318is lowering

[seanboy]

Just got myself an IS. So much lighter and responsive than the 325's. I might lower her if the 17" bk racing alpina replica's make her stand to high. If she does stand too high with these on I would like to get some lowering springs but the cars got standard M3 setup (is that right) and dont want to ruin this setup or will lowering springs not affect the setup?
Also I suppose the 17" will affect the setup compared to the standard 14"?
Cheers

[dark_sounds]

the car has got Mtech suspension, similar to the 325i Sport but for a 318IS. (lighter car,,,)

its already lowered 15mm from factory, tbh with low profile tyres i dont think it will go much high because the rolling radius will be the same ;)

glad you like the IS

17s are not as good to handle with, though depends what you want from it i suppose.

16s are prob the best, for looks to handling ratio stick the 17s on and see how it fairs, i personally like the Mtech Ride,

[Jamese30]

Hi,
I have just bought a 318is with 17"s on and took them off and replaced them with 15" cross spokes. To be honest there is a lot of debate which are the best size wheels to use and it is a lot down to preference os expect differnet views. BMW supplied a maximum of 15" and Alpina 16" so that is the guide I use. Remember if you are going to lower the car you will really need stiffer springs to reduce body roll. Stiffer springs will give you a harsher ride. Combine that with reducing your tyre wall profile by fitting larger rims and you will end up making your ride even harsher.

So it depends what you want. Personally, on both of my cars I have wanted cars that handle well and progressivley so have stuck with 15"s. My 320i (2.7) is lowered by 40mm and the 318is by 35mm, although as this will be a track car, so ground clearance and poor roads are not an issue I will be going to 60mm.

Reference the suspension the 318is' use the same M-Tech struts as the 325 sports and E30 Tourers, simply the front struts are 51mm diameter rather than 49mm, dampers aree differnet too and you will have a rear anti-roll bar.

[seanboy]

Cheers Ali got the 17" lying around so try them saturday. Would like Genuine alpina's but finances holding back at the moment

[seanboy]

So your is currently lowered by 35mm how's that day to day driving. not too bothered about harshness off ride. Got a convertible that wont let you see the rear tyres in the arch but apart from that and speed humps handles well