11-23-2021, 11:45 AM | #1 |
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Another M3 on AST springs
I finally got what I needed to do this project as best I could the "right way". I only wish I had a real lift since I was unable to torque the rear camber bolts to where they need to be. I'll be driving cautiously until I get it to the alignment shop.
I think the stance looks great. I followed the MSS instructions for the front spring install - it works, but the lack of visibility of how the top mount seats left me a little uneasy. The strut nut was just slightly off-center when I jacked up the wheel carrier, but it "figured itself out" when I lowered the car onto its wheels and before I torqued that nut down. I wish I could see that everything is seated properly, but you can't using this method. That being said, not taking out the entire assembly and having to use a spring compressor is mighty nice. Few things I thought I should note: -I used the rear diff as the rear jack point. Worked well and unlike some have mentioned in the forums, it is a valid jack point according to the BMW manual as seen in the photos. -I purchased new TTY bolts for the rear strut to camber control arm mount. I forgot to get new single-use nuts for the camber bolt, but I'll let that slide. There is no way alignment shops put new bolts on when they do adjustments, so I'm not worried. -Get a QuickJack! I have the 4 Esco jack stands, and they are sweet, but the whole process is annoying and its nearly impossible to get leverage for those bolts in the rear. And I just don't have the confidence that something won't slip off when torquing some of these bolts. -Labor to install around here is about $1200-$1800. Totally nuts. If you are SoCal and pay the $350-$450 range, do it. I would have done that despite in the end having added a bunch of tools to my arsenal (like a 16mm socket and wrench. I've never had to us one before!) -The strut nut socket worked well. A little tedious, but worked. I used a small ratchet with an elbow and 10mm socket to counter-hold the piston. -Oh, watch those level sensors. Even knowing about them I managed to break one arm. And of course, not just the $7 plastic arm, but the $40 sensor (MSRP $80). Hit me up with any questions on the process - this forum has been extremely helpful in answer my questions about the minute details of this process, so I can reciprocate. Photos are random, but someone may find them helpful.
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2019 X3 Last edited by mattssi; 11-26-2021 at 07:13 PM.. Reason: Removed ride quality statement. |
11-23-2021, 02:10 PM | #3 |
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New height checks out - spacers next on the list. Always respect the DIYers for this type of job.
Added to the AST gallery: https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...3#post28286493
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11-24-2021, 08:36 AM | #4 |
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Looks great!!
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11-24-2021, 03:43 PM | #5 |
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Thanks everyone. And thanks Tom for the all the back and forth via email even though I never made it down there for you to do the install.
I want spacers. I'm hesitant because people with even 12's up front are rubbing from what I'm reading and seeing (youtube whatsyourforte).
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11-26-2021, 07:16 PM | #6 |
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Quick little update after about 30 miles of driving.
I don't understand how people are saying "drives like stock". No way. Even in comfort mode, the car feels stiffer/harsher. I’m not saying is bad, its just not stock. I mean, how could it be? Of course, on perfect roads, you can't tell any difference. I've never understood this about folks that review aftermarket springs in ANY car that say it "rides like stock". I've never found it to be true. Maybe they want to believe it? Anyway, car looks good, rides a little stiffer, and I'm quite happy. I'm not sure how that will translate into "disrupting" the suspension when trying to track it, etc. Anyway, a little bit of feedback from yours truly.
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11-26-2021, 08:49 PM | #7 | |
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11-26-2021, 10:38 PM | #8 | |
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11-26-2021, 11:55 PM | #9 |
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I doubt the ride would be any/much better to be honest. Folks have often compared all 3 (ast mss kw) to be “like stock” and all ride on the same struts. H&Rs have gotten the only real negative reviews I’ve seen.
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12-23-2021, 04:45 PM | #10 |
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AST springs and Macht Schnell spacers installed today. Looks great, pictures in the next couple of days.
Thanks, European Auto Source.....
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12-24-2021, 09:18 AM | #11 |
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Looking forward for the pictures
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12-24-2021, 09:46 AM | #12 |
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As promised. Pictures taken on the George Washington Parkway in Alexandria, Virginia
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12-24-2021, 09:54 AM | #13 |
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12-24-2021, 05:12 PM | #14 | |
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02-20-2022, 03:38 PM | #19 |
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https://parts.bmwnorthwest.com/a/BMW...n/33_2839.html
Depending on which one, you can use this diagram. I used (2) #10's and (2) #18's
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02-20-2022, 04:54 PM | #20 | |
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