[gphung]

Originally Posted by mhanism

The Ohlin folks are great and spend the time to really discuss suspension tuning from a technical perspective. That said, they stressed ride frequency over spring rates for street vs track tuning. He further made a point that I should leave the rear rates as spec'ed to enable the dampers to function properly and dampen as engineered; and lowering the fronts would be a good way to neutralize some of the stiffness. He implied the rear and fronts worked in conjunction for overall ride quality.

FWIW - He was far more technical than any of the three shops I spoke with on the matter, and rebutted a lot of what the shop mechanics noted.

Hey, thanks for sharing the details of the conversation you had with Ohlins. Did you end up deciding what spring rates to go with?

[Saanen]

Originally Posted by Saanen

I am running the Ohlins set up with slightly (15%) softer spring rates at 80N/mm front and 160N/mm in the rear and at the softest settings the suspension is still firmer than stock. I may eventually go down to 70/140N/mm which is 25% softer than the 90/190 N/mm rec by Ohlins. But Jake at Ohlins said the valving should still be in the optimal range at 70/140N/mm. I suspect that going to 60/120N/mm will provide a softer than stock set up at 20 clicks, but you may start to sacrifice some of the handling capabilities.

Note: based on numbers* on the M4 thread all of these spring rates are higher than the stock set up. * I wish I had written the numbers for the M4 down...but they are less than 70/140N/mm for sure.

I can personally assure you that dropping the rates to 80 front and 160 rear works perfectly on the track and on back canyon roads with road irregularities; superiorly to the stock system.

[Saanen]

Can anyone confirm that we can run 255/35 19 tires up front and 275/35 19 rear tires with Ohlins on stock wheels (without camber plates)?

[M2GT]

Yes I am on Ohlins with 255/35 275/35, lowered 3/4 inch, fits without issue.

Originally Posted by Saanen

Can anyone confirm that we can run 255/35 19 tires up front and 275/35 19 rear tires with Ohlins on stock wheels (without camber plates)?

[Greg75]

Two weeks with Öhlins (90nm; 190nm) on my M2C, expertly installed by Harold and Lucas at HP Autosport. Ride height was determined by starting with Öhlins recommended, then corner balancing (and aligning, of course). Started with 13-clicks (out) all around. Have tried everything from 7 - 15 (always the same front and back, as recommended by Öhlins). For my driving—canyons, back roads, and too many freeway miles—I like 10 all around best, so far. M2C handles like a slot-car or go kart, now—flat and sticks like glue. Suspension is sports-car firm, but not harsh or too stiff, if that makes sense. Also added 12mm front and 10mm rear Macht Schnell spacers. Pretty much perfect, even with fender without suck or poke. And, after Harold’s alignment and the upgrade, whatever minimal understeer the Comp might’ve had seems long gone, at least at nearly-sane road limits. Highly recommend the Öhlins and HP Autosport, especially if you can get to Santa Barbara for the installation and setup.

[dcmac]

Originally Posted by Greg75

Two weeks with Öhlins (90nm; 190nm) on my M2C, expertly installed by Harold and Lucas at HP Autosport. Ride height was determined by starting with Öhlins recommended, then corner balancing (and aligning, of course). Started with 13-clicks (out) all around. Have tried everything from 7 - 15 (always the same front and back, as recommended by Öhlins). For my driving—canyons, back roads, and too many freeway miles—I like 10 all around best, so far. M2C handles like a slot-car or go kart, now—flat and sticks like glue. Suspension is sports-car firm, but not harsh or too stiff, if that makes sense. Also added 12mm front and 10mm rear Macht Schnell spacers. Pretty much perfect, even with fender without suck or poke. And, after Harold’s alignment and the upgrade, whatever minimal understeer the Comp might’ve had seems long gone, at least at nearly-sane road limits. Highly recommend the Öhlins and HP Autosport, especially if you can get to Santa Barbara for the installation and setup.

Great write up! Mine get installed week after next - then a track day to christen them two days later.. Can’t wait!

[Greg75]

Originally Posted by dcmac

Great write up! Mine get installed week after next - then a track day to christen them two days later.. Can’t wait!

Thanks, DC. Predicting you’ll really enjoy tracking your M with these. Looking forward to doing the same sometime soon. When I do, will likely go 5 clicks or fewer all around. As far as performance upgrades go, the coil overs and maybe Cup 2s when the PSSs wear out are all I plan. Happy with the choice and the M2C.

[mhanism]

Originally Posted by Greg75

Two weeks with Öhlins (90nm; 190nm) on my M2C, expertly installed by Harold and Lucas at HP Autosport. Ride height was determined by starting with Öhlins recommended, then corner balancing (and aligning, of course). Started with 13-clicks (out) all around. Have tried everything from 7 - 15 (always the same front and back, as recommended by Öhlins). For my driving—canyons, back roads, and too many freeway miles—I like 10 all around best, so far. M2C handles like a slot-car or go kart, now—flat and sticks like glue. Suspension is sports-car firm, but not harsh or too stiff, if that makes sense. Also added 12mm front and 10mm rear Macht Schnell spacers. Pretty much perfect, even with fender without suck or poke. And, after Harold's alignment and the upgrade, whatever minimal understeer the Comp might've had seems long gone, at least at nearly-sane road limits. Highly recommend the Öhlins and HP Autosport, especially if you can get to Santa Barbara for the installation and setup.

Nice write up and review! The drop looks a bit lower than 10mm which is the Ohlin recommended settings, but still looks great. Any rubbing issues?

[Greg75]

Originally Posted by mhanism

Nice write up and review! The drop looks a bit lower than 10mm which is the Ohlin recommended settings, but still looks great. Any rubbing issues?

Drop did end up a bit lower after balancing. No rubbing whatsoever over any surface.

[mhanism]

Originally Posted by gphung

Hey, thanks for sharing the details of the conversation you had with Ohlins. Did you end up deciding what spring rates to go with?

I ended up going with the lower fronts and the recommended rear rates (70nm/190nm), but have not yet installed as I'm awaiting delivery of my car. I'm actually driving my friends M2C tomorrow who recently had Ohlins with the recommended rates installed. I'll circle back with feedback. I think Saanen's rates would work just fine as well.

[Thescout13]

Originally Posted by mhanism

I ended up going with the lower fronts and the recommended rear rates (70nm/190nm), but have not yet installed as I'm awaiting delivery of my car. I'm actually driving my friends M2C tomorrow who recently had Ohlins with the recommended rates installed. I'll circle back with feedback. I think Saanen's rates would work just fine as well.

Any feedback?

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by mhanism

I ended up going with the lower fronts and the recommended rear rates (70nm/190nm), but have not yet installed as I'm awaiting delivery of my car. I'm actually driving my friends M2C tomorrow who recently had Ohlins with the recommended rates installed. I'll circle back with feedback. I think Saanen's rates would work just fine as well.

It all comes down to personal preference. Some people are perfectly fine with the rates out of the box and some need softer rates. Most of the kits we have installed in-house are out of the box rates. Lowering beyond the Ohlins recommended settings on those rates are also not an issue. The springs all have preload still.

[dcmac]

Just re-sharing some pics I just put in the "what did you do to your M2" thread.

Here's my car on newly installed Ohlins R&T - stock spring rates, stock ride height, aligned but not corner balanced.

Car performed brilliantly on track at the weekend - no rubbing. I am thinking of bringing it down slightly lower but will see how the 437's look on them first as that's what I'll be driving on daily.

But overall, super happy with the product. I was at 7 clicks for track and haven't raised them yet for street - but I will prob go out to 11-12... driving around town this week, definitely too stiff for my tastes on the road (esp. in potholed Denver).

[Bee Pee]

Originally Posted by dcmac

Just re-sharing some pics I just put in the "what did you do to your M2" thread.

Here's my car on newly installed Ohlins R&T - stock spring rates, stock ride height, aligned but not corner balanced.

Car performed brilliantly on track at the weekend - no rubbing. I am thinking of bringing it down slightly lower but will see how the 437's look on them first as that's what I'll be driving on daily.

But overall, super happy with the product. I was at 7 clicks for track and haven't raised them yet for street - but I will prob go out to 11-12... driving around town this week, definitely too stiff for my tastes on the road (esp. in potholed Denver).

What spec wheel/tyre combo - looks good

[dcmac]

Originally Posted by Bee Pee

What spec wheel/tyre combo - looks good

Thanks!

Apex 9.5in EC7 (ET35) in satin black w/ 12mm spacers back, 10mm front.

Tires are Bridgestone RE71R 265/35/18 all round.

[Bee Pee]

Originally Posted by dcmac

Thanks!

Apex 9.5in EC7 (ET35) in satin black w/ 12mm spacers back, 10mm front.

Tires are Bridgestone RE71R 265/35/18 all round.

Are spacers for aesthetics only or needed to clear 265 tyres from front struts

[dcmac]

Originally Posted by Bee Pee

Are spacers for aesthetics only or needed to clear 265 tyres from front struts

Mostly for aesthetics. I only needed a 5mm spacer to clear the fronts but had a 10mm on hand so kept using that instead.

[eatingpizzainthef87rules]

Stock Ohlins rates are excellent for their intended purpose - if you are looking for a cushy 5 series style ride you may be buying the wrong tool for the job.

[mhanism]

For those who are lowered closer to or at the max drop of 25mm - how has ride quality been? Has there been a noticeable impact to ride quality due to the ride height?

I ask because given the recommended preload of the front which would lower the car 10mm, the remaining 15mm height comes from the shock body. My assumption is that ride quality shouldn't suffer too much at the 25mm, assuming recommended preload and not lowering beyond 25mm.

Similar concept with the rear, however the ride height and preload are adjusted at the same spring. But from what I've been told, it's the front preload that impacts ride quality the most.

Thanks!

[RacletteMan]

Originally Posted by mhanism

For those who are lowered closer to or at the max drop of 25mm - how has ride quality been? Has there been a noticeable impact to ride quality due to the ride height?

I ask because given the recommended preload of the front which would lower the car 10mm, the remaining 15mm height comes from the shock body. My assumption is that ride quality shouldn't suffer too much at the 25mm, assuming recommended preload and not lowering beyond 25mm.

Similar concept with the rear, however the ride height and preload are adjusted at the same spring. But from what I've been told, it's the front preload that impacts ride quality the most.

Thanks!

I just had the kit installed. 160nm rear and 90nm front. I am at approx 25mm. The ride quality is stiffer than stock but quite ok. What I am disappointed about is steering feel, it is not the same as before. The dartiness is gone. I do not know if it is due to the lowering itself,a bad alignment or the fact that the new wheels have a slightly more aggressive offset.

[mhanism]

Originally Posted by RacletteMan

I just had the kit installed. 160nm rear and 90nm front. I am at approx 25mm. The ride quality is stiffer than stock but quite ok. What I am disappointed about is steering feel, it is not the same as before. The dartiness is gone. I do not know if it is due to the lowering itself,a bad alignment or the fact that the new wheels have a slightly more aggressive offset.

Interesting... I've heard the exact effect on steering. What wheels are you going with?

Would be curious as to what you uncover.

[RacletteMan]

Originally Posted by mhanism

Interesting... I've heard the exact effect on steering. What wheels are you going with?

Would be curious as to what you uncover.

Wheels are Advan RS-DF ET25 front ET35 rear. Going to contact a different shop next week to determine the best course of action. Since I had both the suspension and the wheels done at the same time it makes it that much harder to find what is causing the issue. Lesson learned. I will spend as much as I have to, but I am not leaving the car like this. Steering is ruined Vague when going straight, initial turn in is sloppy and feels very heavy. I cant imagine it's a defect of the Ohlins. The wheels are only 4mm further out than stock. I am so disappointed.