[derrick603]

I've got a set of the old Performance kit (shocks/struts) sitting in my garage waiting to be installed. Should I stick with my ZSP springs or go for the Eibach Pro Kit? The drop would be nice, but not worth it to me if that was the only benefit. If the handling would be significantly improved, then I would go for it.

From my understanding, the spring rates are about the same, so the only real difference would be the ride height. But from my understanding of how a MacPherson strut works, lowering does not necessarily improve the overall handling since it can cause camber issues when the suspension is compressed.

[fisherbln]

It'll make you lower, but will not provide any significant improvement in handling. Camber is always an issue when you lower, but it is a small enough drop that you wouldn't see significantly increased tire wear.

I have ZSP springs on the performance suspension and am very happy with it.

[loweredram]

I'm also on performance suspension (old kit) with ZSP springs and I love it. I drove, asked, and posted this question as well and the answers I received were if you use the old kit use stock ZSP or yellow bmw performance. Others have mentioned the suspension crashing and other issues with aftermarkets. I had my M3 front control arms, tension struts and swaybars put on all at the same time but as far as I can tell the supension as for as the bmw performance strut/shocks go they work great. Little stiffer than stock ZSP but def. smoother over rough roads (if that makes sense).

[fisherbln]

Originally Posted by loweredram

Little stiffer than stock ZSP but def. smoother over rough roads (if that makes sense).

I agree with this statement completely. The main difference I feel is better handling of bumps in the road.

[derrick603]

How many miles did you guys have on your stock shocks and struts before putting on the Performance ones? I have about 42k on mine (bought the car with 37k) so I'm sure they've softened up a bit from new.

[fisherbln]

Originally Posted by derrick603

How many miles did you guys have on your stock shocks and struts before putting on the Performance ones? I have about 42k on mine (bought the car with 37k) so I'm sure they've softened up a bit from new.

I'm sure some of my improvement came from replacing what were likely worn shocks. I had ~55K miles on my stock shocks. I mostly bought the kit because it was a cheap way to refresh my suspension.

[Dr. G]

I will be pairing the performance kit with eibachs within the next month, will write a review.

[loweredram]

Originally Posted by derrick603

How many miles did you guys have on your stock shocks and struts before putting on the Performance ones? I have about 42k on mine (bought the car with 37k) so I'm sure they've softened up a bit from new.

I had 41K but the Tischer bmw sale price of $133.00 for shocks and struts I had to get them. Not sure if mine were worn but I've heard that 50-60k they start to go.

[loweredram]

Originally Posted by Dr. G

I will be pairing the performance kit with eibachs within the next month, will write a review.

Fourm members that replied to my questions regarding the performace shocks and struts with aftermarket springs did say that the Eibachs (those who had them) worked well for them. Not sure what the spring rates are on them. Let us know how it works

[derrick603]

Originally Posted by loweredram

I had 41K but the Tischer bmw sale price of $133.00 for shocks and struts I had to get them. Not sure if mine were worn but I've heard that 50-60k they start to go.

Same here. I figured I'd buy them and save them until my stockers wore out, but it pains me to see them sit in the garage unused.

[Dr. G]

Originally Posted by loweredram

Fourm members that replied to my questions regarding the performace shocks and struts with aftermarket springs did say that the Eibachs (those who had them) worked well for them. Not sure what the spring rates are on them. Let us know how it works

Spring rates are close to OEM ZSP so I'm thinking it would be a good match.

Hopefully weather clears up and I can find some nice wheels so I can get the setup in.

[acdHQK713K]

I just lowered my e90 on the Eibach Pro springs and the BMW "old" performance dampers this weekend.

Very happy with the results so far. My ZSP dampers were pretty much toast after 65k miles.

The drop was very minimal. I forgot to measure/take before and afters though. The ride feels more planted and I honestly don't think it is anymore harsh than the ZSP springs.

Overall I am pleased with the investment.

[Dr. G]

Do you feel that the rear end was lowered a bit too or only the front end?

[acdHQK713K]

Originally Posted by Dr. G

Do you feel that the rear end was lowered a bit too or only the front end?

Mostly the front. When the rear was done, I thought we had done something wrong because the drop was barely noticeable. It has a slight raked look, which I like.

[Dr. G]

Damn, with no drop in the rear I'm wondering if I should save $400 and just go with lowering perches in the front.

[osukf09]

Originally Posted by Dr. G

Damn, with no drop in the rear I'm wondering if I should save $400 and just go with lowering perches in the front.

Older thread but, did you end up going with the perches?

[wren57]

I put the eibachs with bmw old performance kit in the front last night. Didn't get around to doing the rear yet, but the front feels miles better. Of course, part of that is because the car is closing in on 70k, I'm sure the stock shocks were busted.