Coilovers at 3k budget

[parabmw]

Whats the best overall set for mostly DD and maybe 1 or 2 track days.
Ohlins and ast 5100 or b16 damptronic to retain EDC. are all about 3k.
Are ast or ohlins a huge improvement over b16?

Small drop maybe 15 to 20mm in front
I have EDC but willing to code out.
Looking for compliant and more sporty overall. And ease of adjustability would be good.

[KakashiSenpai]

I've heard great reviews from locals that have used Ohlins. I've personally tried the b16's and didn't really like them (too high of ride height for my taste & comfort wasn't the best).

If you don't mind spending a bit more I'd suggest KW DDC if you have EDC & would like to keep the functionality. They soak up the road perfectly for DD.

If not, once again Ohlins do seem to be a popular pick for your price range.

Good luck brotha!

[horsepower_and_hounds]

All my research points to B16 Damptronics......

[rborane]

I am also looking at the AST 5100. Seem like they are a great set for this price point

[Zero_Cool]

I love my B16s.. I have zero issues or complaints from firmness (I guess I never skip leg day). They gave my M the drop that I was expecting. I’m also not into slamming cars since I usually have a front lip.. I’m going to the tail of the dragon soon and I’ll see how well they feel with multiple entry/exits.

[BzsBimmer]

Ohlins and AST to my knowledge won’t work with your existing EDC, so if that’s a requirement, those two could be out.

That’ll leave you with KW DDC or Bilstein Damptronic (or MPHAS). Not sure if anyone really tracks with MPHAS but I’m sure people do.

If you don’t want EDC, the field is more open.

I’m like Zero_Cool. I like my Bilstein Damptronic system. I don’t do leg days but I have no issues. My drop is enough to not scrape on every single bump and I’m also not much in the slammed look to the point where my tire is in my fender.

The problem I hear from most is that the KW systems can sit too low. YMMV.

With that said, I’d love to try a set of KW DDC to get it out of my system.

[MNR]

B16s here. Just got back from a 100mi twisty drive and am very happy with how they feel over my previous spring setup. Would recommend them to anyone.

Keeping EDC pretty much leaves you to B16s or KW DDC’s for plug and play options.

[swagon]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

I don’t do leg days but I have no issues

"I hit the gym, all chest no legs"

[aswy6]

How is B16s performance on track vs AST for example? I have EDC but dont have some emotional attachment to it

[BzsBimmer]

AST makes some really good track suspensions so I guess it depends on what model

[m4forum]

I just installed Ohlins and very happy. It is a great product which is overlooked as Ohlins in the past were not much focused on this type of application. Their technical support is great and product quality is awesome.

[F80Speed77]

Currently running the Ground Control HAS Kit, pretty happy with how it feels on the street with a 450lb front spring and stock rear spring. The increase in front camber feels amazing. Car seems to be matched better to the larger spring rates when it's in sport mode or something too maybe? Maybe feels a touch understeery with the stock rear springs but I have 800lb rear springs I can mess with and I'm going to pick up a set of 700's in case that is crazy. Install was a bitch without a press but can't beat the price. I'll be on track in a few weeks with it so I can report back more info then.

[parabmw]

Originally Posted by m4forum

I just installed Ohlins and very happy. It is a great product which is overlooked as Ohlins in the past were not much focused on this type of application. Their technical support is great and product quality is awesome.

Is that the new ohlins version?
I see theres a 3dm modified older one relvalved with softer rear spring.
Is there any benefit to getting the newer version or 3dm one?

[M 4 FUN]

Originally Posted by parabmw

Is that the new ohlins version?
I see theres a 3dm modified older one relvalved with softer rear spring.
Is there any benefit to getting the newer version or 3dm one?

Hi. I run the Öhlins R&T on my M4. When i first installed them and took my first ride they were way too stiff at the rear. I called Öhlins and explained the issue.
There were some other things that i also discussed with them as the recommended adjustments for ride height for example didn't work.
They told me to send the rear suspension back to them for modification. They sent me a freight paper and i got the parts back in 5 Days. Great service, no cost. They shortened the rear dampers 30mm and included 190 N/mm rear springs. That transformed the car and it could be lowered properly as those springs are also 30mm shorter. I guess they made a slight miscalculation on the rear suspension from the beginning. It felt like the car hit the bumpstops and therefore they wanted to shorten the shock body. This is basically the M2 rear suspension so if you decide to go for Öhlins make sure you get the M2 rear setup.
The setup is quite stiff, even in softest setting and that's how Öhlins wanted it for best performance but everything is depending on where you live and your personal preferences. They have had some complains on the suspension from Japan as the roads are really bad over there so the have done some reshimming of the rear shocks for some people there.
I run my rear shocks 23 clicks out and 18 up front for our bad city roads here in Gothenburg,Sweden. Parts quality is excellent.

[parabmw]

I'm between b16 to retain EDC and ohlins with modified rear springs.

I guess ohlins are the better product with DFV and are better at damping and handling bumps. Their recommended or max drop is 15 mm in front, which is fine.

I want a slight drop to improve look but not at the cost of scrapping. 20mm would be ideal however.

Also which would handle better at the track?

[maddmatth]

If you all you want is lower, why not MP HAS?

Are you having any handling issues? Are you able to push the current suspension to it's limits?