Lowering a Competition Model M3

I want to lower a 2006 M3 E46 with the competition package. I'm doing it solely for looks, to eliminate the gap in the wheel-well. I do not want to change rims/tires. Can anyone comment on pros/cons, a good set of lowering springs, and how much is reasonable in order to eliminate as much of the space as possible without having rubbing or harsh ride issues?

It seems like Eibach is the most conservative spring, which only gives a slight drop, but gets rid of the bulky look these cars have. If you want to go slightly lower in the front, you can do H&R sport springs which look great in my opinion. You can check out H&R sport springs here:

http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=1004

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Eibach Pro kit is probably the most popular (modest drop), and can be used with OEM shocks better than any other spring. Although I'd still recommend changing the shocks at the same time.

You might also consider Vogtland, quality is just as good as Eibach, ride quality is better than stock with slightly lower drop and better stance than Eibach or HR springs, IMO.

Some people have done Tein s-tech springs, which give the lowest drop, but are also too soft to handle the ride . If you want to go that low, then you should be getting coilovers.

Here's an example of a car with Eibach springs (and probably some spacers, judging by the looks of it):




Here's an example of a car with Vogtland springs:

You wont go wrong with coilovers. Properly matched springs and shocks plus ride height adjustability.

Up for coilovers bro

H&R sports on my ride and I like em. Nice and harsh....hahhahaha!!!

Look into the H&R Sport Springs w/ Adjustable Rear Perch. This is a new offering that allows you to adjust the rear ride height without going to a full coilover setup.

Wow. Thank you all. So much to consider. AllwaysLow, the picture you provided of the black M3 looks exactly how I want mine to look. How low of a drop would you say I should be going for for that look (in front and back)?

I had H&R on my m3 and they were awesome. The car still felt great and looked good enough until I felt the need to go lower. lol

Overall though the H&R felt almost OEM.

IIRC, Vogtlands are 1" drop all around, and the eibachs are .6" front and .9" rear.


Personally I prefer coilovers for the lower drop, adjustability, and better ride comfort.

Get coilovers

Originally Posted by mfpseal

Wow. Thank you all. So much to consider. AllwaysLow, the picture you provided of the black M3 looks exactly how I want mine to look. How low of a drop would you say I should be going for for that look (in front and back)?

Eibachs will give 0.6f and 1.2r drop
H&R is 1.5 and 0.9
Tein S Tech is 1.5 and 1.3

First, who would you guys recommend do the installation? Dealer, some random tire shop? Also, coilovers are expensive, right? How much? Cost is an issue. I'm picking up my car tomorrow. I need new tires, which is another issue, stereo, pedals, paddle shifters, and the parts required to conver a non navigation car to a double din for the Pioneer AVIC-110 zbt.
For tires, I'm leaning toward Pilot Sport All Seasons.
So, I have very little left over for lowering. Coils have to be way more than springs , right? Does anyone know roughly how much they cost and how much to install versus for springs? And why would springs alone be insufficient? I will never track it and I'm a pretty conservative driver. Been driving over 20 years and never had a speeding ticket or any other moving violation.

I would take your car to a local independent that specializes in BMW aftermarket parts, there are tons around that area. Check out the regional forums for suggestions.

Coils range from about $1300-$2500 depending on the setup. Springs will be much cheaper, about $250.

Originally Posted by mfpseal

First, who would you guys recommend do the installation? Dealer, some random tire shop? Also, coilovers are expensive, right? How much? Cost is an issue. I'm picking up my car tomorrow. I need new tires, which is another issue, stereo, pedals, paddle shifters, and the parts required to conver a non navigation car to a double din for the Pioneer AVIC-110 zbt.
For tires, I'm leaning toward Pilot Sport All Seasons.
So, I have very little left over for lowering. Coils have to be way more than springs , right? Does anyone know roughly how much they cost and how much to install versus for springs? And why would springs alone be insufficient? I will never track it and I'm a pretty conservative driver. Been driving over 20 years and never had a speeding ticket or any other moving violation.

dude you have an M3. if youre going to do suspension do it right, dont go cheap its pointless. just my $.02

Right, I figured springs would cost much less, both to purchase and to install. My questions is, given the fact that I will not drive the car aggressively and will never track it, wouldn't the springs be sufficient for my neeeds? All I care about are the looks. I just want to eliminate the gap in the wheel wells both in terms of height and width. So I may need some spacers, which is another issue. Anyone care to comment on spacers? Like I stated earlier, that black M3 that AllwaysLow posted a picture of is EXACTLY how I want my car to sit. AllwaysLow, what width spacers would you say are on that black M3?

Thanks E46Stallion, I agree that things should be done properly. I understand that coilovers are optimal. And because they are better, they are BEST. But, is it bad to install springs? In other words, I realize coilovers are the best option, but is harmful to just use spprings? Remember, I have no need for using the best setup because I have no need for the extra performance. I just want the looks.

Originally Posted by mfpseal

Right, I figured springs would cost much less, both to purchase and to install. My questions is, given the fact that I will not drive the car aggressively and will never track it, wouldn't the springs be sufficient for my neeeds? All I care about are the looks. I just want to eliminate the gap in the wheel wells both in terms of height and width. So I may need some spacers, which is another issue. Anyone care to comment on spacers? Like I stated earlier, that black M3 that AllwaysLow posted a picture of is EXACTLY how I want my car to sit. AllwaysLow, what width spacers would you say are on that black M3?

If cost and looks are your top two concerns, then springs are for you. Otherwise, get coilovers.

For spacers, a good aggressive setup with stock 19's is 15mm up front and 10mm in the rear (that's what I have now). I'm not sure what the bottom black one has, probably 12mm/10mm if I had to guess, but he's also got aftermarket wheels with different offsets (pm ///M3Fresh on m3forum.net for an answer). Some do 12mm/10mm for a more conservative look.

I've heard of some people going as high as 20mm in the front and 15mm in the rear, which is almost crazy.

P.S. I'm not sure if the ZCP wheels have the same offsets as the stock 19's that I have. So you may want to measure how much room you have from the top of your fenders to see which spcaers would be best.

OK, so it looks like 15mm in fron and 10mm in back for spacers and a spring kit from Eibach or HR. Anybody know how much I should look to pay for installtion of springs and spacers? This way I'll know what's reasonable when I find a place to install the components. You all have been great, thanks so much.

I don't know how much springs run... but spacers should be about $125/pair shipped with extended lugs.