Damper ratings for stock setup

[sharadn]

Thanks for the link to the flat ride calculator. Looks to be very helpful. I will forget about custom revalving, doesn't seem like it is worth it. Especially now that I have seen some progress in getting my issue sorted out.

[r4dr]

I remember seeing a thread about flat ride somewhere but I can't find it. Can someone please point me to it? Also does anyone know of a place that does custom re-valving on Koni sports?

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/e46-2001-2006/5660-fcm-e46-m3-ride-harmonizer-suspension-spreadsheet-aka-flatride

PSI in Sonoma ($$$)
Truechoice in the Midwest
Ground Control probably could in CA

That being said, revalving off the shelf Koni Yellows (the Sport dampers) probably isn't worth the cost. You would be better off buying them custom valved from GC or TCK in the first place if you're running a custom spring rate setup.

[sharadn]

I think I figured out what was causing the harshness. I was playing around with the suspension parts and had some of them out. While putting things back together I noticed that the boot was torn on the upper ball joint on the drop links on the front sway bar. I bought new ones and put them on and this seems to have made quite a difference. The old ones are now in the transfer station so I cannot assess them and did not think to check them out before I threw them out. I wonder if the top ball joint was frozen and this was limiting the travel on my front struts. The car feels much better now and I can feel the suspension actually working. Before it just felt dead. If my dampers are not as tight as new they are certainly not blown and car handles quite well now. Has anyone else ever noticed this? It seems odd that this could be the case but there is a distinct difference between before and after. One of the best $35 I have ever spent on this car. It is still quite stiffly sprung and I may still go to Koni sports. Will definitely replace the front Michelin A/S 3 with the Contis DWS 06 but for now it feels like the car is driving the way it is supposed to.

[sharadn]

I remember seeing a thread about flat ride somewhere but I can't find it. Can someone please point me to it? Also does anyone know of a place that does custom re-valving on Koni sports?

[sharadn]

No need. It is a vert. Easy Peasy. Open top halfway prop it open remove sthock nuts. Just keep track of them or they will disappear into the car Netherlands

[01SG]

If you go the Koni route make sure you buy something like the Rogue Engineering rear mounts, which allow you to remove the shocks for adjustment without tearing apart the trunk.

[sharadn]

Thanks

[Tbonem3]

Koni usually does a spring sale.

[sharadn]

Tire rack has a complete set for $750 and there is a set on Ebay for $745.95. I am not in a hurry so if would see a sale coming up sometime in the future I would wait

[r4dr]

Do the Konis ever go on sale?

Yes. I know Bimmerworld had a good deal on them within the past few months. But they're harder to price shop than Bilsteins for whatever reason.

[sharadn]

Do the Konis ever go on sale?

[r4dr]

Latest from GC:
I just talked to a tech and they said we will actually set you up with a 375 up front and close to a 450 in back. He said that will put you really close to a "zhp" ride quality spring wise and it will have better valving.

That still puts you in pitch territory for the ratio of bounce frequencies front/rear (0.84 in this case). Something like 225/450 (1.08 ratio, flat ride) would be my preference. That being said, GC valving still doesn't have a reputation for being the softest -- TCK is also Koni-based but allegedly their valving is better in that category. But I have no personal experience with TCK.

I really think you would be happy with just stock springs & fresh Koni Yellow dampers. Make sure to get new hardware so that your new dampers aren't handicapped by aged out rubber and etc.

[sharadn]

Latest from GC:
I just talked to a tech and they said we will actually set you up with a 375 up front and close to a 450 in back. He said that will put you really close to a "zhp" ride quality spring wise and it will have better valving.

[sharadn]

I don't know what is up with mine but it is definitely not plush and there is little to no body roll on turns. I guess if I buy the GC kit and it makes me like my current setup it will have been worth it (at least for GC)

[Tbonem3]

The 440/550 is what GC slaps on every kit that isn't for the track. You would not be happy. Stock springs and Konis on full soft will be good. I still don't know your current stock setup is too stiff. I just bought a 123k original car and the suspension actually feels great! Just massive wheel gap/body roll, but still composed and tight, but plush.

Maybe you should get the 440/550 kit, then go back to your stock setup and you'll be happy