So replaced my OE shocks and struts with Bilstein B8 yellows (VE3-B506 and VE3-B507). Of course did new mounts and added reinforcement plates. Awesome ride I must say! For now I stuck with the OE sport springs. I know that these mono tube struts need some time to settle, but i've had them in for now almost 2 months and the car still sits about an inch higher than it should in the front. I know I installed them correctly, I just didnt know if there was anyone who ran into this issue as well, or knows something I dont know? Thanks!
If they are installed correctly I would measure the OEM strut compared to the new strut for overall length and see if the new strut is longer this can effect ride height. Also measure your stock ride height and compare it to BMW's spec for your options that your vehicle has.
Yeah I know they are installed properly. And if its any help, when i put everything back together, the sway bar end link lined up perfectly to the new strut. I didnt have to adjust it up or down.
Is your ride height in spec? I have seen that when people replace there old shocks and springs that the vehicle does raise up. Mainly because the old suspension was sagging from the mileage. I have attached a link below for ride specs you will just have to know what kind of suspension your vehicle has. http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance and Misc/RideHeightSpecs-1.jpg
Thanks for the specs. Went and measured the thing. Now according the build sheet, this car does have the sport suspension. I have 17's so my front should be 23.19" and rears should be 21.81". When I measured, the numbers were closer to the standard suspension specs: 23.75" front and 22.55" rear. I know the previous owner had had the coils replaced (by a reputable shop) since i guess a couple of them broke. I know my rear springs have 2 white strips and the fronts a single blue stripe. With searching ive found mixed descriptions of color codes....Maybe they replaced the original springs with standard springs?
Yes your right the dcs does show sport package. And the problem with identifying those stripes is because the aftermarket companies also do the stripes not just BMW. So those could be aftermarket made standard springs like you mentioned.
Yeah I think that might be the issue now that we've worked through it...Might get a set of H&R's or Eibachs and just bring it down a little bit. Any recommendations? I dont want to drop it to crazy. I live in NE Ohio lol
On my last e46 I had H&R's and loved them the ride quality is great. They also make different versions of there springs to meet your needs. If you want a slight drop (to avoid the ohio weather , I feel your pain) I would go with there sport springs they are painted black the red ones are there race version and are a lot more agressive springs. Here is a link to them. The eibachs are also a good spring but I have driven vehicles with both types and I thought the H&R were better ride quality while still doing great in spirited driving conditions. http://www.hrsprings.com/application/search/results/4/106/2001
Thanks! i'll look into those. I was leaning toward H&R already, but it helps to know how people like either one.
