Where do you get your springs installed?

[M.a.r.k.u.s]

I have a set of Eibach Pro's sitting in my garage waiting to go on the M3 when it finally gets here to get rid of that massive wheel gap.

I know this is not a difficult install and I'm almost considering renting a bay at Stew's Self Service Garage in Kirkland but I'd rather have them done somewhere. Strictly BMW and Precision have both quoted me around $1300, which is absolutely insane! They said their system calls for 8 hours?! The going rate based on what other members in different parts of the country have paid seems to be somewhere around $300. I'm willing to pay a little more but no way I'll pay anywhere close to $1300.

Any recommendations are appreciated.

[gxmech]

Give Chris at Prova Motorsports a call.

Not sure what it should cost, but at 100 odd dollars an hour labor rate, I think $300 is pretty optimistic.

You'd need an alignment too, right? There's $100 right there.

Keep us posted on what you find out. I'm planning on springs too.

Thanks!

[jwzimm]

Check with Actuning in Redmond. They did my alignment after my coilover install and it was pretty competitive. I did the install myself though so can't speak to how much for that.

FYI, in hindsight, I would pay someone to do it if I was doing it again. That was a royal pain in the ^&$^&!!

[M.a.r.k.u.s]

Originally Posted by jwzimm

Check with Actuning in Redmond. They did my alignment after my coilover install and it was pretty competitive. I did the install myself though so can't speak to how much for that.

FYI, in hindsight, I would pay someone to do it if I was doing it again. That was a royal pain in the ^&$^&!!

I did and they quoted $630 which isn't too bad I guess.

From what I'm gathering, Springs on this thing are a lot easier than coilovers on the e-series, which is the only reason I'm considering doing it myself.

So much for leaving it stock by the way... ?

[jwzimm]

Originally Posted by M.a.r.k.u.s

I did and they quoted $630 which isn't too bad I guess.

From what I'm gathering, Springs on this thing are a lot easier than coilovers on the e-series, which is the only reason I'm considering doing it myself.

So much for leaving it stock by the way... ?

I am not sure how doing only the springs would be easier honestly. You still need to remove the strut from the car and pop the front springs off (without killing yourself btw). You also need the proper tools to torque the top nut. The rear is pretty easy really.

Also, my experience was made more difficult by the fact that I did it in my tiny garage with only a jack and jackstands. A lift would make things much easier.

Did the Actuning quote include the alignment? If so that is a pretty good deal I think. They are experts at alignment and were able to dial in some custom tweaks I asked for as well (zero toe up front and max camber with the pins out).

Also, something to consider and ask the shops. They need to "re-index" the control arm and sway bar bushings to the new ride height. This is the source of the "settling" people talk about when lowering. The springs are not settling at all (spring steel does not creep). What is happening is that the bushings are tearing/relaxing after being twisted by the lower ride height.

When the suspension is assembled in the factory the springs are compressed to ride height before the swing arms are final torqued at the chassis. This locks the bushings into a neutral position at normal ride height. When we lower the car most folks will crack this connection loose to allow the swing arm to swing down. They then torque this connection with the suspension in full droop which locks the bushing at this condition. Then when the car is set down on its wheels and the suspension compresses the bushings are twisted.