[D's Bimmer]

I have a specific question that I need some help with so I can get my suspension done.

I have a 2011 335i with Sport Package.

I am looking to achieve two things: lower ride height and better handling.

Looking at Eibach Pro Kit 2092.40 and ST Coilover 90232

The Eibach is about a quarter of the cost of the ST.

Which way do I go?

[edirtaynine]

add the cost of proper shocks/struts to that eibach price. then compare.

[D's Bimmer]

Originally Posted by edirtaynine

add the cost of proper shocks/struts to that eibach price. then compare.

Thanks. As I am learning more about this, I am realising that Coilovers may be the way to go.

[cvc 22349a]

Originally Posted by D's Bimmer

Thanks. As I am learning more about this, I am realising that Coilovers may be the way to go.

Not if salt is used in the sand on your roads during Winter...

[Hybrid For Life]

As mentioned above going through all the hassle of doing springs shocks and struts will cost almost as much as doing coilovers. Plus with coilovers you'll have ride height adjustability. It's the exact same amount of labor to do either also.

[Game]

From my readings, ST coilovers are more likely to rust in snow since they're not stainless steel.

KW V1 is the same coilover as the ST (sister company) but is made from stainless steel.

[CJ421]

Budget?

I would not simply do lowering springs. The issue is the aftermarket lowering springs will have a higher spring rates than the OEM shocks are designed to handle; the OEM shocks will have to compress much more to absorb the same bumps. This equates to increased wear and you'll end up replacing the shocks sooner than expected.

You have some high quality mods on your car and I'd hate to see you compromise the style with a cheap suspension "mod", namely lowering springs. Additionally I'm not a fan of low-end coilover kits (KW V1, ST) because they have cheap construction (leaking, making noise) and some like ST use cheap galvanized steel = rust.

Something to consider is doing separate shocks and springs instead of buying a coilover kit. The height will be controlled by the springs (e.g. not adjustable) but you will end up with a higher performing system overall.

I personally would look at Koni Yellow shocks and your springs of choice - H&R Sport, Eibach. The Yellows are rebound adjustable so you can match them to whatever spring rates you choose.

[cvc 22349a]

Originally Posted by CJ421

Budget?

I would not simply do lowering springs. The issue is the aftermarket lowering springs will have a higher spring rates than the OEM shocks are designed to handle; the OEM shocks will have to compress much more to absorb the same bumps. This equates to increased wear and you'll end up replacing the shocks sooner than expected.

You have some high quality mods on your car and I'd hate to see you compromise the style with a cheap suspension "mod", namely lowering springs. Additionally I'm not a fan of low-end coilover kits (KW V1, ST) because they have cheap construction (leaking, making noise) and some like ST use cheap galvanized steel = rust.

Something to consider is doing separate shocks and springs instead of buying a coilover kit. The height will be controlled by the springs (e.g. not adjustable) but you will end up with a higher performing system overall.

I personally would look at Koni Yellow shocks and your springs of choice - H&R Sport, Eibach. The Yellows are rebound adjustable so you can match them to whatever spring rates you choose.

That's for sure! Lot's of threads by folks who've ditched their KW, ST, Bilstein, whatever c/o to return to an oe strut assembly. But I think the OP states lowering the car as a priority and sport springs that lower the car more than 1/2-1" seem to compromise ride quality.