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A tight fender fit on the rear. I have Bilstein HD's (spring plate top groove) and Bav Auto springs and had to trim the fender lips considerably. Before trimming, I could not drive the car because of serious rubbing on the right rear. After approximately an hour of trimming with an angle grinder on both sides, I reinstalled the wheels and even with a full tank, no rubbing (with the exception of a light rub with a full tank going over a highway compression dip at 80mph). As the rear suspension geometry on our e28's shows a proportional increase in negative camber as it relates to reduced suspension height, I would deduce that if I were to lower the rear another notch on the Bilsteins, I would still be rub-free (maybe even more so). I hesitate to go lower in the rear, however, because I do not have an unlimited tire budget.
In terms of the tire performance I have the following to say:
Good:
I am very impressed with the Dunlop's ability to deal with wet roads. I was able, today, to maintain high speed on the very wet highway without any hint of hydroplaning. In terms of dry performance, the rear end is noticably sticker and exhibits less understeer in corners, wet or dry. Additionaly, the tires seem very quiet. I am running 32 psi front, 34psi rear.
Bad:
I feel now, with the spring/shock/tire upgrade that the factory swaybars are insufficient for the greater loads being generated upon them. Also, I now MUST replace the trailing arm bushings, as what was a mildly annoying rear suspension "crawl" on the highway has become a bothersome wag; particularly on the rain grooves prevalent on these Florida highways. The subframe bushings are new, so I can rule those out.
In general I am pleased with the new setup. As Raj said, these wheels look not only at home, but downright KILLER on the E28. Originally I was concerned with the weight penalty, but notice no adverse acceleration characteristics. I will try to post some pictures soon.
James
enbuy suspen
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