Spring/Shocks combo

[go4carter]

Planning ahead for my long awaited purchase of an e30... Once I find the right car, I want to start with some suspension work, but I have a ton of suspension questions even after extensive web research.
Turners website seems to indicate that Bilstein doesn't make Touring shocks for e30s, but I really like the idea of a "softer" shock with lowering (H&R sport) springs. Am I out of luck?
I could also go the other way around and use "soft" (Bavarian) lowering springs and use Bilstein Sport shocks. Anyone have experience with that combo?
Essentially I'm looking for a 30mm drop, no rake, and a compliant ride... as long as it is somewhat stiffer than OEM.

Nice site here lads.

[royalflush313]

you could probably use Bilstein HDs if you don't want the Sports.(http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/catalog/shopcart/BE30/POR_BE30_suspen_pg4.htm).
The general consensus tend to be negative towards the Bavarian Auto's springs - i think that the Eibach Pro Kit Springs have a softer spring rate than H&R Sports, but not positive on that one.

Or you could probably get away with running M3 springs and Bilstein HDs.

M3 springs on a 325e
http://members.roadfly.com/bomberbear/DSC02046.jpg
another
http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMzY2ODk1NnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg

[Chris]

Depends on the car you get, M3 vs 325 etc.

I've got Eibachs with Bilstein Sport shocks on my 88 M3 and they are an awful combination. I'm a very aggressive driver on the track and the springs are simply not up to the task. They bottom out the shocks (Bilsteins are effectively no shorter than stock BMW M3 shocks) resulting in severe understeer.

That being said, if you're not into tracking your car, then it's probably not an issue.

I've got H&R Sports on order for install later this winter. That should cure the low spring rate of the Eibachs. Also, the Bilstein/H&R combo is generally well regarded.

Bilstein Touring shocks are probably (probably??) too long for lowered springs. Someone else could comment on this; I just wanted to give you the heads up.

FWIW the stock BMW suspension is plenty firm and sporty for most drivers.

Best of luck!

Chris

[Drake]

I'm generally happy with Eibach/Bilstein combo for street use. It sounds like you don't want to go that low though. There's a set of M3 springs for sale on the board, which might better suit your needs.

http://www.bimmerclassics.net/forum/showthread.php?t=398

[FrustratedMunky]

Thanks for the plug for my springs :)

[royalflush313]

here's a good place to think about suspension (if you are a member of r3v).

http://www.r3vlimited.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9601

Chris, I think that he is hunting for a 325. And from what he is looking for, he probably wouldn't want the H&R Sports, considering they are more than a 30mm drop and also not the softer ends of the available springs for 325s.

Even with the Eibach pro kit, it's probably more than a 30m drop - Drake, care to comment on this?

[Drake]

While working on my car today I snapped a few pics, one a side view
This is on Eibachs and Bilsteins



http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wNjYzOTk3NnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg

[go4carter]

thanks guys... really, I want the biggest drop I can get away with without shaking the teeth out of my daughter's head on the commute home...
Sounds like the Eibach/Bilstein combo will give me the best of both worlds...

Drake, just for reference... those are 15" wheels you have? What is the tire ratio? 50?

[Drake]

Those are stock 14" Basketweaves

The tires are Michelin 195/65-14