BMW E9x M3 TL-ONE Coilover System (2007–2013)

Vince (@drivenwithvince) runs his E92 M3 on TL-ONE. The E9x M3 has a double-pivot strut front end: a MacPherson strut located by a control arm and a tension strut. The front damper is a structural part of the suspension and carries side load in every corner, which is why this kit uses inverted front struts and camber-adjustable top mounts as standard.

A strut locates the top of the knuckle, so cornering and braking push sideways on it in every corner. On a standard strut that bending load runs through the thin shaft and its rod guide, which adds friction and can make the damper bind under load.

An inverted strut clamps a separate outer case into the knuckle. The large damper body slides inside that case on widely spaced bushings, and the shaft is anchored at the bottom. The side load goes through the case and body, so the shaft, piston and seal only have to damp. Less stiction, a stiffer front end, and the gains grow as tire grip goes up.

Pillowball top mounts with camber adjustment are included at both ends. That means you can set a proper track alignment for wide tires without extra parts, and the spherical bearing holds it through hard cornering.

The E9x rear keeps BMW's separate spring and damper layout. The spring sits on a height-adjustable perch and the damper is valved to the rate we choose with you, so the rear works with the front rather than fighting it.

Check valves keep the clicker working mainly on rebound, so you can firm the car up for a session and back it off for the drive home without changing much about how it takes bumps. Digressive valving gives strong low-speed control without harshness over sharp bumps.

Every kit can be valved specifically for street use if that's your preference. Even with track-oriented valving, the compliance needed for competent track use often makes for a comfortable street ride, since controlling the platform better also controls body motion better on the street.