Need advice on lowering my car

nOLd · 07-09-2008, 10:54 PM

Is it bad to drop your car using lowering springs? Using coilovers is better?

Thanks,

Dammmittt · 07-10-2008, 08:25 AM

The real advantage to using coilovers as opposed to springs is that they are adjustable. So I guess it depends on whether or not you want to adjust the drop height.

MMMazing07 · 07-10-2008, 08:42 AM

springs lower the life on your stock shocks.

Dammmittt · 07-10-2008, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMMazing07

springs lower the life on your stock shocks.

How so?

sales@ESSTuning · 07-10-2008, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dammmittt

How so?

If a spring takes the shock beyond the range it was designed to function at it can cause added stress to it and result in a shorter life. I have run springs on my M3's for extended periods and I have not witnessed any damage but im sure it can and has happened. In the end if you can afford it a coilover set up or matched shock / spring combo is always best.

pbdm4k · 07-10-2008, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dammmittt

How so?

Typically the valving isn't aggressive enough to handle stiffer springs with lowered suspension and as a result the seals inside the shocks can blow out due to the difference in stress they experience.

If you're going to lower it, the ideal way is to get sport shocks to go with the sport springs, but since the Z4 is already "sporty" suspension, you should be able to get away with springs only.

Like on other regular cars such as Mazda 3's and VW Jettas, these are comfort cars first, and the shocks cant handle stiffer springs. Shocks typically blow out within a year or two of lowering without proper shock upgrades to accompany them.

Dammmittt · 07-10-2008, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rom3n

If a spring takes the shock beyond the range it was designed to function at it can cause added stress to it and result in a shorter life. I have run springs on my M3's for extended periods and I have not witnessed any damage but im sure it can and has happened. In the end if you can afford it a coilover set up or matched shock / spring combo is always best.

Makes sense. Thanks for the info.

rosierobins2003 · 07-10-2008, 05:34 PM

why would anyone want to lower the Z? Mine has the sport package and I believe that lowers it, and its already too low for my driving skills.

Rosie

The HACK · 07-10-2008, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosierobins2003

why would anyone want to lower the Z?

A better question to pose is why would anyone want to lower the Z for. There are certain advantages to lowering the Z, especially if you plan on doing any sort of competitive events such as autocross or time trial.

Or if you just want to lower the Z because you're going for that "pimped out" look. But if you're going for that pimped out look, you're better off doing it to some other car IMNSHO.

nOLd · 07-10-2008, 10:31 PM

Thanks for the reply guys.. I think I'll just keep the car stock for now since I just got it on february and I dont want to void the warranty.

P.S. The reason why I want to drop the car is for looks and performance. I hate looking at that gap between the tire and body.

SDTopless · 07-10-2008, 11:56 PM

2 last questions for this thread...

I have an '03 3.0i w/ the sport susp. I'm interested in getting the eibach springs. I have about 40k miles on my car & im wondering if it will still be worth it to get them w/o replacing the shocks?

Also, on the ~1.5" drop, i'm guessing thats the drop from the stock height, so that means w/ the sport susp (~.6" drop) it will only go further about ~.9". Is this true?

07-09-2008, 10:54 PM	#1
nOLd Second Lieutenant 16 Rep 202 Posts Drives: 2008 Z4 MCoupe Interlagos Blue Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Dallas, Texas iTrader: (0)	Need advice on lowering my car Is it bad to drop your car using lowering springs? Using coilovers is better? Thanks,
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07-10-2008, 08:25 AM	#2
Dammmittt My favorite sign. 169 Rep 4,333 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Der Autobahnen iTrader: (0)	The real advantage to using coilovers as opposed to springs is that they are adjustable. So I guess it depends on whether or not you want to adjust the drop height. __________________ 07 ///M Coupe (Premium Package) Black Saphire Ext. Imola Red Int. Best Website EVER!
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07-10-2008, 08:42 AM	#3
MMMazing07 More than you can afford pal....ferrari 181 Rep 1,471 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	springs lower the life on your stock shocks.
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07-10-2008, 05:34 PM	#8
rosierobins2003 Rosie..... 61 Rep 1,104 Posts Drives: 2016 Z4 2.8 Auto.... Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW [0.00]	why would anyone want to lower the Z? Mine has the sport package and I believe that lowers it, and its already too low for my driving skills. Rosie __________________ https://photos.google.com/u/1/photo/...5H_ty4oVFe88gW
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07-10-2008, 10:31 PM	#10
nOLd Second Lieutenant 16 Rep 202 Posts Drives: 2008 Z4 MCoupe Interlagos Blue Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Dallas, Texas iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the reply guys.. I think I'll just keep the car stock for now since I just got it on february and I dont want to void the warranty. P.S. The reason why I want to drop the car is for looks and performance. I hate looking at that gap between the tire and body. Last edited by nOLd; 07-10-2008 at 10:42 PM.. Reason: s
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07-10-2008, 11:56 PM	#11
SDTopless I just wanna do my car 5 Rep 134 Posts Drives: 350z RevUp =) Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SoCal Diego iTrader: (0)	2 last questions for this thread... I have an '03 3.0i w/ the sport susp. I'm interested in getting the eibach springs. I have about 40k miles on my car & im wondering if it will still be worth it to get them w/o replacing the shocks? Also, on the ~1.5" drop, i'm guessing thats the drop from the stock height, so that means w/ the sport susp (~.6" drop) it will only go further about ~.9". Is this true? __________________ missing my z4...
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