ix vs i springs

[DrMcDave]

is there really any difference because if there isn't i dont see why IE stage III's wouldn't work on my ix. Are the sizes different or what? i'd really like to know my springs just aren't stiff enough.

[nando]

I've heard from a few people that have used M3 springs in their ix. I think mainly the differences are the height and spring rates (the ix is heavier so the springs are stiffer).

you could probably get away with using the springs fine but you car is going to be too low, your front CV axles are going to be toast in no time flat.

[DrMcDave]

how much is the drop on those. i've seen ix's dropped like 2.5 but i am not sure if they have problems...i heard safe drop is awd is like 2 inches. I am on h and r sports like you...just curious if i could safely get it lower.

[nando]

well if m3 springs drop an is about 1" and an is sits 3/4" lower than a stock ix, it would probably be close to 2" total drop (figuring in the extra weight).

however M3 springs are too soft for the ix, at least according to the experiences of people that have tried them.

I'm sure it'd be possible to get a set of custom spec'd 2" drop springs for the ix. essentialy they would just be is race springs with a few more coils for extra height. another possibility is to use thicker spring pads to raise the car slightly.

I'd be weary of going any lower with my car. my CV axles are wearing faster and my new CV boots already have noticeable wear after only 9,000 miles. IMO, it sits perfectly as far as looks, and I don't have to worry about bottoming out on dips, driveways, or speed bumps. it also means my is lip is pretty safe. :)

the best way would be GC adjustable perches but you already looked into that..

[kansas-ix]

I have an 88ix with Racing Dynamic springs, So I'm going to have CV problems is what you are saying, b/c of these springs; then why do they say you can use them on ix's, is it just to get you into the other world of camber adjustments and the such, If this is going to lead to more problems I might just throw my stock set back on.
Also why we are on the topic are there front camber plates for the ix?

PS have a 91ix parts car if anyone needs any ix, specific, holla.

[DrMcDave]

weird i have about 20k on my h and r sport setup and everything is fine. as far as racing dynamics i cant help you much, i am not sure what the drop is on them.

also i have a 89 ix parts car buts its lowered on h and r sports so its not quite stock.

[kansas-ix]

DrMcDave do you have a camber plate up front and if so who made them?
Also any tips on how to get the rear center driveshaft u-joint loose having a hell of a time.
thanks

[bimmer8604]

Hey, not to jack the thread, but glad to see another kansas person on here.! Ryan Stewart goes to KU also, as I assume thats where you go. neways, keep intouch.

Kyle

[nando]

there are no camber plates for the ix but there are crash mounts. I doubt they will be easy to track down though and they will be expensive. m3 offset control arm bushings do reduce camber by a little bit and they aren't very expensive compared to crash mounts.

you'll probably be okay running a slammed ix for a while but there is definetly more stress put on the CV axles (mostly the front). mine were already on their way out before I lowered my car so now I have to be careful when turning around in parking lots and other tight areas. It turns out that having them rebuilt isn't very expensive and you can get remanufactured half shafts from autozone with a lifetime warranty for under $100 each. The CV boot rubbing issue can also be fixed and is something I need to take care of before they are worn all the way through!

just curious, how low is your car with RD springs? got any pics? modified ixs are badass :)

[kansas-ix]

I did the boots, the springs, and the struts all at once I figure once you have the center locking plate out -go to town on the ix, Thanks for the tip on the offset m3 control arm bushings will have to get those just looking to get back .3 degrees as that is how much I'm outside the BMW range specifications the rear will be fine when I put on the k-mac's this weekend, So no one has had a camber plate for the front fabricated? seems like it could be done, y/n?

Yes I did go to KU and now I moved on to duller pastures at Washlaw, but couldn't leave lawrence for topeka(crap),
A picture is on bimmerforums e30 registry last post under name: Kansas

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=20

And yes that ice storm was a blast in the ix over the weekend here in LAwrence

[bimmer8604]

have you seen ryan stewarts grey e30 around lawrence? hes over there quite a bit for school. you can see his car here with the Alpina front and stuff.

Kyle

[kansas-ix]

yeah Ryan's alpina front is sick, seen a photo but no the car in person.

[kansas-ix]

for the front control arm bushings (M3) that nando referred to, are alright on the ix?
And these are the same but less expensive as the offsets on Bmwbushings.com for $90 as the ones on BavAuto for the M3, yes? part number 31 12 9 061 222. whicih are better the bmwbushing ones or the ones for the m3.

[nando]

I'd stick with rubber control arm bushings. they are designed to grip the control arm and provide some resistance. plus the M3 bushings are already stiffer than the factory i or ix bushings. and yes, they'll fit an ix fine, unless my car isn't really an ix. ;)

I got mine from bmw2002.com. Specifically, these are offset bushings (holes go towards the outside of the car!), not just any old M3 bushing. earlier M3s came with centered bushings. I don't know if they still sell both, however.

[kansas-ix]

sweet I'll get them ordered today, happy day got my rear differential off my parts car the 91ix w/99k, to put on my 88 w/236k. thanks for the information nando, very helpful. One last question for you when I put the k-mac eccentric's on the back for CAMBER do they go on the inside bushings yes/No?