318iS Coilover Question

Sat Mar 10, 2012 12:33 am

Hi all,

I know that a lot of you on here don't approve of coilovers on the iS as it's already running low in the sump department, and I know JOM's aren't too popular, but please bear with me.

Can someone please confirm which set of the JOM Blueline Coilover kits will fit the 318iS?

I'm guessing it's the coupe kit with the 51mm strut fitment right?

I can't seem to find any sellers listing the 318iS as a model they'd fit, but I can't see why they wouldn't.

Thanks in advance.

Jamie

Sat Mar 10, 2012 8:18 am

yes 51mm on the 318is.

just buy the sport or 325i set,there the same

Sat Mar 10, 2012 11:47 am

Thank you for that kind sir!

Sat Mar 10, 2012 1:34 pm

Just be aware that it probably won't sit as low as its supposed to with 6pot springs on the front.

Sun Mar 11, 2012 9:29 pm

harry_p wrote:Just be aware that it probably won't sit as low as its supposed to with 6pot springs on the front.

^^ This

You need to get on the phone to someone, see if you can get some 4 pot springs for the 51mm struts

Sun Mar 11, 2012 10:02 pm

Ive got a 318i with 51mm struts and the 6 cylinder JOM coilovers installed and if youre looking to go low they are absolutely useless, im talking pretty much standard at the front and 50mm ish at the back.
I bought them because I needed some suspension quick, handles much better though

At the rear the coils bind when I have people in the back which is kind of disconcerting, its not really a kit I would recommend to anyone tbh. Might as well get yourself some shortened Koni shocks, springs and sleeves that you want, cut up your struts and save yourself a wedge

Mon Mar 12, 2012 3:35 am

Why don't they go low on the front then?

Hmm...haven't heard of that set up on the front. Got any links?

I've heard that running coilovers on the rear requires new top mounts so the springs have more clearance.

But no idea about the fronts...but what you've said (moza15) is a bit worrying.

How's the ride though?

Mon Mar 12, 2012 10:58 am

bassjamm wrote:Hmm...haven't heard of that set up on the front. Got any links?

The problem with the iS is that the suspension is unique. Struts from a 325 with dampers and springs unique to the iS. In practice for aftermarket springs you can get springs designed for any of the 4 cylinder cars, as the weight is about the same. Aftermarket dampers need to be specific still mind - 4 cylinder ratios in a 6 cylinder insert unique to the iS.

Its probably easier to find some 45mm struts and get a 318i coil over set if you're concerned about ride/handling

Then again if you're concerned about ride that much coil overs aren't the best solution

Mon Mar 12, 2012 1:58 pm

bassjamm wrote:Hi all,

I know that a lot of you on here don't approve of coilovers on the iS as it's already running low in the sump department, and I know JOM's aren't too popular, but please bear with me.

Just because you have coilovers doesn't mean you have to run low.

Don't bother with shite like JOM kits, or any of the other bargain basement crap that is on the market. They will ruin the handling of the car despite what half the people who own them tell you. If you are replacing 20 year old worn out stock suspension of course they will feel better, but compared to something decent and new you will realise they are rubbish.

Some eibach springs and bilstein shock absorbers will be a better choice. Will be around £500ish I believe. Spend a bit of money on bushes and you will transform your car.

Mon Mar 12, 2012 3:49 pm

I'm going for low to be fair guys, just how I want to ride...but I don't think I can stretch to the price the more expensive coilovers are.

I appreciate all the input and advice though guys.

Mon Mar 12, 2012 7:14 pm

bassjamm wrote:Why don't they go low on the front then?

Hmm...haven't heard of that set up on the front. Got any links?

I've heard that running coilovers on the rear requires new top mounts so the springs have more clearance.

But no idea about the fronts...but what you've said (moza15) is a bit worrying.

How's the ride though?

They wont go low on the front of a 4 cylinder car as the kits are meant for a heavier 6 cylinder as mwggriffiths said.
The ride is pretty shocking at the height my cars at the moment, almost feels like they at the end of their travel already which is weird.
Alot of people in the US have had good results getting either a prebuilt kit or in parts that they build themselves from ground control. They use revalved shortened koni shocks and short eibach springs which have been apparently developed by them.
But the parts are already around £270 and thats before shipping, the price is the only reason why I havent got them yet

This is the link if you want to have a look at them:

http://www.ground-control-store.com/pro ... y.php/CA=8

Tue Mar 13, 2012 8:43 am

moza15 wrote: They wont go low on the front of a 4 cylinder car as the kits are meant for a heavier 6 cylinder as mwggriffiths said.
The ride is pretty shocking at the height my cars at the moment, almost feels like they at the end of their travel already which is weird.
Alot of people in the US have had good results getting either a prebuilt kit or in parts that they build themselves from ground control. They use revalved shortened koni shocks and short eibach springs which have been apparently developed by them.
But the parts are already around £270 and thats before shipping, the price is the only reason why I havent got them yet
This is the link if you want to have a look at them:

http://www.ground-control-store.com/pro ... y.php/CA=8

Thanks for that mate.

I've emailed JOM and they've confirmed that they don't have a suitable coilover kit for the E30 which kind of sucks.

I want to go about 20-40mm lower on the front, and probably the back as well. But it seems that doing that on the iS isn't going to be that cheap.

Venom have quite a few different lowering options for the iS but prices are starting from about £400 by the looks of things.

Hmm!