks!

[b_w.]

I don't think bc racing and handling go together...

[M3SQRD]

I’d look into ISC or Fortune Auto instead of BC if you’re looking for setups costing < $2k. BC are definitely not a suspension setup geared toward improving handling, it’s all about extreme lowering of ride height - 3”-5” of ride height reduction is not geared toward improved performance/handling.

[travismelo3]

Originally Posted by M3SQRD

I’d look into ISC or Fortune Auto instead of BC if you’re looking for setups costing < $2k. BC are definitely not a suspension setup geared toward improving handling, it’s all about extreme lowering of ride height - 3”-5” of ride height reduction is not geared toward improved performance/handling.

Oh ok thanks brother. I looked at the ISC, so you know if their f82 M4 coils would work with my F83? I’ve seen mixed takes on this, as there is the extra weight from the convertible. Also, I’m not looking to go super low, probably only a 1-2” drop while still improving the handling, would ISC be a good option?

[M3SQRD]

[QUOTE=travismelo3;30714187]Oh ok thanks brother. I looked at the ISC, so you know if their f82 M4 coils would work with my F83? I’ve seen mixed takes on this, as there is the extra weight from the convertible. Also, I’m not looking to go super low, probably only a 1-2” drop while still improving the handling, would ISC be a good option?[/QUOTE

I doubt the weight increase of a few hundred or so lbf increase would have a major effect on the handling performance of the supplied spring rate up. I’d check with Bimmerworld to see what their thoughts are (I’ve been working with them for 25+ years) and see if they’d recommend upping the spring rates or keeping them the same the rates supplied with the kit. You should be able to up the rates by 2-3 kg/mm without having to revalue the dampers. Another option you could look into is the Suspension Technique which are essentially a lower price point KW setup. I have no knowledge on their performance and/or ride quality.

BW tends to try out all components they sell to make sure the customer won’t be disappointed so I’m sure BW has tested the ISC kits. Back in early 2000s I picket up a set of TEIN coilovers, which were 100% JDM at the time, and it ended being a great $1200 kit that was used year round to n a 330ci. I loved the kit on my S2000 and my wife loved her kit for a 330ci. So if BW is selling ISC that means they will stand behind its intended need/category.

[540fan]

I installed the BMW MPerformance coilover conversion kit on my my OEM struts and have good handling, EDC, and lowered by an 1 inch or so. $1,100 from a dealer and 4 hours to install on my F82. Car is modded and driven on the street most of the time. IF I tracked it a bunch, then I’d go for something else as the BMW MP coil overs are a bit soft.

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by 540fan

I installed the BMW MPerformance coilover conversion kit on my my OEM struts and have good handling, EDC, and lowered by an 1 inch or so. $1,100 from a dealer and 4 hours to install on my F82. Car is modded and driven on the street most of the time. IF I tracked it a bunch, then I’d go for something else as the BMW MP coil overs are a bit soft.

You’re referring to the F8x MP HAS kit that reuses your EDC dampers with an adjustable height lower spring seat and also comes with a new set of lowering springs, correct? The MP 2-way coilover kit, which is essentially a KW V3 coilover kit developed specifically for BMW, is for the F87 only. I suppose the F87 MP coilover kit will fit an F8x (e.g., Ohlins R&T kit fits the F8x and F87) but I haven’t heard of anyone trying this kit yet on a F8x. As an FYI, a huge downside is the MP F87 2-way coilover kit is not rebuildable by KW. For some reason KW refuses to rebuild these dampers even though they are V3 dampers with different valving and spring rates.

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by travismelo3

Oh ok thanks brother. I looked at the ISC, so you know if their f82 M4 coils would work with my F83? I’ve seen mixed takes on this, as there is the extra weight from the convertible. Also, I’m not looking to go super low, probably only a 1-2” drop while still improving the handling, would ISC be a good option?

BimmerWorld has the spring rates listed on the website:
https://www.bimmerworld.com/Suspensi...et-E9X-M3.html

Spring rates listed on their page are 12 kg/mm (672 lbf/in) and R 14 kg/mm (783 f/in. BW stars these are the mid-range rates so that suggests they also offer a low-range and high-range rate options. BW considers the mid rates are good on street. This spring rate package puts this setup in the dual street-track setup.