Mtech vs Aftermarket Suspension
Discussion
Hello,
Im having to replace the two front shock absorbers on my daily runaround E46 BMW 330i Sport Saloon after hitting a series of large humps on the M74.
Looking at the cost of new Sport shocks from BMW and what's on offer aftermarket, I am tempted to opt for the aftermarket and lower the car slightly at the same time. However, I commute weekly Glasgow to Reading and would like to ideally keep the ride quality as close as possible to standard.
I have seen lots of ebay coilover kits for £250 approx (JOM, Jamex etc.) and imagine they must be very poor quality, KONI seem to be a favourite, however they are more pricey.
Anyone have any feedback or recommendations?
Im having to replace the two front shock absorbers on my daily runaround E46 BMW 330i Sport Saloon after hitting a series of large humps on the M74.
Looking at the cost of new Sport shocks from BMW and what's on offer aftermarket, I am tempted to opt for the aftermarket and lower the car slightly at the same time. However, I commute weekly Glasgow to Reading and would like to ideally keep the ride quality as close as possible to standard.
I have seen lots of ebay coilover kits for £250 approx (JOM, Jamex etc.) and imagine they must be very poor quality, KONI seem to be a favourite, however they are more pricey.
Anyone have any feedback or recommendations?
Hi there,
The general consensus for the 'cheapy' coilover kits are that they are indeed not so 'good' compared to the proper kits. They're generically made, probably to specifications the 'big' companies had 5+ years ago in order to bash them out quick and easy in Chinese factories. They're cheap, sure, but I'd say NOT the choice to go for in the requirements you've posted.
You have a choice -
1. Get a coilover kit from the likes of KW, Bilstein, D2 (the E46 M3 guys are loving these) - probably 4,5,6 times the price of the cheapies, but then you are getting the very best and as close to original ride quality as you can get with a sport orientated coilover kit. The KW V1's are mainly used by enthusiasts who are in a similar situation to you. Be aware there will be an increase in suspension 'firmness' over standard though! and they do need careful setting up at a good reputable garage that knows how to do these setups.
2. Get a Springs and Shocks suspension kit at a fixed ride height - again, Eibach, H&R are amongst the very best in the business for these, probably looking around £300-400 for the kit plus fitting. The most popular choice by far in terms of product and price and performance.
3. Just the springs. On my previous E34 525i Sport, I put on a set of H&R springs, lowered by 30mm and I was totally and utterly happy at the ride quality and lowering. 95% of passengers couldn't tell the difference - just the right amount of body control and firmness. The car had Mtec suspension by standard and the shocks remained. I now have an E39 Touring and.. I did exactly the same on this car. Just the springs all round but this time on SE shocks - again, I'm totally happy with the ride quality, similar drop of 30mm. I've been told this is about the lowest to go using standard shocks, any lower and I should get matching shortened sports shocks (a la the kit as per option 2 above)
In terms of what you should go for, that's obviously your choice! however, I'd say go '3,2,1' from the above - Try just the springs first, cheapest way and if your happy, you'll saved yourself over £1000-1500! if by doing that and a few months later you want a bit more firmer ride and perhaps a little lower - get the suspension kit, sell off the springs for a bit of a return. Run with that a few months. Again, if you want lower and more control, then look at the 'quality' coilover kits.
Recently a few owners of the 'cheapy' coilovers have fitted them and reported 'they're actually ok.. for the price.. bit harsh.. but not as bad as I thought...' so you 'may' want to think about this. I was the same, and then thought I don't want to be throwing them out in 14 months when they snap or go faulty or something as well as not liking the ride - I'm just saving up for the quality kits instead - most likely KW V1's.
Cheers, Dennis!
The general consensus for the 'cheapy' coilover kits are that they are indeed not so 'good' compared to the proper kits. They're generically made, probably to specifications the 'big' companies had 5+ years ago in order to bash them out quick and easy in Chinese factories. They're cheap, sure, but I'd say NOT the choice to go for in the requirements you've posted.
You have a choice -
1. Get a coilover kit from the likes of KW, Bilstein, D2 (the E46 M3 guys are loving these) - probably 4,5,6 times the price of the cheapies, but then you are getting the very best and as close to original ride quality as you can get with a sport orientated coilover kit. The KW V1's are mainly used by enthusiasts who are in a similar situation to you. Be aware there will be an increase in suspension 'firmness' over standard though! and they do need careful setting up at a good reputable garage that knows how to do these setups.
2. Get a Springs and Shocks suspension kit at a fixed ride height - again, Eibach, H&R are amongst the very best in the business for these, probably looking around £300-400 for the kit plus fitting. The most popular choice by far in terms of product and price and performance.
3. Just the springs. On my previous E34 525i Sport, I put on a set of H&R springs, lowered by 30mm and I was totally and utterly happy at the ride quality and lowering. 95% of passengers couldn't tell the difference - just the right amount of body control and firmness. The car had Mtec suspension by standard and the shocks remained. I now have an E39 Touring and.. I did exactly the same on this car. Just the springs all round but this time on SE shocks - again, I'm totally happy with the ride quality, similar drop of 30mm. I've been told this is about the lowest to go using standard shocks, any lower and I should get matching shortened sports shocks (a la the kit as per option 2 above)
In terms of what you should go for, that's obviously your choice! however, I'd say go '3,2,1' from the above - Try just the springs first, cheapest way and if your happy, you'll saved yourself over £1000-1500! if by doing that and a few months later you want a bit more firmer ride and perhaps a little lower - get the suspension kit, sell off the springs for a bit of a return. Run with that a few months. Again, if you want lower and more control, then look at the 'quality' coilover kits.
Recently a few owners of the 'cheapy' coilovers have fitted them and reported 'they're actually ok.. for the price.. bit harsh.. but not as bad as I thought...' so you 'may' want to think about this. I was the same, and then thought I don't want to be throwing them out in 14 months when they snap or go faulty or something as well as not liking the ride - I'm just saving up for the quality kits instead - most likely KW V1's.
Cheers, Dennis!
DennisCooper said:
Hi there,
The general consensus for the 'cheapy' coilover kits are that they are indeed not so 'good' compared to the proper kits. They're generically made, probably to specifications the 'big' companies had 5+ years ago in order to bash them out quick and easy in Chinese factories. They're cheap, sure, but I'd say NOT the choice to go for in the requirements you've posted.
You have a choice -
1. ....
Cheers, Dennis!
Appreciate the information Dennis and thank you for the other suggestions guys. I have spent some time digging around the BMW forums and alot of the guys there have reported good things about the JOM kits (even though they are cheap as chips). For the £190 they cost I have decided it's worth a punt and ordered a set plus new top mounts and drop-links (Hyundai Coupe 2005). I will be fitting them over the next few weeks, then get the aligment seen to and will report my findings if anyone is interested!The general consensus for the 'cheapy' coilover kits are that they are indeed not so 'good' compared to the proper kits. They're generically made, probably to specifications the 'big' companies had 5+ years ago in order to bash them out quick and easy in Chinese factories. They're cheap, sure, but I'd say NOT the choice to go for in the requirements you've posted.
You have a choice -
1. ....
Cheers, Dennis!
Thanks
Edited by Craigwww on Thursday 12th August 15:37
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