Attn: E46 M3 Peops whos using coilovers..more..

[JamE55]

Hey All!

For those of you guys out there using a coilover on your E46 M3 which brand is the best one to get? I'm just starting to do my homework on this and want to find out the best coilover system out there for this application. Also how does this coilover compare to stock suspension? Or should i get seperate springs and shocks? And how many inches is the drop? Comments,feedback and suggestions are welcome!

thanks again all!

[dronell19]

I got a feeling a lot of people will say KW2 or H&R. I got Bilstein, very happy with it, although I could use some more lowering at the front.

P/s: U got an E55 and an M3? U lucky SOB

[JamE55]

Thanks for the reply dronell19! I'm getting a lot of feedback for the H&R full threaded coilovers so i might go with this one. Just need to find out how many inches is the drop compared to other brand coilovers??

[dronell19]

I can't remember off the top of my head. Visit www.hrsprings.com and/or www.kwsuspension.com for each suspension's details.

[JamE55]

Thanks again dronell19! I'll check em out.

[M3 2 NV]

I have the Ground Control kit with:

Front:
dual adjustable koni shocks
325lbs springs
camber/castor plates

Rear:
single adjustable koni shocks
400lbs springs
upper mounts

www.ground-control.com

The kit rides very smooth and works great. The only thing I would change is the spring rates for stiffer ones. You have to figure out what you want out of a suspension and then research until you find the one that is good for you.

Here is a pic with my suspension and wheels.

[JamE55]

Thanks M3 2 NV! Think i might go with either the H&R Full Thread Coilover system or the PSS9's. Your car looks awsome. Except the rear looks tucked in which is too low for me.

[M3 2 NV]

All coilovers are height adjustable. You can set them as low or as high as you would like. Of course there is an optimum height setting for best handling.

[AJs325is]

hey, MV 2 NV, you are only running 325 lbs up front and 400's in back? I might not know what I am talking about, but my old e30 325is was lighter than a e46 m3 at 2760 pounds, right? Doesnt a e46 m3 weigh like 3300 lbs? Anyway, I was running koni single adjustables all around with gc coilovers and camber plates. I was running 450lb up front and 550 in back. It started out at 350 uo front and 400 in back, and then I went up, and it handled much better, even with the swaybars set right. I would still bottom every once in a while, though, so doesnt your car bottom everywhere?

[M3 2 NV]

AJs325is

Yeah, I'm going to do a rate change over the winter. I have to talk to Jay at GC and see what's best. The E46 M3 is a pig and I am surprised with the rates for such a heavy car. It does bottom out sometimes. How did you like the ride in your car?

[AJs325is]

My ride really wasnt that bad. It was harsh, but not undriveable. It made the corners so much more fun, though. With the adjustable height and rebound, and the stiff springs, if you set it up right, it will literally be perfect. With the stiff springs, there is a lot less weight transfer, which can be good or bad. I learned to drive my car w/the stock springs by using weight transfer, off the gas = rear comes around quick, on the gas = goodbye front tires (understeer) With the stiff springs, there is not so much of this, to be fast, you have to be smooth, wich is good. The difference was incredible. On stock springs @ 100% would be equivilant to like 50% on the harder springs. With the really stiff springs, it was more like 25%. The difference is really incredible. And ride harshness, just watch out for potholes and stuff, but otherwise it was about as stiff as my 3/4 ton chevy.