M-series wheels on 325i. Lowering options? - United Bimmer Community

**JBM BMW E36** · 01-24-2008, 06:45 PM

Alright guys. I got a 325i with the 18" M-series wheels on 225/40 ZR-18! I'm looking to lower it without any rub. How much drop do ya guys think I can get away with.

P.S. I like to drift so i need some room.

Looking for setup recommendations.

Thanks all.

nick_318is · 01-25-2008, 04:53 PM

You can probably do a small drop I would say 1.5 inches or so, keep in mind that you might need to roll fenders to keep from rubbing I'm not sure what the tire sizes and such are for the e36. I would suggest an H&R sport or Eibach spring for a small drop that won't hurt the wallet too much. I would also suggest some Bilstein sport or Koni Sport adjustable struts and it should be a pretty good handler.

What do you mean when you say you like to drift, where are you drifting and what is the extent of the drift? Don't be an idiot on the streets. Oh yeah and Grip>Drift!!!!!

**JBM BMW E36** · 01-25-2008, 05:27 PM

I don't hit the surface streets necessarily. I have some buddies that go to the track. I haven't had a rwd vehicle for a while til now. So gotta get the vehicle setup and see about some track time. I live in PHX, AZ though. and definitely a 5 sp.

Thanks for the info too.

**iamcreepingdeath** · 01-25-2008, 08:25 PM

Might i suggest H&R OE springs. I have them on my car and i am very happy with them, I also have 17" wheels and Bilstien Sport rear shocks. The H&R OE springs lower the car 1.0" in the front and 0.5" in the back, very modest, but a noticeable difference, perhaps what you are looking for. The springs have reduced the body roll of my car and maintain a very driveable feel.

With 18's, i am not sure if your tires will rub, but i can tell you my tires never once rubbed, so you should be fine.

**JBM BMW E36** · 01-25-2008, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamcreepingdeath

Might i suggest H&R OE springs. I have them on my car and i am very happy with them, I also have 17" wheels and Bilstien Sport rear shocks. The H&R OE springs lower the car 1.0" in the front and 0.5" in the back, very modest, but a noticeable difference, perhaps what you are looking for. The springs have reduced the body roll of my car and maintain a very driveable feel.

With 18's, i am not sure if your tires will rub, but i can tell you my tires never once rubbed, so you should be fine.

What is the size tire you run on the 17's and how much room do you have between fender and tire? This info should help me make the final decision. I am familiar with H&R and a fan.

Thanks for the info!!

**iamcreepingdeath** · 01-25-2008, 11:15 PM

front tires are 225/45/ZR17 and rears are 245/40/ZR17. This is because my front wheels are 7.5" wide and my rears are 8.5" wide so i need different size tires to achieve near equal sidewall height.

look at the pics of my car here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/iamthenomad/MyBMW

I have labelled the pictures to indicate which ones my car is lowered with the H&R OE springs and which ones aren't.