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02-19-2009, 08:56 PM | #1 |
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Dinan springs for E90 M3...pics? feedback?
Hello all,
I KNOW this topic has been discussed SEVERAL times, but then again, there is never enough information when it comes to choosing the right suspension set up for your M3 right? Anyhow, after reading several posts and looking around, I was pretty set on either the H&R springs or the RS Sport. I guess I was leaning more towards the H&R since I had a hard time finding the right reps for RD Sport (with all the problems going on between Racing Dynamics Italy and their former rep in the US) and also because I have H&R coilovers on my Cayman S and love them in the street and on the track. Another reason of course was price: $290 for a set of springs is NOT BAD for what you get. (good drop and lower center of gravity) ...but Yesterday I went to a presentation with Steve Dinan at BMW of Austin and I HAD to ask about their springs set up. As some might know, the drop on the Dinan springs are modest (0.5" all around). It seems that the OEM set-up allows the shocks to have travel of just 0.5", therefore if the M3 is dropped too much, the car is pretty much riding on the bump stops. NOT good. This not only makes the ride a bit harsher (who cares as long as it turns faster right?) but it will also shorten the life of the OEM shocks. I have actually also heard this from a rep selling H&R springs. Dinan springs include custom bump stops as well as modified support guides which make up for the lack of travel distance on the original spring supports. All this parts added up, make up for 0.5" drop with out having the car ride on the bump stops. Of course the other option would be to go with a full coilover set for $2500, but I honestly think the OEM suspension with EDC is solid, specially when tested at the track; it only need a SLIGHT drop! ...hence this post. Does anyone have pictures and feedback of installed Dinan springs? Thanks |
02-20-2009, 12:17 AM | #2 |
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My Dinan springs are being installed as we speak. Dropped the car off today and should pickup tomorrow afternoon. Will let you know what I think and post some pics then!
However in my opinion you can go either way with Dinan or H&R or Eibachs or RD and there are folks on the forum who have done each of them and have pics and opinions accordingly. Pros and cons to all but for me it basically came down to the fact that this is my daily driver and the streets are pretty bad here sometimes/mosttimes and that I don't track much at all but want to still be able to do so too. But the overriding pro for me was the warranty coverage and Dinan's research and history of R&D before he releases products. Yeah they cost a bit more but I just felt that Dinan does ONE thing and that's BMW's and does it well an only releases upgrades that would meet factory tolerances in the likes of Ruf or Alpina so why not spend the extra $$$ (only a few hundred and less than a grand) on a good quality part? Also I got an additional discount from my install shop on the Dinan parts and labor/install to go with the 15% Dinan is offering now so that just sweetened the deal to get off the fence and do it now!
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02-23-2009, 10:05 PM | #4 |
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Dinan Spring Set installed....check out my initial quick assesment. So far so good!
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...=1#post4545108 Dinan Shop is running discount till end of month in addition to the Dinan 15% cash rebate! Md
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02-23-2009, 10:27 PM | #6 |
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'22 BMW M4 Comp (SSG/Black)
'16 BMW M4 (Shakir Orange/Black) - gone not forgotten '15 BMW M3 (Black/Black) - gone not forgotten '10 BMW X5M (Black/Black) - gone not forgotten '08 BMW M3 (Space Gray/Black) - gone not forgotten |
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02-23-2009, 10:53 PM | #7 |
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Thanks Md.
My Dinan springs are on order and should be on the car before March is over. Dave
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02-23-2009, 11:51 PM | #8 |
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Good luck...post pics when you get it done! I think its great so far. Car is super stable...had it up to 120mph the other day...old non used private road and with M button engaged and EDC in sport it was stable as a rock! Firm and planted and I had to back off at 130+ mph as I ran outta road and it was dark!
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02-24-2009, 09:42 AM | #9 |
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md, if you're married, has your wife said anything about the ride quality?
Dave
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02-24-2009, 10:51 PM | #11 | |
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Quote:
Daily driving so far...very good! No issues. Comfortable for 19" and I can't tell that lowering has had any detremintal affects.
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02-24-2009, 11:01 PM | #12 |
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Thanks for the WAF ("wife acceptance factor") reports.
The M3 is the first of my high performance cars that my wife actually likes. It wouldn't be the end of the world if I screwed that up, but it's nice to not take any guff over my mods. So far the throttle bodies and Active Autowerke exhaust have gone largely unnoticed. (I keep the windows up and don't blip the throttle while she's in the car). Dave
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02-26-2009, 12:15 AM | #13 |
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you're welcome. No go enjoy your car! Oh and springs!
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