If your BMW’s suspension just isn’t what if used to be, then chances are you’ve already considered coilover suspension as an alternative to the OEM arrangement. Alternately, you could be chasing properties standard suspension simply can’t provide and have decided that upgrading to coilovers is the best alternative to suit your driving style.
We recently looked at KW Street Performance suspension <<< https://southernbm.com.au/news/kw-street-performance-suspension-for-your-bmw-vqgqk >>> and the benefits installing this product can have for the handling of your car. But in this blog, we look more closely at the installation process, and how proper installation and setup can dramatically enhance the product for your driving style.
Coilovers have gained popularity for a reason. They might seem expensive, but they’re able to offer a variety of benefits your standard suspension can’t.
For starters, coilovers are a straightforward way of lowering or raising the height of your vehicle and can be more easily adapted to account for vehicle weight distribution and intended use, be it on the road or on the racetrack.
In a way, coilovers are quite similar in design to a MacPherson strut, and if your vehicle is fitted with MacPherson struts (front or rear) then coilovers will be a direct swap.
The most significant difference between a coilover and a MacPherson strut, however, is that the coilover has the spring integrated around the assembly itself, where a MacPherson strut simply provides a place for the coil spring to sit (often referred to as a perch). On a MacPherson strut, the perch height is fixed. On a coilover the perch height is adjustable.
Further, the spring on a coilover is a perfect match for the valving inside the shock absorber (or damper), and unlike a MacPherson strut can be adjusted to compensate for specific values including preload and ride height, while the damper can be adjusted for both compression and rebound forces.
For these reasons coilovers can be tailored to account for or to mitigate a variety of factors, including body roll, squat, and dive.
Corner weighting can further adjust the parameters a coilover offers to account for the diagonal weight distribution of the car, front to rear weight distribution of the car, and even the left to right (and right to left) weight distribution of the car to ensure weight perfectly distributed across all four tyres.
In short, we recommend discussing your specific driving needs when opting to fit coilovers to your BMW. Not only can we help you select a package that’s right for your driving style but provide a setup and alignment that will complement your new coilovers and offer a ride and handling package that works for your specific needs.
For more information contact us at SouthernBM or visit southernbm.com.au
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can subscribe below to receive more like this in your inbox as they are published.
I have used many mechanics over the years for the many different types of vehicles in our company fleet and southern BM is one of the very few workshops I can highly recommend. Andrew and his team are also really passionate about their work and it shows.
Archie Psallas
Google Review
Great experience dealing with the team at SouthernBM. Sean in particular was fantastic with his knowledge, timely responses and ultimately work performed.
Ian Tennent
Google Review
Extremely happy and love this place. Great service from Eric. Bought and installed akrapovic exhaust system from this place. Also purchased and installed the M performance bonnet. 100% coming back for more service from this place.
Timothy Sung
Google Review
Sean arranged a Quaife LSD for my 135i and I couldn't be happier. He advised multiple seals and bearings needed replacing unbeknownst to me so these were done as well. Now I have a more reliable car and one with tonnes more mechanical grip!
Nathan Mann
Google Review
Ordered an oil cooler thermostat yesterday, it’s in my hands today, VIC to WA. Unreal service!
Items marked GREEN or 'In Stock' are currently in stock at SouthernBM. Most orders are shipped within 1-2 business days. ‘Click & Collect’ orders are usually ready within 1-2 hours during normal trading hours.
Available to Order
Items marked YELLOW or ‘Available To Order’ are not currently in stock at SouthernBM, and need to be ordered in from the supplier. Please note the expected delivery time before placing an order.
No Longer Available
Items marked RED or ‘No Longer Available’ have been discontinued and are no longer available to be ordered. Please contact us for an alternative.
All orders are dispatched from our Melbourne warehouse. Most orders are delivered within 1-3 business days Australia-wide after dispatch. The expected delivery time on all 'Available To Order' items is only an estimate and wait times may vary from those provided. Please contact us if you have any questions.
All items listed on our website are not available for in store pick up without prior purchase. Please use the ‘Click & Collect’ option at checkout and we will let you know as soon as your order is ready.
Make a booking
Thanks! We've received your request. We will be in touch within 1 business day to confirm your booking. If you do not see the email in this time, please check your JUNK/SPAM folder.
Preferred Date
Drop Off Time
Vehicle
Registration #
First Name
Last Name
Email Address
Keep me updated with news and exclusive offers
Phone
How can we help?
Send Request
By clicking the Send button, you acknowledge that this form is a request for service and not a confirmation.