[Len_Beach]

Guys, I have a drop link related dilemma.

I have a 330d LCI running Koni FSD shocks and Eibach springs. The front is particularly low.

The car chews through drop links and has killed the 4th set in 18 months. I've always used Lemforder which are very high quality. Prior to the first issue, I'd had no problems for 2 years.

The last time I looked at the links, the angle of the upper knuckle to the strut appeared to be straining the drop link knuckle.

Is it possible that the strut has been installed incorrectly and is rotated too far in the hub which creates a tighter angle on the drop link?

[bfleming]

I think some photos would help here. There is a case for shorter drop links for lowered cars where the drop is extreme. BMW only list one drop link irrespective what suspension you have (standard/m-sport).
Some interesting reading here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=957891
There are some shorter links on ebay, just type this into the search field: 322518837667
HTH

[Len_Beach]

Originally Posted by bfleming

I think some photos would help here. There is a case for shorter drop links for lowered cars where the drop is extreme. BMW only list one drop link irrespective what suspension you have (standard/m-sport).
Some interesting reading here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=957891
There are some shorter links on ebay, just type this into the search field: 322518837667
HTH

Thanks Buddy. I'm going to undo the drop links and measure the distance between the strut mount and the ARB end mount when horizontal to the ARB mounts.

[gaz_ball]

Probably already checked (and even less likely after having been through 4 sets) but they're installed on the correct sides aren't they? The fronts are handed, I had a Bilstein B12 Pro kit fitted along with new drop links (Lemförder as well) but the garage had installed the drop links on the wrong sides. They didn't last very long!

[mjn77]

I'm probably lower than you and i'm using MeyleHD. Done 17k miles and no issues.

[Maxlude]

I have a pre-lci 330d also on koni fsd. On original se springs for 15k miles and another 15k miles on epk with no issues

[Hibbyfor]

I replaced mine with Lemforder after a change to KWs and they lasted a week, replaced again with Mehle HD and haven't had any issues since.

[Len_Beach]

Originally Posted by Hibbyfor

I replaced mine with Lemforder after a change to KWs and they lasted a week, replaced again with Mehle HD and haven't had any issues since.

Interesting. Every set I've changed to have been Lemforder.

[gaz_ball]

Originally Posted by Hibbyfor

I replaced mine with Lemforder after a change to KWs and they lasted a week, replaced again with Mehle HD and haven't had any issues since.

For balance, mine are Lemförder and have been fine since being (re)fitted about 6 months ago. I'm running Bilstein B12 Pro kit.

[Hibbyfor]

Originally Posted by gaz_ball

For balance, mine are Lemförder and have been fine since being (re)fitted about 6 months ago. I'm running Bilstein B12 Pro kit.

TBF I've used Lemforder on previous cars without issues, that's why I bought them. I did buy a cheaper set from ECP first (can't remember the maker) but they lasted about 10 mins. I do have an uprated ARB though which may make a difference.

[imy]

I would consider shorter drop links if your drop is that significant.

[RajB]

I'd like to see a pic of how low, low is?

Only reason I ask is that I'm running quite low with no issues but then I use genuine BMW drop links at present. Generally it shouldn't be too much of an issue especially if you are only running Koni FSD shocks and Eibach springs.

I'd be more inclined to recommend going to a different make of drop link. If still an issue then yes there is the option to go with adjustable drop links.

[mjn77]

I'm this low.......

[bishbosh]

Everyone says shorter drop links but for a very reduced ride height you would need longer drop links.

If you consider that on a lowered car the damper body is closer to the top of the suspension tower. You would find that a shorter drop link (or even the standard one) will pull the arms of the ARB higher.

If you want the ARB to stay at the correct angle then you would need longer links.

[RajB]

Originally Posted by bishbosh

Everyone says shorter drop links but for a very reduced ride height you would need longer drop links.

If you consider that on a lowered car the damper body is closer to the top of the suspension tower. You would find that a shorter drop link (or even the standard one) will pull the arms of the ARB higher.

If you want the ARB to stay at the correct angle then you would need longer links.

Agreed they do need to be longer slightly (I said adjustable ).

But in truth it's so marginal that you shouldn't need to do anything but use better links. The bar will be at a slightly different angle to standard but then both sides will be so there shouldn't be any extra load on one side to the other.

OP - Could your ARB be bent slightly?

[bishbosh]

I'll let you off Raj - I wasn't snapping at you.

As well as changing the drop links I've also swapped out the rubber bushes as well. The old ones were worn at the edges.