From digest.v7.n212 Wed Sep 3 12:54:06 1997
From: "subecker_at_ix.netcom.com" <subecker_at_ix.netcom.com>
Date: Tue, 2 Sep 1997 23:24:42 -0700
Subject: Dinan M3 Springs and Bilsteins

I do not expect I was the only Digester interested in Duane's recent = posts regarding the changes in ride height and quality he realized with = H&R Springs and Bilsteins. For those interested in my experience with = corresponding Dinan suspension pieces (approximately 10 weeks ago, Dinan = installed their springs and Bilsteins in my 97 M3), they may note that:

1. The resulting ride height (measured from the top of the wheel arch to = the ground) is: rear - 24.5", and front - 26" (both on driver's side - = passenger side is ~.25" lower). (For reasons unknown, my wife's 95 = 325is also with Dinan springs and Bilsteins sits at the same at the = rear, but 1" lower in front).
2. Although the ride is taut, it is by no means "jarring", even over = broken pavement. In fact, the Dinan ride is more compliant over surface = irregularities than stock.
3. Understeer is very substantially reduced, as is cornering lean; but, = some of each remain (eg., when taking right angle turns at speed). I = anticipate Dinan's sway bars will further improve these handling = characteristics.
4. Dinan aligned the car, and I do not know the specs. But, realized .5 = degrees negative camber by swapping the front strut mounting plates from = side to side. After approximately 2500 miles, I have noticed no unusual = tire wear as a result of the camber change. Whether attributable to the = camber change or alignment or both, the car corners like it's on rails. = Although the car may have lost a bit of straight line stability, it = still tracks straight, is by no means twitchy, and the steering wheel = "centers" itself without difficulty.
5. At the onset, I was disturbed by the fact that the front of my M3 was = not lowered to any significant extent - I like the look of lowered E36's = (eg., my wife's car). However, on reflection, I don't know that this is = a bad thing: my wife complains about her car bottoming on speed bumps in = parking lots, even at slow speeds - mine doesn't; she has damaged the = plastic shroud behind the front "spoiler" -- I am less likely to damage = mine; and, my M3 sits "right" - the body is more or less parallel to the = road (rather than higher at the rear). But, if you're looking for a = very lowered look, Dinan may not be the way to go=20

Lew Becker