Lowering perch?

wkndracr · 12-10-2015, 10:50 AM

So, when I read about the KW Has kit, and saw that the OEM perch is removable, I thought to myself "why can't they make an adjustable perch for the stock spring?" I really only want to eliminate the massive wheel gap in the front. I did a search and discovered that lowering perches do actually exist for older BMWs. Any rumors of something like this coming out for f8x? For anyone who had done the HAS install, what holds the front stock perch in place, and what stops someone from just hammering down the stock perch another 3/4 inch or so? I don't have my car yet, so I haven't had a chance to look and see for myself. I'd rather not mess with stock spring rates, especially with stock struts/shocks. This would seem like a no brainer part to develop and sell tons of since it seems many folks only want to lower the front anyway.

AlterZgo · 12-10-2015, 11:13 AM

You really can't hammer the stock perch down a bit further because there is a little lip that prevents it from going down beyond the set point. Besides, you wouldn't want the perch to be able to just be pushed down further as it could keep lowering on its own.

So, you can either get the KW HAS or any other spring kit and install front springs only. Choose something with a less aggressive spring rate like Eibachs and you will be fine. Some will say this is crazy talk and the car will drive itself off the cliff b/c of mismatched front to rear spring rates. The reality is, most people couldn't even tell the difference. Again, the key is, you don't want to choose super stiff front springs - just something that gives a conservative drop with a conservative increase in spring rates, i.e. Eibachs.

I have KW HAS and, frankly, I'm kind of pissed that the HAS kit is press-fit as my driver's side left front spring collar came loose and snapped my sway bar end link. I had it repaired and hopefully, it was just an aberration. BTW, there's another thread on here where someone installed KW HAS on the fronts only and reports no issues with this set up.

wkndracr · 12-10-2015, 12:05 PM

Thanks for the input. I figured there was something that kept the stock perch from sliding down. So what keeps the HAS collar from sliding? Is it just friction? That sounds sketchy. Being that my car doesn't have adaptive suspension, I figured I would eventually go with a full on coil over, but was looking for a fairly inexpensive solution to slightly lower the car in the meantime. I'll probably end up going with HAS for now anyway.

JamesGames · 12-10-2015, 01:16 PM

supremepower Used to make one for the older bmw platforms, but they don't have one now. Maybe enough demand and they can start getting them for the f8x?

AlterZgo · 12-11-2015, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wkndracr

Thanks for the input. I figured there was something that kept the stock perch from sliding down. So what keeps the HAS collar from sliding? Is it just friction? That sounds sketchy. Being that my car doesn't have adaptive suspension, I figured I would eventually go with a full on coil over, but was looking for a fairly inexpensive solution to slightly lower the car in the meantime. I'll probably end up going with HAS for now anyway.

Yes. It's basically the same as the stock perch, i.e. Friction and that little lip on the shock body that keeps it from sliding further down. If you want something inexpensive until you get coil overs, I'd just get some springs and call it a day. Less than half price of KW HAS and no worries about slipping spring collars.

With that said, people are having problems with the latest batch of swift springs, and H&R spring rates are pretty whack. So springs aren't exactly trouble free either. That is one good thing about KW HAS. IMO, the KW HAS spring rates are a perfect match for my non-adaptive suspension. Somewhat firmer than stock, yet has great comfort AND doesn't bottom out.

HP Autosport · 12-22-2015, 12:48 PM

The F series are using an upper mount design that left no room to take it down any further.

12-10-2015, 10:50 AM	#1
wkndracr First Lieutenant 60 Rep 300 Posts Drives: '10 135i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Yonkers, NY iTrader: (0)	Lowering perch? So, when I read about the KW Has kit, and saw that the OEM perch is removable, I thought to myself "why can't they make an adjustable perch for the stock spring?" I really only want to eliminate the massive wheel gap in the front. I did a search and discovered that lowering perches do actually exist for older BMWs. Any rumors of something like this coming out for f8x? For anyone who had done the HAS install, what holds the front stock perch in place, and what stops someone from just hammering down the stock perch another 3/4 inch or so? I don't have my car yet, so I haven't had a chance to look and see for myself. I'd rather not mess with stock spring rates, especially with stock struts/shocks. This would seem like a no brainer part to develop and sell tons of since it seems many folks only want to lower the front anyway. __________________ 2016 M4 MG 6MT, sunroof. Some audio mods, Swift springs (so far).
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-10-2015, 11:13 AM	#2
AlterZgo Lieutenant Colonel 1538 Rep 1,665 Posts Drives: 23 X3 M40i, 21 911S, 24 Taycan Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Gilbert, AZ iTrader: (0)	You really can't hammer the stock perch down a bit further because there is a little lip that prevents it from going down beyond the set point. Besides, you wouldn't want the perch to be able to just be pushed down further as it could keep lowering on its own. So, you can either get the KW HAS or any other spring kit and install front springs only. Choose something with a less aggressive spring rate like Eibachs and you will be fine. Some will say this is crazy talk and the car will drive itself off the cliff b/c of mismatched front to rear spring rates. The reality is, most people couldn't even tell the difference. Again, the key is, you don't want to choose super stiff front springs - just something that gives a conservative drop with a conservative increase in spring rates, i.e. Eibachs. I have KW HAS and, frankly, I'm kind of pissed that the HAS kit is press-fit as my driver's side left front spring collar came loose and snapped my sway bar end link. I had it repaired and hopefully, it was just an aberration. BTW, there's another thread on here where someone installed KW HAS on the fronts only and reports no issues with this set up.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-10-2015, 12:05 PM	#3
wkndracr First Lieutenant 60 Rep 300 Posts Drives: '10 135i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Yonkers, NY iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the input. I figured there was something that kept the stock perch from sliding down. So what keeps the HAS collar from sliding? Is it just friction? That sounds sketchy. Being that my car doesn't have adaptive suspension, I figured I would eventually go with a full on coil over, but was looking for a fairly inexpensive solution to slightly lower the car in the meantime. I'll probably end up going with HAS for now anyway.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-10-2015, 01:16 PM	#4
JamesGames Major 1326 Rep 1,481 Posts Drives: E60 550i\|F82 M4\|F48 X1\|VA STi Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: SOCAL iTrader: (0)	supremepower Used to make one for the older bmw platforms, but they don't have one now. Maybe enough demand and they can start getting them for the f8x?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-22-2015, 12:48 PM	#6
HP Autosport Supreme Allied Commander 3847 Rep 54,376 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com iTrader: (36)	The F series are using an upper mount design that left no room to take it down any further.
	Appreciate 0 Quote