BMW M3 and M4 - The Icons
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
home
Technical Sections Suspension / Brakes / Chassis

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-23-2021, 11:45 AM   #1
mattssi
Major
869
Rep
1,360
Posts

Drives: 2019 X3
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Bend, OR

iTrader: (1)

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.



__________________
2021 ///M3
2019 X3

Last edited by mattssi; 11-26-2021 at 07:13 PM.. Reason: Removed ride quality statement.
Appreciate 3
tom @ eas8066.50
HTTP 4102105.50
FISH225379.00
      11-23-2021, 02:07 PM   #2
KnightedBMW
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
2342
Rep
1,751
Posts

Drives: 2022 M3C
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

Awesome! Get some spacers on that thing now!
Appreciate 1
mattssi868.50
      11-23-2021, 02:10 PM   #3
tom @ eas
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
tom @ eas's Avatar
United_States
8067
Rep
18,788
Posts


Drives: BMW
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Anaheim, CA

iTrader: (19)

Garage List
2018 BMW i3s  [0.00]
2010 BMW M3  [6.50]
2015 BMW M4  [5.25]
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
__________________
Tom G. | european auto source (eas)
email: tom@europeanautosource.com · web: https://europeanautosource.com· tel 866.669.0705 · ca: 714.369.8524 x22

GET DAILY UPDATES ON OUR BLOG · FACEBOOK · YOUTUBE · FLICKR · INSTAGRAM
Appreciate 1
mattssi868.50
      11-24-2021, 08:36 AM   #4
mike@x-ph.com
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
mike@x-ph.com's Avatar
United_States
23797
Rep
190,163
Posts


Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Las Vegas

iTrader: (23)

Looks great!!
__________________
Check out our current sale by clicking on this link!
https://x-ph.com/sale/

Phone number 702-494-9435
Appreciate 1
mattssi868.50
      11-24-2021, 03:43 PM   #5
mattssi
Major
869
Rep
1,360
Posts

Drives: 2019 X3
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Bend, OR

iTrader: (1)

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).
__________________
2021 ///M3
2019 X3
Appreciate 1
tom @ eas8066.50
      11-26-2021, 07:16 PM   #6
mattssi
Major
869
Rep
1,360
Posts

Drives: 2019 X3
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Bend, OR

iTrader: (1)

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.
__________________
2021 ///M3
2019 X3

Last edited by mattssi; 01-02-2022 at 02:52 PM..
Appreciate 3
beachBmmr1434.00
playswcars3612.50
YamaLink425.00
      11-26-2021, 08:49 PM   #7
beachBmmr
Captain
beachBmmr's Avatar
United_States
1434
Rep
925
Posts

Drives: 2023 F90 M5 SG/AB
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DFW Texas

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mattssi View Post
Quick little update after about 30 miles of driving.

I don't understand what people are saying about "drives like stock". No way. Even in comfort mode, the car feels stiffer/harsher. Of course, on perfect roads, its nice, but it not like stock.

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. 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.
Thanks for the honest review.
__________________
2023 F90 M5
Retired - 2021 G82, 2019 440xi, 2020 X7, 2019 X5, 2013 F10, 2010 F10
Appreciate 0
      11-26-2021, 10:38 PM   #8
kbkura
Enlisted Member
10
Rep
33
Posts

Drives: 2019 BMW X5, 2021 BMW M4
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: San Antonio, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mattssi View Post
Quick little update after about 30 miles of driving.

I don't understand what people are saying about "drives like stock". No way. Even in comfort mode, the car feels stiffer/harsher. Of course, on perfect roads, its nice, but it not like stock.

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. 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.
Thanks a ton for the honesty… I asked in other threads about comfort as I regularly tow the family around. I think this is a dealbreaker for me. Will scope out the HAS kits…
Appreciate 0
      11-26-2021, 11:55 PM   #9
mattssi
Major
869
Rep
1,360
Posts

Drives: 2019 X3
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Bend, OR

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by kbkura View Post
Thanks a ton for the honesty… I asked in other threads about comfort as I regularly tow the family around. I think this is a dealbreaker for me. Will scope out the HAS kits…
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.
Appreciate 0
      12-23-2021, 04:45 PM   #10
Remington
Private First Class
308
Rep
192
Posts

Drives: 2023 SSG M8 Competition
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Washington, DC

iTrader: (0)

AST springs and Macht Schnell spacers installed today. Looks great, pictures in the next couple of days.

Thanks, European Auto Source.....
__________________
2023 M8 Competition
....and several other retired M cars...
Appreciate 1
tom @ eas8066.50
      12-24-2021, 09:18 AM   #11
mike@x-ph.com
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
mike@x-ph.com's Avatar
United_States
23797
Rep
190,163
Posts


Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Las Vegas

iTrader: (23)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Remington View Post
AST springs and Macht Schnell spacers installed today. Looks great, pictures in the next couple of days.

Thanks, European Auto Source.....
Looking forward for the pictures
__________________
Check out our current sale by clicking on this link!
https://x-ph.com/sale/

Phone number 702-494-9435
Appreciate 1
Remington307.50
      12-24-2021, 09:46 AM   #12
Remington
Private First Class
308
Rep
192
Posts

Drives: 2023 SSG M8 Competition
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Washington, DC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Remington View Post
AST springs and Macht Schnell spacers installed today. Looks great, pictures in the next couple of days.

Thanks, European Auto Source.....
As promised. Pictures taken on the George Washington Parkway in Alexandria, Virginia
Attached Images
  
__________________
2023 M8 Competition
....and several other retired M cars...

Last edited by Remington; 12-24-2021 at 09:52 AM.. Reason: Typo
Appreciate 0
      12-24-2021, 09:54 AM   #13
mattssi
Major
869
Rep
1,360
Posts

Drives: 2019 X3
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Bend, OR

iTrader: (1)

Updated with 12mm f/r Future Classic spacers. Such a great spacer kit. Hub bolts are a must!

Appreciate 2
Jbone72.50
      12-24-2021, 05:12 PM   #14
JDUNITNOW
Colonel
JDUNITNOW's Avatar
United_States
3453
Rep
2,341
Posts

Drives: BMW 335I, 750li, X5 G80
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Glen Allen, Virginia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mattssi View Post
Quick little update after about 30 miles of driving.

I don't understand how people are saying about "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. 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.
I decided not to lower my car, I think the ride us firm enough without lowering. Most people say it's about 15% difference and that was enough for me to change my mind. I have PS4'S with 15/13 BMS spacers and it looks great to me. Honestly I don't see the need to lower and I think photos made it look higher than real life. I never had a lowered car so I may not be the beat to have a opinion on it
__________________
Formerly Wyndi335I
2009 BMW 750li sold
14 BMW X5
04 BMW X5
11 BMW 335i convertible (sold, sellers market
Appreciate 3
mattssi868.50
YamaLink425.00
Jbone72.50
      01-05-2022, 09:30 AM   #15
aj_g80
Captain
550
Rep
638
Posts

Drives: 720s
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: south florida

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JDUNITNOW View Post
I decided not to lower my car, I think the ride us firm enough without lowering. Most people say it's about 15% difference and that was enough for me to change my mind. I have PS4'S with 15/13 BMS spacers and it looks great to me. Honestly I don't see the need to lower and I think photos made it look higher than real life. I never had a lowered car so I may not be the beat to have a opinion on it
my f82 was on swift spec R springs which was daily driven and to be honest its a sports car at the end of the day a little bit more stiffness wont kill your overall experience of the car, and when i say a little i mean a little. within the week you wont even notice.
Appreciate 0
      01-05-2022, 12:26 PM   #16
JDUNITNOW
Colonel
JDUNITNOW's Avatar
United_States
3453
Rep
2,341
Posts

Drives: BMW 335I, 750li, X5 G80
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Glen Allen, Virginia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by aj_g80 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by JDUNITNOW View Post
I decided not to lower my car, I think the ride us firm enough without lowering. Most people say it's about 15% difference and that was enough for me to change my mind. I have PS4'S with 15/13 BMS spacers and it looks great to me. Honestly I don't see the need to lower and I think photos made it look higher than real life. I never had a lowered car so I may not be the beat to have a opinion on it
my f82 was on swift spec R springs which was daily driven and to be honest its a sports car at the end of the day a little bit more stiffness wont kill your overall experience of the car, and when i say a little i mean a little. within the week you wont even notice.
I sold my springs and put the money toward window tint and PPF. I may venture back to it at some point but right now I am ok with the way it looks but you have a great point.
__________________
Formerly Wyndi335I
2009 BMW 750li sold
14 BMW X5
04 BMW X5
11 BMW 335i convertible (sold, sellers market
Appreciate 1
aj_g80549.50
      01-12-2022, 04:07 PM   #17
JB-G80
New Member
51
Rep
22
Posts

Drives: BMW M3CX G80
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Scotland

iTrader: (0)

Does anyone have any fitment guides for these for the xdrive g80 when it comes to installing the fronts?
Appreciate 0
      02-20-2022, 12:52 PM   #18
BMWRacer523
Lieutenant Colonel
BMWRacer523's Avatar
2519
Rep
1,773
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 Competition xDrive
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Got part# for those TTY bolts?
Appreciate 0
      02-20-2022, 03:38 PM   #19
mattssi
Major
869
Rep
1,360
Posts

Drives: 2019 X3
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Bend, OR

iTrader: (1)

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
__________________
2021 ///M3
2019 X3
Appreciate 1
      02-20-2022, 04:54 PM   #20
BMWRacer523
Lieutenant Colonel
BMWRacer523's Avatar
2519
Rep
1,773
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 Competition xDrive
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mattssi View Post
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
Thanks!
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:22 AM.




g80
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST