How to Effectively Lower a BMW M4 for Better Aerodynamics without Compromising Daily Drive Comfort?
You and your BMW M4, as performance car enthusiasts, are a match made in heaven. The thrill of its high-performance engine under the hood, the perfect balance of the car on the road, and the precise response of the suspension system – all these make driving your BMW a unique experience. But like many car enthusiasts, you might be wondering if there are ways to improve its performance even further. Sure, the BMW M4 is already a formidable machine, but you are eager to push it to its limits.
This article will guide you through the process of effectively lowering your BMW M4 for better aerodynamics without compromising the daily drive comfort. This modification will help you achieve a lower center of gravity, better handling and improved performance on the track, while preserving the comfort and ride quality that BMW is known for.
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The Importance of Suspension
Before diving into the details of how to lower your M4, it’s vital to understand the role of the suspension system in a vehicle. The suspension system is one of the critical factors that determine the car’s handling, stability, and comfort. It is designed to absorb road shocks and maintain tire contact with the ground. But, when it comes to performance and track driving, the standard suspension set may not provide the precision and control you desire.
A lowered suspension can improve vehicle aerodynamics by reducing the car’s ride height, which decreases the amount of air flowing beneath it. This results in reduced drag, which can yield increased speed and improved performance on the track. However, this must be done carefully to avoid negatively impacting the car’s daily drive comfort.
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Installing Coilovers for Lowering Your BMW M4
Coilovers are an excellent way to lower your BMW M4 and enhance its performance. They are adjustable, allowing you to alter the ride height and stiffness to your liking. But, not just any coilover set will do the trick. It’s crucial to select high-quality coilovers that can deliver the performance you seek without sacrificing comfort.
When selecting coilovers, look for ones that allow for independent adjustment of spring pre-load and ride height. This feature ensures that you can make precise adjustments to your car’s suspension, enabling you to perfectly balance performance and comfort. Additionally, consider coilovers with damping adjustment. This allows you to control the rate at which the coilovers absorb road shocks, further enhancing comfort and handling.
Installation of coilovers should be done by a professional for optimum results. However, if you’re experienced in car modifications, you can attempt it yourself. Remember to have your vehicle’s alignment checked after installing the coilovers to ensure that the car’s geometry is correct.
Adjusting Ride Height and Stiffness
Once the coilovers are installed successfully, the next step is adjusting the ride height and stiffness. Start by setting your BMW M4 to a lower height than the factory setting. Depending on the coilovers you choose, you will either use an adjustable collar or a threaded body to adjust the ride height.
A good starting point for lowering the car is about 1 to 1.5 inches lower than the factory ride height. This will give your car a sleek look and improve aerodynamics without drastically changing the car’s behavior.
Next, adjust the stiffness. If your coilovers have damping adjustment, set it to a comfortable level for daily driving. For track days, you can increase the stiffness to reduce body roll and improve handling.
Choosing High-Quality Tires
The tires are the only part of your car that contact the road, making them a critical component in your vehicle’s performance. Lowering your BMW M4 will change its handling characteristics, so you may need to choose new tires that can cope with these changes.
Look for high-performance tires that offer excellent grip, particularly in dry conditions. The tread pattern should be optimized for high-speed driving and cornering. Also, consider the tire’s sidewall stiffness. A stiffer sidewall can improve handling by reducing tire flex during cornering.
Maintaining Daily Drive Comfort
Lowering your BMW M4 can undoubtedly enhance its performance and looks, but it’s crucial not to compromise its daily drive comfort. After all, BMW has made a name for itself by creating vehicles that blend performance and luxury in a seamless manner.
To maintain comfort, don’t go too low when adjusting the ride height. A too-low car can be challenging to drive on public roads due to speed bumps and potholes. Instead, find a balance that gives you the performance you want without making the car too stiff or difficult to drive.
Remember, a well-executed modification should enhance your car’s performance without detracting from its character. With the right coilovers, careful adjustment of ride height and stiffness, and high-quality tires, you can transform your BMW M4 into a car that’s at home on the track as it is on the streets.
Incorporating Carbon Fiber Components
Carbon fiber is a material that’s renowned for its strength, lightness, and resistance to high temperatures. With these characteristics, it’s a prime choice for enhancing your BMW M4’s aerodynamics and handling without adding unnecessary weight.
One way to incorporate carbon fiber into your vehicle is by installing a carbon fiber front splitter. This modification helps direct air around the sides of the car instead of underneath, which reduces drag and helps improve high-speed stability.
Another carbon fiber component to consider is diffuser. It works by accelerating the air underneath the car to reduce the pressure under the vehicle, hence increasing the downforce. This can help improve traction, allowing you to drive at higher speeds with more control.
Lastly, a carbon fiber rear wing can be installed at the back of your BMW M4. The wing helps push the back of the car down while driving at high speeds, improving traction and control.
Keep in mind that while carbon fiber components can significantly enhance your BMW M4’s performance, they should be installed with care. Ensure that they are securely fixed to avoid any issues while driving.
Enhancing the Exhaust System
The exhaust system plays a crucial role in your BMW M4’s performance. A high-performance exhaust system can increase horsepower and torque, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance the sound of your car.
When choosing an exhaust system for your BMW M4, consider one made of stainless steel or titanium. These materials are resistant to corrosion and can withstand high temperatures. Moreover, a good exhaust system should have mandrel bends to ensure a smooth and unobstructed flow of exhaust gases.
In terms of design, look for an exhaust system with dual or quad tips. Not only do these designs look aggressive, but they also allow for better exhaust gas flow.
Remember, an improperly installed exhaust system can negatively impact your BMW M4’s performance and fuel consumption. Therefore, it’s recommended to have a professional install your new exhaust system to ensure it’s fitted correctly and safely.
Conclusion
Lowering your BMW M4 can significantly improve its aerodynamics, driving dynamics, and overall driving experience. However, to achieve these benefits without sacrificing comfort, it’s important to follow a systematic approach.
Start by understanding the role of the suspension system and invest in high-quality coilovers for optimum ride height and stiffness adjustment. Incorporate carbon fiber components to decrease drag and increase downforce. Choose high-performance tires to match your car’s new handling characteristics. Enhance your exhaust system for improved horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency.
Remember, while the goal is to enhance your BMW M4’s performance, it’s equally crucial not to compromise its ride quality and daily drive comfort. By striking a balance between performance and comfort, you can enjoy the thrill of driving your BMW M4 to its fullest, whether on the track or on your daily drives.
Remember, a well-executed modification should enhance your BMW M4’s performance without detracting from its iconic character. Whether you’re participating in a BMW competition or enjoying your regular posts drives, you’ll appreciate the remarkable transformation that these modifications can bring to your driving experience.