M030 (US) and Bose comments

Hi All, Since the topic of the M030 (US spec) vs standard suspension and ROW 030 has come up, I wanted to give my comments after 3,500 miles of use, 50/50 highway/city. At first, the suspension felt too hard, but definitely softened up to the point where I think it feels ideal. City driving is sometimes disconcerting, between steel plates, potholes and awkward ramp angles. On this basis, I am GLAD that the car is not lower than standard. While lowering it further (e.g. ROW 030) may be great on smooth roads, I haven't experienced any U.S. cities where I feel the roads are good enough to warrant lowering the car below stock U.S. Porsche height. As it is, the car has bottomed out a couple of times, simply in low speed manouevering in urban situations. Summary: I would always order the U.S. M030 suspension on any Porsche I buy BOSE: I have seen this debated to and fro, and when purchasing my car I spent about 30 minutes in the showroom jumping from a Bose equipped coupe to a Hi-Fi equipped coupe. Now I know it was not double blind, level matched, yada yada, but after vigorous exercise going car to car (and back ad infinitum), I decided the Hi Fi did not cut it (contrary to some advice I had received). I am happy with the Bose - it is not as good as the new Logic 7 system appearing in BMWs (e.g. 7 series), but it is good enough, considering that most of the time it is true, you want to hear the engine and other good road noises. I do find myself often leaving the Bose off, and do wish for the PSE (next time!) Regards, wino

I'm so glad to hear your comments. I'm currently waiting for an '04 C4S to arrive and I spent countless trips to the dealer sampling the BOSE. My decision was to scrap the BOSE entirely and rip out the existing system and build a new one (about 3-4K). After much thought I decided against it and ordered a Fabspeed exhaust system instead. As far as the suspension, I asked my dealer if it was worth upgrading to the X74 or PSS9. They strongly advised against because of our roads and driveways. I guess the suspension that comes with the car will be good enough. As a comparison, if have always ordered the BMW's the factory sport suspension and felt it was good, not harsh at all, and maybe could use a little more. However, I have never really bottomed out the suspension badly, nor do I have to watch myself very carefully.

Wino, What should I expect to pay for the USA-030 suspension (parts & labor)? Thanks for the post. I've also decided I don't want to risk scraping the paint off the front bumper every single time I pull into a parking space. Thanks, Mark

Actually the shocks on the Standard suspension are stiffer in the front and softer in the rear than on a US M030. Check out the PCA article at pca.org. The springs will cost $400 and sway bars are about $300. The whole kit with shocks are about $1400. IMO get bilstein HD shocks as they will be stiffer and handle better than the US m030. The softer front shocks will give you more understeer.

I have the PSS9s, which permit both height and stiffness adjustment, in DC and they are outstanding. My car feels completely different now, and I lowered it significantly -- I have never bottomed out and I am not overly cautious in my driving habits. If you have not ordered from the factory, I highly recommend the PSS9s over Porsche kits. FWIW, I also installed GT3 swaybars. Also, I have Bose and XM radio . . . it is more than adequate for my needs and I am very satisfied. I also have PSE, which you should install immediately TD

My thoughts on suspension set up. 2003 C4S. I rencently purchased the Euro M030 from gert. i must say i am very impressed. the car just feels so much better. no roll at all, much more responsive. not bottoming out because it really does not lower it that much. i am not sure of the quality of roads in DC but here they are not that bad. if i ahd to do it all over again i would get the same set up ( from gert as well, great service) also have PSE and porsche short shifter car feels great!

I also just went to ROW M030. I was worried about the ride height (crappy roads here in seattle), but I've had no problems thus far, and the handling is great. The biggest improvement was how buttoned-down the front end is now. Love it. It didn't lower it much -- less than an inch. Visually, it's subtle and very "factory".

Gents, Are the Bilstein HDs $400 per shock or $400 for all 4 shocks? What kind of price did you guys get from Gert on the ROW 030?? I look at his site and everythin looks sooooo expensive after the USD to Euro conversion... Mark

I seen Bilstein for about $800 for the set of 4. Retail price is over $300 each. Check with shox.com for prices. If you check around you probably can find the set of US m030 shock and springs used from someone. Coil overs are a popular conversion and there are probably many guys selling them. The bars are harder to come by(same as ROWM030), but since they are about $300 new you can get them easily. My guess is that you can pick up a used set for about $500. Instalation is costly probably over $600 at dealers rate. It is not hard to DIY, but you have to align the car again. If you don't mind non dealer work many tuner shops for sport compact can do the work for less. It is no different R&R the shock and spring on a 996 than it is on a Integra. Only the placement of the bolts are different. The job is about the same time wise.

The roads SUCK in my neck of the woods, and I've never had any problems with the x74. I highly recommend. Gary