E46 M3 Tein Coilovers with EDFC

[Raja_SMGII]

Hello Guys

Thought I’d post up some pictures and my review of the Tein Coilovers with EDFC for the E46 M3 supplied from CA – well after a lot of problems with my [old] mechanic, several adjustments and four tracking adjustments, 10mm Eibach spacers, refurbished OEM CSL wheels and new PS2s all round – behold:

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I haven’t slammed it – while it is capable of being dropped a lot and at first it was, particularly at the rear without the perch accessory [after mechanic told me rears were not height adjustable :rolls eyes: - thanks for the heads-up on this particularly, Fas, Nick and Raj for the info to set him straight…] – I’ve had it raised and it is a good compromise on road comfort – yeah I know… would look much better slammed, but for a daily driver, it was the sensible thing to do. The EDFC really is an incredible piece of kit…. Believe it or not though, as opposed to what Tein state (that 0 is most comfortable) with 16 [haven’t gone over 10 to be honest lol] adjustments, I find that 6 is the most COMFORTABLE and really makes the car more taught… running on 0 makes the car sway a lot in comparison and in turn is less comfortable than 6… Anyway – after playing about and importantly, letting the car adjust and settle in, it really is coming alive and I love it :)

I usually get told off if I drive fast, but last night was testimony to just how well it handles and behaves, I was able to take the Hanger Lane roundabout [West London] at speed with virtually zero body roll evading a pesky Peugeot and clearing the 3 traffic lights at speed that go off to red fast in synchronicity, around the roundabout…. My girlfriend had a smirk on her face as I took the exit – this ladies and gents, NEVER happens! lol … :)

I cannot wait for the car to settle in more… the Tein offers incredible value for money when you take into account it provides you brand spanking new top mounts and if you’ll pardon my French, mine were well and truly shagged… wish I had a pic, but alas they went straight into a skip… but I did get a look and the rubber mounts which were cracked and hard and just useless….. this was only after 40k – of which 20k was on Eibach springs… also my old dampers [after removed and examined], wouldn’t rebound when compressed – they were shot….. Tein also provides you new rear shock mounts, which I’m not sure but may be rebuild-able… I purchased the Eibach coilover kit with Rouge Engineering Rear Shock Mounts [still have the RSMs in their original packaging] but had to return the Eibach after they sent me the wrong kit – mechanic charged me double the cost of the suspension labour stating he spend hours trying to fit a kit that wouldn’t fit – strange that my original suspension was still there at the front…… hmm….. You live and learn from experiences like this so I refuse to let it get me down….. No more business for him!

My only gripe with the coilover suspension is the discomfort felt when I go over speed bumps at speeds greater than 15-20mph…. it is not nice... but perhaps this is the way with any lowered car and coilover system?

Any questions, ask away and if I make a meet, any members who’d like to try out the handling are more than welcome :)

Cheers,
Raj

[Silver]

Nice finally got it sort now.

Drop looks prefect to me :cool:

[S1DXN]

How much did the whole setup cost, if you don't mind me asking?

[Chaos]

Drop is pretty much exactly where I've set mine at aswell Raj, no sense shaving lumps off the tyres for no real advantage. :)

[Mud]

Great to hear its all finally sorted mate, and glad you are now really enjoying the car

[SpeedTrap]

Glad you took our advice:) Looking good now.

[Raja_SMGII]

Thanks Guys and forgetful me: big thanks to Roy and CA for all the help and *PATIENCE! Roy very kindly offered to have his shop take a look at the suspension, sorry I wasn't able to take up the offer as I had someone else closer to me look at it, but great to know that after-sales service was top-noch :)




*The return of the eibach kit was a headache as the courier Eibach sent wouldn't pick it up from the right address and, I've just been informed; Roy if you're reading: It has come back again from the courier, saying that Eibach has moved premesis....??!??! Roy get in touch pls! I'm sending you the Eibach kit directly through private post.....

[peppernick]

Looking good Raj, I bet it goes like stink round corners :D Mine did! It's quite amusing watching the car behind you reduced to a dot when you slingshot out of Hanger's Lane roundabout onto the A406, fantastic place to try out your suspension :D

Two other good ones where you can really get up to speed without any pesky cameras, sweeper than joins the M25 to the M4 (anti-clockwise) and the long left hander that joins the M25 to the A40 (clockwise). Try them next :D

I wouldn't go any lower than that. It will settle a bit more and it will be just right. Coilovers will be uncomfortable over speed bumps (they are not designed to tackle them) and the Teins make more noise than others, but it's a small price to pay.

[nick_M3]

well done!!!
nice choice!!!

i think too that tein is pretty much for people that want something different from what its beeing used...

as for speed bumps...well its a track suspension...i dont think there are alot of speed bumps on the tracks....:D

[rahrah]

wow....looks ace raja!

[robinh20mrv]

looking good m8!

[Black Sabbath]

Drop looks about right to me and as Nick says it will settle a bit anyway.Good write up as well :cool: I might have to consider these as an option now that the supercharger is fitted :D

[Raj]

Stunning Raj. Glad it is all finally sorted. The drop is spot on and love the little write-up. :cool: :cool: :cool:

[madmatt m3]

Looks really good mate, mine are still sat in the box waiting for me to pull my finger out and fit them! :)

[lee330sport]

That looks spot on..........and the missus doesnt complain, cant get better than that. I think i really need coilovers on mine now.

[phat///M3]

Lookin hot raja, I have some catching up to do :mad:

[CA Automotive UK]

glad it's all sorted now Raj, and that you are enjoying their use :)

all the best

[mnathan]

I`ve been wondering wheter to install adjustable TEINS within the next 2 months..........i guess with your brilliant writeup, i`ll have to call Roy for some prices......:D

[huzi7]

glad you got it sorted bro

looks stunning :cool:

[M3ACS]

Looks good Raj.

Ive just installed the same setup on my M although going for a full 4 wheel alignment this weekend.

Do you know what your final settings where? ie. Front Camber, toe etc...