Lowering springs concern

[///Mtechnik88]

I would like to drop my car about 1" to 1.3" inches maximum, but was told locally that any drop would blow out my stock shock absorbers. I'm having a hard time believing that every person out there (BMW or not) who has lowered their car has also shelled out an additional $400+ for shock absorbers to accept the lowered springs. Granted, it makes sense in theory to add more compliant shock absorbers, but is the stock "blow-out" a myth, or fact? If it's a fact, can anyone steer me to a good set of shocks for spirited driving, yet comfortable for highway cruising up to 10hours+ on occasions? I know I'm probably asking a lot but I appreciate the help!

[Jand3rson]

If you are going to lower your car, you MUST upgrade your shocks. If you don't, you're going to sorry.

[///Mtechnik88]

If you are going to lower your car, you MUST upgrade your shocks. If you don't, you're going to sorry.

Good to know. I'll make sure to do it that way. Thanks!

[Jand3rson]

The best (IMO) all around shocks would be your basic Bilstein Sports. Combine these with a good set of lowering springs, and you will be good to go. :up:

[sovann]

If you're short on cash, it's still ok to stick with the oe gear, provided they're in good nick (After 15yrs, I doubt they would be....)

It's not like your going to blow your shocks instantly - you'll just work them harder and they'll fail sooner. They're working harder cos they're too soft for the spring rate, thus compress and rebound at greater velocities. And because you're putting shorter, stiffer springs on, you're also decreasing the distance through which they travel. ie. more piston speed + less travel = more wear, less life.

Plus you'll get a crap ride.

[Jand3rson]

If you're short on cash, it's still ok to stick with the oe gear, provided they're in good nick (After 15yrs, I doubt they would be....)

It's not like your going to blow your shocks instantly - you'll just work them harder and they'll fail sooner. They're working harder cos they're too soft for the spring rate, thus compress and rebound at greater velocities. And because you're putting shorter, stiffer springs on, you're also decreasing the distance through which they travel. ie. more piston speed + less travel = more wear, less life.

Plus you'll get a crap ride.

What he said = worth it to upgrade now, while you're going to be under there anyway.

[LikeCDoos]

must replace your shocks. I think the only springs that you wouldn't have to is M3 Springs. That is because they only give you a .75 inch drop or something.

[nateb]

I agree you should replace your shocks. You can get a full set of bilstein sports for around $350. If your tight on cash you could get some used M3 springs or equivilent.

-nate-

[Jand3rson]

I have a set of used Bilstein sports for sale if you're short on cash. $150 + shipping. Less than a year on the car.

[Mystikal]

Actually, the rear ones stand up to shorter springs happily. It's the front ones you don't wanna fuck with.

[nando]

uhh, my front shocks were $350 by themselves.. if you can't afford to do it right, leave it stock. ;)

[EtaSport]

Actually, the rear ones stand up to shorter springs happily. It's the front ones you don't wanna fuck with.

really? My rear ones were shot pretty quickly... I got m3 boge shocks from TJ when he had the m3 springs. So granted they werent new, but they werent being pounded because they were matched for the springs he had. I am running bavautosports springs (made for cabrio so they dont even lower the rear much) and Id say probably 3 months and they were completely shot. The front ones held up much better than the rear ones. When i took them off last week to put the bilstiens in I could compress the shocks and they would just sit there, wouldnt even rebound at all. My fronts may be used again, but its not likely.

I just say your better off doing it right the first time, you'll end up spending more money if you dont, and you dont want to take you suspension apart every few months.

[808BMW]

koni's pwn stock shocks anyway