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      07-31-2018, 09:29 PM   #1
ShawnPaul
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Alternative springs and dampers to oem

I don't want to lower my car. I also don't want any stiffer settings, if anything I would prefer a little softer than stock Z4m coupe suspension. What options do people know of to get what I am looking for? Everything I find is lower and stiffer. Or are there coilover packages that will give me the range I am looking for?
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      07-31-2018, 10:00 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ShawnPaul View Post
I don't want to lower my car. I also don't want any stiffer settings, if anything I would prefer a little softer than stock Z4m coupe suspension. What options do people know of to get what I am looking for? Everything I find is lower and stiffer. Or are there coilover packages that will give me the range I am looking for?
They buy a different car, maybe a Cadillac. I'm sure if you buy yourself some decent set of shocks with damper control you'll be fine, a set of Koni yellows with stock springs might work well.
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      08-01-2018, 12:46 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ShawnPaul View Post
I don't want to lower my car. I also don't want any stiffer settings, if anything I would prefer a little softer than stock Z4m coupe suspension. What options do people know of to get what I am looking for? Everything I find is lower and stiffer. Or are there coilover packages that will give me the range I am looking for?
What wheels/tires are you running and what pressures? 19" vs 18" vs 17" makes a big difference. 3-4 lbs inflation makes a big difference. Tire type makes a difference.

See this thread for more. Softening the Ride in Z4 Coupe https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1511580
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      08-01-2018, 04:02 AM   #4
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I've gotten the Status coilover to be installed in 2 weeks to try out. The shop that is doing my installed also sells them, told me that it won't lower my car. The set is 6kgF/8kgR. It's softer than any that I've seen. I'll let you know when it's done and dialed in.
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      08-01-2018, 07:52 AM   #5
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Quote:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ShawnPaul View Post
I don't want to lower my car. I also don't want any stiffer settings, if anything I would prefer a little softer than stock Z4m coupe suspension. What options do people know of to get what I am looking for? Everything I find is lower and stiffer. Or are there coilover packages that will give me the range I am looking for?
What wheels/tires are you running and what pressures? 19" vs 18" vs 17" makes a big difference. 3-4 lbs inflation makes a big difference. Tire type makes a difference.

See this thread for more. Softening the Ride in Z4 Coupe https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1511580
I'm running stock wheel size, tire size and pressures. Not stock wheels, but all measurements are stock.

And to the other response advising to buy a Cadillac, I tip my hat to the trash talk. Lol. But I don't want anything dramatically different, I just don't want to be stiffer. I spend most of my driving time in the car downtown Toronto. The ground clearance is necessary, and most of the roads feel like they are hurting my car. For example, one bump has broken something in my suspension which I am looking at today. I find a mildly softer rear suspension takes most of the harshness out of the ride and might protect from breakage. I like the stiffness in the front for turn in though. My daily driver is a brz and I have owned 2 of them (2015 and 2017). My newer one had stiffer front and softer rear springs by a little bit and I loved the outcome of quicker turning but more rear end grip and better ride quality. If I could do that same thing to this car that would be awesome.

I heard the m roadster had softer springs. Should I just change to those in the rear then?
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      08-01-2018, 10:43 AM   #6
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Anyone have any input on which damper brand would be best: Koni, Monroe, saches and bilstein?
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      08-01-2018, 08:53 PM   #7
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Anyone have any input on which damper brand would be best: Koni, Monroe, saches and bilstein?
Bilstein gets good marks. Koni are generic but a good choice too
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      08-01-2018, 08:54 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by ZeD4Mr View Post
I've gotten the Status coilover to be installed in 2 weeks to try out. The shop that is doing my installed also sells them, told me that it won't lower my car. The set is 6kgF/8kgR. It's softer than any that I've seen. I'll let you know when it's done and dialed in.
Keep us updated or pm me on this
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      08-02-2018, 07:48 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Finnegan View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZeD4Mr View Post
I've gotten the Status coilover to be installed in 2 weeks to try out. The shop that is doing my installed also sells them, told me that it won't lower my car. The set is 6kgF/8kgR. It's softer than any that I've seen. I'll let you know when it's done and dialed in.
Keep us updated or pm me on this
I'd also like to know. Thanks.
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      08-02-2018, 10:00 AM   #10
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You can get non-lowering springs from a variety of manufacturers, you just have to know what your original factory rates are. Problem is the springs in the rear are progressive rates, so it's hard to have a set of springs built that's softer than the OE springs and maintain ride height. The other option is to spec out a "coil over" with threaded collars for spring perches, these usually accommodate 60mm spring diameter that allows you to swap to a bunch of linear springs that has a wide variety of spring rates to meet your needs.

If you're looking to replace both shocks and springs, then it's just easier to get a well designed coil over system (you don't have to have adjustable dampers, although it helps) and swap out for softer Eibach, Swift, Hyperco...etc springs. Just make sure the spring collar used for the adjustable perches are of standard size.

Although, for THIS level of customization, you're probably looking at pretty high-end coil overs. MCS, Nitron, JRZ, Moton, AST...etc will be able to custom build a set for your needs, but they are BANK. You're looking at 4,000-8,000 for a set.
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      08-07-2018, 07:25 PM   #11
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IDK how hard they are to get your hands on, but I have a set of Dinan springs on mine, gave it a slightly lower height, like 3/8" IIRC, and they ride nice but probably not significantly softer than stock. Mine are paired with ground control front struts, which I believe are essentially a koni yellow shock, and koni yellows in the rear. I haven't played with rebound enough - I really need to adjust it and see how it affects things. The shocks are probably where you will tune the ride quality the most, IMO.
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