Your BMW E9X M3’s handling is determined by the quality, capabilities, and age of the suspension parts on it. Aftermarket performance suspension components like Coilovers, lowering springs, and dampers, can improve the handling of your BMW dramatically – many of which don’t require breaking the bank. An upgraded suspension system can deliver a slew of benefits including improved handling, better cornering, heightened performance, and, of course, a more aggressive look sans the pesky factory fender gap. If you are looking to lower your E9X M3, Vivid Racing carries a wide selection of products for your specific model that will transform your driving experience. Whether you are street driving your car or taking it to the track, the following 5 top lowering springs and Coilover kits can take things to the next level. Starting from the top with the highest-priced kit to the most basic product for your car, this list will help you choose the best package for your M3.
1. Moton Club Sport Damper System
Moton Club Sport Dampers are the ultimate in damper suspension systems, ideal for those who do some serious track racing. The Club Sport series is designed for the true racer and high-performance street driver. This ultimate suspension system is by far the highest quality and best handling suspension system on the market today. Featuring remote reservoirs for superior fluid temperature control, quick release hydraulic lines (on most models) for easy installation, separate compression and rebound damper valving adjustment, and height-adjustable spring perches, this kit is much more than the typical Coilover systems out there. If your driving can benefit from the best of the best in suspension tuning, then this kit is the one for you – and it’s no coincidence that it is first on our list and the most expensive too. In fact, the Cub Sport kit has everything you could possibly need to keep your Bimmer under control in any track condition.
The damper features 15 positions of bump adjustment on the remote reservoir and 15 positions of rebound on top of the piston rod. The dampers are so well tuned that each minor adjustment done to them is immediately felt by the driver. Moton Club Sport Dampers are designed to be user-friendly and deliver the absolute finest performance. They perform really well at low speeds and high speeds, which gives you total control regardless of the conditions. The reservoir is connected by a high-pressure hose and is equipped with swivel banjo’s for simple installation of the canisters in the car regardless of the position. The damper bodies are manufactured from top-grade steel or aluminum for added durability. The shaft is also induction hardened and chrome plated for high strength and longevity. The canister pressure can be varied between 6-18 bar (100-300 psi) to help support your BMW M3 in high-speed cornering with soft springs.
Features:
- Comfortable enough to use on daily roads
- Easy to adjust to a full race setup
- Separate Bump (15 and rebound and 15 control)
- Unique blow-off valve system in remote reservoirs
- Large piston rod diameter for more fluid displacement
- Adjustable gas pressure for added lifting force
- No preloaded valve stacks needed for low-speed damping control
- Swivel banjo hoses for easy installation of remote reservoirs
2. KW Clubsport 3-Way Kit with Top Mounts
The KW Clubsport 3-Way Kit with Top Mounts is made for hardcore weekend track-goers and daily drivers alike. This kit was designed for the BMW E9X M3, using special triple adjustable racing dampers with external expansion reservoirs. The patented two-way adjustable compression valve, housing in the reservoirs, lets owners precisely adjust the compression forced in high and low speed ranges completely independent of one another. The rebound is also altered independently and can be adjusted with the rebound adjustment knob. Dialing back the damper settings can offer enhanced comfort while increasing them will improve handling and steering precision.
You can manually vary the low-speed compression damping with six precise clicks using the purple adjustment wheel; change the high-speed compression using the 14 precise clicks on the gold adjustment wheel; take advantage of the rebound adjust with 16 adjustable clicks. This KW 3-Way Clubsport kit also includes KW Solid Top Mounts which allow for seamless camber adjustments. These adjustable top mounts paired with the independently adjustable rebound, and high-/low-speed compression technology lets drivers set up specific adjustments according to their vehicle load, tires, and track conditions. In other words, the 3-Way Clubsport package is a great choice that will meet all of your needs for the streets and racetrack, delivering exceptional handling, increased performance, more agility, and impressive lap times.
Features:
- Height adjustable coilover kit
- Inox-line stainless steel construction
- Performance setup for the racetrack
- Dampers in compression and rebound forces independently adjustable
- Use of high-performance linear race springs
- TUV approval possible depending on the specification
- Front lowering adjustment ranges: 10-40 mm (0.4-1.5 inches)
- Rear lowering adjustment ranges: 5-35 mm (0.2-1.4 inches)
- Front spring rates 510 lbs/inch
- Rear spring rates: 800 lbs/inch
3. KW H.A.S. Coilover Spring Kit
The KW H.A.S. Coilover Spring Kit for the BMW M3 keeps the stock struts but allows height adjustability so you don’t have to make a permanent decision right away. KW’s height-adjustable sleeve kit for the E9x M3 allows for full height adjustment while retaining the car’s factory electronic damping control. The factory spring perches are removed from the front dampers, and KW’s very own threaded height-adjustable perches are installed. The sleeve kit allows for 0.5 inches to 1.2 inches (15-30mm) of lowering in the front and 0.2 inches to 1.2 inches (5-30mm) at the rear. The kit includes progressive rate lowering springs, height-adjustable spring perches for the front and rear, shortened bump stops and new dust boots to protect the BMW’s OE shocks. Stock shock absorbers including electronic controls are being utilized with this package.
The KW Suspensions H.A.S. Coilover Spring Kit is used for lowering the E9X M3 in combination with the original dampers, even when electronic damper control is installed. This simple lowering solution from KW optimizes the dynamic performance and the steering behavior of the M-Series vehicle without the electronic damper control deactivated. Vehicle-specific adjustable spring seats with adjusted KW lowering springs and a matching elastomer and dust cover system are included in the package. This complete conversion kit allows BMW owners to enjoy an adjustable lowering system without having to dish out more money for an expensive full coilover kit. With this, you no longer have to decide on the lowering height you want right at the start of your project. It’s super easy to tweak even once installed and lets you change your mind within the allotted measurements.
Features:
- Improved optics and vehicle dynamics
- Optimal performance with better steering behavior
- Individual height adjustability of the original suspension kit
- OE suspension system (w/ electronic damper control) stays active
- Lowering Range: 15-30mm Front / 5-30mm Rear
4. Swift Springs Sport Spec-R Springs
The Swift Spec-R Sport Springs for the BMW M3 will keep the ride quality you get straight from the showroom with enhanced handling and a lower ride height for style-minded drivers who demand the best. From HPDE events to SCCA competition, Swift Spec-R Sport Springs are made for the track enthusiast looking to take their car to a whole new level without sacrificing favorable driving characteristics. These springs are wound using the same engineering tactics and material as the company’s Sport Springs, but with stiffer spring rates and a slight change in ride height.
This kit features an increase in spring rate to further enhance cornering speed through entry and exit to give you more confidence to take those turns. The increase in spring rate is based on your specific vehicle’s factory stock valving settings for optimal performance. Sport Spec-R Springs reach the optimal rate that the stock shocks can handle and, while they are not required, high-performance shocks are recommended to get the best performance possible Built for track duty, Swift Spec-R springs are designed at the upper limits of the OEM shock valving. Track tested to the max and tuned for optimum performance, this spring kit is aggressive yet comfortable enough for the daily driver.
Features:
- Improved handling with reduced body roll
- Spring Rate Front: 279 lbs/inch
- Spring Rate Rear: 670 lbs/inch
- Front Lowering: 1 inch
- Rear Lowering: -0.7 inch
- Best aggressive spring kit on market
- Perfect for street and weekend fun
- Ideal for the track enthusiast
5. H&R Sport Springs
H&R Sport Springs are the best choice for daily driving and that aggressive lowered look. As the most popular product in H&R’s lineup, the Sport Springs will lower your BMW M3 an average of 1.0-0.6 inches (sedan) and 0.75-0.25 inches (coupe) for a lower center of gravity and reduced body roll. This will consequently improve vehicle handling in addition to giving your car a more intimidating stance. H&R Sport Springs feature a spring rate that is firmer than that of the OE Sport Spring but still comfortable enough for everyday use. At the same time, these springs are an excellent option for those who drive their car on the streets and visit the track occasionally as well.
Direct from Germany, H&R springs are the highest quality of sport springs on the market. This spring setup will help firm up what many drivers consider a soft stock suspension for BMW’s M-Series. Apart from The progressive spring rate design provides superb ride quality and comfort levels so you don’t have to compromise those factors for enhanced looks. A lower wind resistance signature will make your car more streamlined and improve gas mileage too. This spring kit fits all 2008 and newer E90 sedan and E92 M3 coupe, with Aand without electronic dampening control (EDC).
Features:
- Crafted from a special 54SiCr6 spring steel
- Springs are strength rated at 290,000 psi
- Reduces perceived fender gap for a sportier look
- Ride quality is kept very close to stock ride comfort
- Fully compliant and well suited for the city streets
- Approx. Front Lowering: 0.75 in. (coupe)
- Approx. Rear Lowering: 0.25 in. (coupe)
- Approx. Front Lowering: 1 in. (sedan)
- Approx. Rear Lowering: 0.6 in. (sedan)
