need advice re:drop-gotta get it right the 1st time (already done an extensive search

[kidsdoc]

i posted pics a couple of weeks ago (jb 330i w/ sports suspension/m-tech/BBS RC's) re: whether or not i should drop!
the overwhelming majority obviously said i shoud;

i had recently been pretty sure about getting the "classical" time-tested combination of eibach/bilstein's or the eibach pro-system; however recently i've been thinking of pairing up the eibach pro-kit (or UUC v2 springs) w/ Koni dampers (I like the adjustability, although from searching it seems like you'd have to remove the rear shocks to adjust)

my first & most important factor is comfort (ruling out the H&R cupkit, no offense to anybody who has one) & second most is $$$, thus (almost) ruling out coilovers, which i still have in the back of my mind (however i can't justify right now paying about $300-400 more for coils as i'm 99.99% sure i would never adjust the ride height or other settings)

all opinions (except "get coilovers" for the time being) re: ride comfort, value, durabilty/longevity (shock/damper manufacterer warranty; i plan to keep the car for a long time) would be greatly appreciated (this is the first time i'm messing around w/ any car's suspension )

[tdc]

If comfort is of utmost importance, just leave it alone. Nothing is going to compare to the stock suspension ride.

But if you can deal with a stiffer ride, more road feel, more jostle going over road ruts, less roll on turns, tighter cornering, and just better handling overall, the best bet for the money is getting the springs/shocks combination.

The ones you listed are a good way to go but you should also check out what Ground Control has to offer.

[Rob ITR1035]

cup kits dont ride that rough, much better than race springs. Try the UUC springs alone, they're designed to give a good ride and work with the stock shocks.........

[Alan]

I would say in your situation Koni adjustables over Eibachs is an excellent choice. The konis are more comfortable than bilsteins and the eibachs are decent for ride quality. I'd stay away from any track geared system (like Coilovers, Cup Kit, Ground Control) as they tend to be stiffer. Also, I hear both the Bav Auto springs and some Racing Dynamics springs are softer than Eibachs.

Note: Most of my info comes from E34s so it might not apply fully to you. Although I know Koni's would be a better choice than bilsteins.


As a side note, if ride quality is a concern for any of you older BMW Owners, don't do sway bars! They made the ride of my E34 firmer than any other suspension mod I did. (eibachs, bilsteins 750i bushings)

[teuton]

You arguements are very valid as I went through the same logic process when I decided to change my suspension. While I would tell you to spend the extra money for the coilovers as I have used the shock adjustability and ride height over 4 times in just over a year of owning them. You will not regret the additional exspense. Especially after you discover that you spent all this money on a normal suspension and you can't drive to a certain place because your car rubs on an entrance (this can be very fustrating, especially if the entrance happens to be your office parking garage). Plus the coilovers provide the added flexability for ride quality adjustments which give you a ride very close to stock (mine ride better than a sport package 3er) and if you decide to become more serious at any driving event, it can easily handle that as well.

What I would advise is trying out the perspective suspensions and try to get a guage of whether the system is comfrotable enough and drivable enough that you will be satisfied. There are a large number of bimmer owner in the DC area that get together and meet whether it be DTM, Bimmerforums or the local chapter of BMW CCA. Most members will be glad to give you a ride and will help you out. I took rides and tested out all the combinations that I was considering: BAV auto Springs/Bilstein HD's, H&R Sport/Bilstein Sport/ and Bilstein PSS9. By the way, PSS system starts at slightly higher than the standard shock spring combinations ($899).

Oh and finally, If your looking for merely a more agressive look but no comfort degridation, perhaps you should consider the bav auto springs and bilstein HD or tourings. They will give you the look but none of the harsheness of the sport type springs.

Hope this helps,

Pete

[Rob ITR1035]

for the record, cup kits are a looks-oriented system, they are designed to lower a lot without a bad ride. much softer that the race springs.

[kidsdoc]

thanks all