ZHP Suspension Refresh Options

All,

My '03 ZHP has 130k miles on what I believe is the original suspension. The ride quality is still fairly good however I need to start planning on refreshing the suspension.

In my 325i, I rolled in a PSS9 kit. For this car, I do not want a coilover kit. I want to preserve the car as long as I can. Putting additional stress on the subframe is not an option for me.

With that said, what are my options? I have been doing some research on this and I had a few options:

• H&R Cupkit
• Bilstein Shocks w/H&R Springs (Not sure if Race or Sport)
• Something else?

I would prefer to stay with either Bilstein or H&R due to reputation. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance!

Not much help to you, but I am wondering the same thing. My ZHP has been fantastic handling-wise, but the original kit is apparently MIA. Any advice on what would be a near-identical replacement handling and ride-quality wise is appreciated. I've been leaning towards the Cup Kit myself.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=932561

Originally Posted by jdny516

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=932561

Wow. That's perfect. I had been under the impression you couldn't even buy the ZHP components separately. Relieved!

Thank you,

Jeff

Originally Posted by jlav211

Wow. That's perfect. I had been under the impression you couldn't even buy the ZHP components separately. Relieved!

Thank you,

Jeff

Dont thank me, thank Mango

why would coilovers be any worse than lowering springs?

The same thing as any other E46 ZHP or not! Unless you want to go stock again then just purchase the same parts as your car came with. it is debated that the sports package 330 and ZHP both use same springs and dampers. I am not 100% sure. if you are going aftermarket, none of that matters.

Originally Posted by jdny516

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=932561

Already priced this out via bmwpartstore.com In comparing against the H&R/Bilstein Sport kit from Turner, I come in less than what bmwpartstore quoted me (about $200-300) and that is including a few things they did not include (front/rear reinforcement plates, diff bushings and new rtabs & limiters). I love dealing with them, however BMW's cost is higher than what I can find aftermarket. I guess I could save money and not get springs, but would hate do have them break and have to replace later.

Not sure what to do. I am hoping when I am ready to order I can see if Turner will cut a deal considering I am spending a chunk of money. Who knows...

Would coilovers have any affect on the subframe? I've never heard of a subframe failure on a 330i Zhp package...

Originally Posted by E46Snowball

Would coilovers have any affect on the subframe? I've never heard of a subframe failure on a 330i Zhp package...

Coilovers have the potential to be harsher on the car because you have the ability have the car at a lower stance. The lower the stance, the more stress is being put on the all aspects of the car (frame/subframe, wheel bearings, differential, etc.). I do not need my car that low (my old 325i had a PSS9 kit), so I cannot justify the extra expense (>$400) for coilovers.

I also have not heard of any subframe issues with the facelifted (02-06) BMWs. However, I do not want to be the first to find out.

Whammy, I would highly recommend Eibach Sportline spings with Koni Yellow adjustables (I think they are on sale right now too). I have had that setup on my '05 ZHP for about 30k miles and love it. Rides just a tiny bit stiffer than a stock ZHP, while lowering it the perfect amount. We've spoken before when you were buying your ZHP, I'm local to you and if you haven't done your suspension yet you are welcome to go for a ride/drive in my ZHP to see what you think of the setup. I should have my car out of winter storage anytime now.

Originally Posted by Whammy

All,

My '03 ZHP has 130k miles on what I believe is the original suspension. The ride quality is still fairly good however I need to start planning on refreshing the suspension.

In my 325i, I rolled in a PSS9 kit. For this car, I do not want a coilover kit. I want to preserve the car as long as I can. Putting additional stress on the subframe is not an option for me.

With that said, what are my options? I have been doing some research on this and I had a few options:

• H&R Cupkit
• Bilstein Shocks w/H&R Springs (Not sure if Race or Sport)
• Something else?

I would prefer to stay with either Bilstein or H&R due to reputation. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance!

Originally Posted by FamilyTruckster

Whammy, I would highly recommend Eibach Sportline spings with Koni Yellow adjustables (I think they are on sale right now too). I have had that setup on my '05 ZHP for about 30k miles and love it. Rides just a tiny bit stiffer than a stock ZHP, while lowering it the perfect amount.

I have the same setup and I agree, I love it! However, the Sportlines are pretty low, and the rake is pretty significant. I removed my rear spring pads to even out the height and the stance is perfect now.

I would recommend going with the Eibach Pro Kit instead of the Sportlines if you're not going for an aggressive drop! You can't go wrong with the Koni Yellows either. Awesome shocks.

Originally Posted by FamilyTruckster

Whammy, I would highly recommend Eibach Sportline spings with Koni Yellow adjustables (I think they are on sale right now too). I have had that setup on my '05 ZHP for about 30k miles and love it. Rides just a tiny bit stiffer than a stock ZHP, while lowering it the perfect amount. We've spoken before when you were buying your ZHP, I'm local to you and if you haven't done your suspension yet you are welcome to go for a ride/drive in my ZHP to see what you think of the setup. I should have my car out of winter storage anytime now.

Yeah, that would be great!

Originally Posted by ///BeckeR

I have the same setup and I agree, I love it! However, the Sportlines are pretty low, and the rake is pretty significant. I removed my rear spring pads to even out the height and the stance is perfect now.

I would recommend going with the Eibach Pro Kit instead of the Sportlines if you're not going for an aggressive drop! You can't go wrong with the Koni Yellows either. Awesome shocks.

Thank you both for your input. This is what I was thinking of at the moment. It still could change as I have not bought anything yet.

H&R + Bilstein Sport Kit
E46 Mount Kit (Front/Rear Shock Mounts, Reinforcement Plates, Pads)
Meyle HD Rear Diff Bushings w/ bolts
Meyle HD RTABs
RTAB Limiters
Tie Rods (maybe; not sure)
Swaybar bushings
Subframe Bushings

Almost all of this comes from Turner. At this point, it is about $1400. I cannot justify OEM because just the springs/shocks/struts alone is the same price without anything else.

Thoughts?

Originally Posted by Whammy

Yeah, that would be great!



Thank you both for your input. This is what I was thinking of at the moment. It still could change as I have not bought anything yet.

H&R + Bilstein Sport Kit
E46 Mount Kit (Front/Rear Shock Mounts, Reinforcement Plates, Pads)
Meyle HD Rear Diff Bushings w/ bolts
Meyle HD RTABs
RTAB Limiters
Tie Rods (maybe; not sure)
Swaybar bushings
Subframe Bushings

Almost all of this comes from Turner. At this point, it is about $1400. I cannot justify OEM because just the springs/shocks/struts alone is the same price without anything else.

Thoughts?

Well, today I placed the order with Turner. Suspension will go on in early June when a friend is ready to help.