Some help with coilovers / lowering please!! (HELP!):o

[Mechagran]

Before I start - I have searched and searched for various information and come up a bit blank. I have also attempted to measure my struts but since my jack died (and waiting for a mate who is free) Ive struggled to get around the wheel to get a good idea of what the set up is.

Basically I have a D reg Mala green 320i (see new members post a few days ago). I want to keep it stock standard bar the set of lenso bsx 15" i bought and the ride height of course, the arch gap makes me sad.

However, im confused. ...

Ive tried measuring the struts themselves but it appears i need to measure the diameter IN the strut cup (where the spring sits?) - well there is a piece of foam or something that is around the strut at the moment and I cannot move it for love nor money. See Pics below.




So obviously, the answer is to get the wheel off and have a proper look but before I do so, im hoping someone might be able to give me a better idea of
a) what that foam cover thing is?
b) how to remove it
c) whether i should remove it(!) and
d) what diameter my struts might be!

The main strut attached to the hub appears to be 51mm diameter...see below....



but presumably on some models the strut above the cup fits inside this main strut that meets the hub?

My friend has used e36 compact adjustable suspension and his original shocks, but presumably i need to be definite about the diameter.

Any help greatly appreciated

A bit confused!

*** POLITE NOTICE*****
Having read various threads (and the responses) I am not asking for your opinion on WHETHER I should lower it, add coilies etc. I'm just asking HOW. There is a big difference. So please if you all you want to do is tell me what I should or should not do to my car in a general sense, then please, don't waste your breath or my time. Thanks***

[Mechagran]

Other side is similar but at a slightly different angle!

[Grrrmachine]

Since Vw-driving dubscum made "coiloverzz" popular, we get a couple of threads a week asking the same old questions over and over again.

Coilovers, unless you're taking the car on a track and are prepared to spend four-figure sums, will make your car unpleasant to the point of undriveable. All this talk about arch gap and rake and drop and rimz means the square root of f-all from the driving seat, which is where an E30 should be appreciated from. If that sort of thing really bothers you, then spend the money on a decent spring/shock setup, and leave the coilovers alone.

If you don't even know how to wrap a piece of string around your strut and calculate the diameter from that circumference, then you really shouldn't be messing around with the very important engineering that's keeping your wheels connected to your car.

Sorry if this sounds overly harsh, but the most common advice regarding coilovers is "don't bother".

[bmw9818]

foam things a bump stop, if your suspension ever bottoms out... why do you wanna know the size of your shocks? if there oem, then you can easily get a standard replacement from ecp or somewhere,

arch gaps are bigger / higher i think on pre cars, and even with a rear 40mm drop you will still get a bit of a gap,

[Mechagran]

Since Vw-driving dubscum made "coiloverzz" popular, we get a couple of threads a week asking the same old questions over and over again.

Coilovers, unless you're taking the car on a track and are prepared to spend four-figure sums, will make your car unpleasant to the point of undriveable. All this talk about arch gap and rake and drop and rimz means the square root of f-all from the driving seat, which is where an E30 should be appreciated from. If that sort of thing really bothers you, then spend the money on a decent spring/shock setup, and leave the coilovers alone.

If you don't even know how to wrap a piece of string around your strut and calculate the diameter from that circumference, then you really shouldn't be messing around with the very important engineering that's keeping your wheels connected to your car.

Sorry if this sounds overly harsh, but the most common advice regarding coilovers is "don't bother".

Hi, please see my "POLITE NOTICE" on my original post. Your generic opinion about coilovers is i'm sure well intended but not necessary (or useful). My car my rules. And fyi im not an 18 year old kid either!

[Mechagran]

foam things a bump stop, if your suspension ever bottoms out... why do you wanna know the size of your shocks? if there oem, then you can easily get a standard replacement from ecp or somewhere,

arch gaps are bigger / higher i think on pre cars, and even with a rear 40mm drop you will still get a bit of a gap,

Hi thanks for the much more constructive reply. I didnt know they were bump stops. I'm not a mechanic and have only limited mechanical knowledge. Suspension is not something I've dealt with before and this is my first e30.

The gap doesnt matter im not slamming it, i just want to reduce t and improve the ride.

[bmw9818]

If you don't even know how to wrap a piece of string around your strut and calculate the diameter from that circumference, then you really shouldn't be messing around with the very important engineering that's keeping your wheels connected to your car.

I cant help but agree.... but its fairly simple, ideally if you have a friend or someone who knows there shit and can show you what to do, and how to do it dig in,

i know the answer its pi? 3.14 x the radius or some shit like that

[Mechagran]

Oh and ive been asked by the guy who is going to alter my struts to find out what the diameter of the strut going into the cup is. I am not sure why and i understand the early 320i has both 45mm and 51mm struts sometimes...hence the confusion!

[bmw9818]

foam things a bump stop, if your suspension ever bottoms out... why do you wanna know the size of your shocks? if there oem, then you can easily get a standard replacement from ecp or somewhere,

arch gaps are bigger / higher i think on pre cars, and even with a rear 40mm drop you will still get a bit of a gap,

Hi thanks for the much more constructive reply. I didnt know they were bump stops. I'm not a mechanic and have only limited mechanical knowledge. Suspension is not something I've dealt with before and this is my first e30.

The gap doesnt matter im not slamming it, i just want to reduce t and improve the ride.

theres a few combos around... ive currently got a h&r cupkit which is quite good and fairly priced and gives a firm ride, can get kits with different ride height , my ones 60/40 gives a nice ride/handling and look,

other combos which people recommend bilstein/eibachs iirc? someone else should know

[Mechagran]

If you don't even know how to wrap a piece of string around your strut and calculate the diameter from that circumference, then you really shouldn't be messing around with the very important engineering that's keeping your wheels connected to your car.

I cant help but agree.... but its fairly simple, ideally if you have a friend or someone who knows there shit and can show you what to do, and how to do it dig in,

i know the answer its pi? 3.14 x the radius or some shit like that

Just to be clear, I have done this. (hence the 51mm on the picture). What I thought i had explained is that i am not sure if that is the right place to measure. Its not rocket science I appreciate but this is.....(for the third time) my first e30 and my first playing with suspension.

The implication that I am an idiot because I asked a fairly innocuous question is the reason why i put a polite notice on here first. To put off the "ego maniacs" in web land. Ironic of course reply comes form someone who didn't even read my post properly.

That;s about 5 minutes wasted so far....

[JF008]

Your struts are 51mm, there is 2 sizes, 45mm an 51mm. 4 cyl cars and 6cyl/tourings had different ones. Lots of info on the wiki too (written by grrmachine )

[Grrrmachine]

I'm not making any assumption you're an idiot, but the harsh tone comes from, as I said, answering this question week in week out. And I did get my reply in before your "polite" edit...

If you're sure you want to go the coilover route, then follow the OEM path as others have suggested. Your 320i should have its original struts, so go to RealOEM.com, enter your car's details, and see what struts are listed under the "Front Axle" section.

[Mechagran]

I'm not making any assumption you're an idiot, but the harsh tone comes from, as I said, answering this question week in week out. And I did get my reply in before your "polite" edit...

If you're sure you want to go the coilover route, then follow the OEM path as others have suggested. Your 320i should have its original struts, so go to RealOEM.com, enter your car's details, and see what struts are listed under the "Front Axle" section.

Im glad we were able to get to a helpful reply. Thank you. It is not my problem if other people want to do this and you feel you must reply to each post.

I joined e30zone as it is recommended by many friends but did come with a "health Warning". I don't want to argue with anyone but surely its horses for courses right? Each to their own.

[Mechagran]

Your struts are 51mm, there is 2 sizes, 45mm an 51mm. 4 cyl cars and 6cyl/tourings had different ones. Lots of info on the wiki too (written by grrmachine )

Thank you, appreciate the clarification. I try to be polite to everyone out there on the internet regardless of whom they might be, but there is a point where people will stop asking for fear of being judged (harshly).

[jmc330i]

A D plate 320i could've been on 45mm or 51mm struts. Put the last 7 digits of the VIN into Realoem or BMWfans to be sure what your car left the factor with... although anything could've been changed over the last 25+ years.

If you've measured it at 51mm as in your 2nd pic, it may will be a 51mm strut, a 45mm is easily seen even using a ruler and eye - that said, it will be much easier without the wheel on.

The gap doesnt matter im not slamming it, i just want to reduce t and improve the ride.

Don't bother with cheap coilovers, they will not improve the ride and you will soon get tired of the ride on our roads.
I'd recommend BC coilovers, but you're looking at £800 odd unless you're lucky enough to find some secondhand. But if you're not slamming it as you say above, coilovers are very over the top...
A cheaper and more comfortable option will be a decent spring and shock setup with a 30-40mm drop. Bilstein shocks and Eibach or H&R springs etc. The H&R 60/40 Cupkit is also good, but the Billies and springs will be more comfortable.

[Mechagran]

A D plate 320i could've been on 45mm or 51mm struts. Put the last 7 digits of the VIN into Realoem or BMWfans to be sure what your car left the factor with... although anything could've been changed over the last 25+ years.

If you've measured it at 51mm as in your 2nd pic, it may will be a 51mm strut, a 45mm is easily seen even using a ruler and eye - that said, it will be much easier without the wheel on.

The gap doesnt matter im not slamming it, i just want to reduce t and improve the ride.

Don't bother with cheap coilovers, they will not improve the ride and you will soon get tired of the ride on our roads.
I'd recommend BC coilovers, but you're looking at £800 odd unless you're lucky enough to find some secondhand. But if you're not slamming it as you say above, coilovers are very over the top...
A cheaper and more comfortable option will be a decent spring and shock setup with a 30-40mm drop. Bilstein shocks and Eibach or H&R springs etc. The H&R 60/40 Cupkit is also good, but the Billies and springs will be more comfortable.

Brilliant thank you. I was concerned that the 320i could be 45 or 51 mm (my reason for being confused!) cheers

[JF008]

I have the H&R cup kit and regret not spending a bit more for the Bilstein B12's, the ride is very harsh. If you choose that route..

[Morat]

I had the B12 kit on my touring. 35mm drop, nice ride, taught handling.
Why are you fixed on coilovers? They offer no advantage on the road.

[pacerpete]

Its all about the gape !



PS nice pad sensor wiring

[Kos]

Its all about the gape !



PS nice pad sensor wiring

[steve_k]

Its all about the gape !

You been on boys food.com again??

[pacerpete]

Its all about the gape !

You been on boys food.com again??

Is that one of them 'StanceCock sites where they spend their time ruining cars and rimming each other and talking about it, man ?

[bss325i]

A D plate 320i could've been on 45mm or 51mm struts. Put the last 7 digits of the VIN into Realoem or BMWfans to be sure what your car left the factor with... although anything could've been changed over the last 25+ years.

If you've measured it at 51mm as in your 2nd pic, it may will be a 51mm strut, a 45mm is easily seen even using a ruler and eye - that said, it will be much easier without the wheel on.

The gap doesnt matter im not slamming it, i just want to reduce t and improve the ride.

Don't bother with cheap coilovers, they will not improve the ride and you will soon get tired of the ride on our roads.
I'd recommend BC coilovers, but you're looking at £800 odd unless you're lucky enough to find some secondhand. But if you're not slamming it as you say above, coilovers are very over the top...
A cheaper and more comfortable option will be a decent spring and shock setup with a 30-40mm drop. Bilstein shocks and Eibach or H&R springs etc. The H&R 60/40 Cupkit is also good, but the Billies and springs will be more comfortable.

Brilliant thank you. I was concerned that the 320i could be 45 or 51 mm (my reason for being confused!) cheers

A 320i saloon will only have 51mm struts if it has rear discs and ABS.

No ABS, No 51mm struts.

It's that simple.

[Duke137]

Your struts are 51mm, there is 2 sizes, 45mm an 51mm. 4 cyl cars and 6cyl/tourings had different ones. Lots of info on the wiki too (written by grrmachine )

Not true, 320i 4 dr/2dr had 45mm struts...

From what I gather:

All tourings and factory Cabriolet had 51mm struts, rear discs (touring larger calipers) and F&R ARB's

All 325i cars the same as above

All 323i Cars the same as above

All 318is Cars the same as above

Everything else, 316i, 318i, 320i (except the tourings and Cabs) had shitty 45mm struts and drum rear brakes.

I have had one random exception to the rule, a 320i 1990 4 door with factory rear discs and 45mm struts.

Other than that, unless someone has been messing about with it I believe this is correct?

[Mechagran]

Your struts are 51mm, there is 2 sizes, 45mm an 51mm. 4 cyl cars and 6cyl/tourings had different ones. Lots of info on the wiki too (written by grrmachine )

Not true, 320i 4 dr/2dr had 45mm struts...

From what I gather:

All tourings and factory Cabriolet had 51mm struts, rear discs (touring larger calipers) and F&R ARB's

All 325i cars the same as above

All 323i Cars the same as above

Well at the very least, this justifies my confusion. I have drum brakes at the rear 100% so that suggests i have 45mm struts at the front. Bugger!

All 318is Cars the same as above

Everything else, 316i, 318i, 320i (except the tourings and Cabs) had shitty 45mm struts and drum rear brakes.

I have had one random exception to the rule, a 320i 1990 4 door with factory rear discs and 45mm struts.

Other than that, unless someone has been messing about with it I believe this is correct?

[Duke137]

Get some pics of the car up buddy, did you buy it from Gloucestershire?

[Mechagran]

So taking the suggestion that i just use lowered springs, is there anything particularly special about the rear springs?

[Mechagran]

Get some pics of the car up buddy, did you buy it from Gloucestershire?

Hi mate no i bought it off a guy down here in devon who bought off a guy in glos back in november / december? Might well be one you know!?

Ive always wanted a mala green more-door, and with the history for a few hundred quid i couldnt say no!

Pretty cheap as the rear corner has had a shunt and a rubbish repair, and some poor aftermarket skirts (afaik) !

I needed a new project...

[Duke137]

I remember one on ebay, that's all and there isn't too many D reg 4dr malachite green cars about.

Your suspension dilemma all depends on your budget and what you want to achieve in the end?

[78gizmo]

The 51mm or 45mm is the diameter of the strut insert that fits down inside the suspension leg where you have tried to measure, hence the confusion measuring the outside dia of the suspension leg. I suspect it will be 45mm on your car, as per the info above. If you put the last 7 of your chassis number into: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do and look under front axle you will see this front shock insert and the parts list should confirm the diameter of insert.
As per my reply on the new members section I would recommend upgrading to 51mm legs anyway if you are fitting an E34 engine in the future, to cope with the extra weight and power. Hope this helps.

[stefano30]

Since Vw-driving dubscum made "coiloverzz" popular, we get a couple of threads a week asking the same old questions over and over again.

Coilovers, unless you're taking the car on a track and are prepared to spend four-figure sums, will make your car unpleasant to the point of undriveable. All this talk about arch gap and rake and drop and rimz means the square root of f-all from the driving seat, which is where an E30 should be appreciated from. If that sort of thing really bothers you, then spend the money on a decent spring/shock setup, and leave the coilovers alone.

If you don't even know how to wrap a piece of string around your strut and calculate the diameter from that circumference, then you really shouldn't be messing around with the very important engineering that's keeping your wheels connected to your car.

Sorry if this sounds overly harsh, but the most common advice regarding coilovers is "don't bother".

Hi, please see my "POLITE NOTICE" on my original post. Your generic opinion about coilovers is i'm sure well intended but not necessary (or useful). My car my rules. And fyi im not an 18 year old kid either!

Thank god someone agrees with me. All someone is asking is help, not to be treated like some moron

[stefano30]

So taking the suggestion that i just use lowered springs, is there anything particularly special about the rear springs?

I'd go for a springs and shocks package. Im getting the GMAX set, sets you back roughly £240 and hear only good things about them.

[Kos]

So taking the suggestion that i just use lowered springs, is there anything particularly special about the rear springs?

I'd go for a springs and shocks package. Im getting the GMAX set, sets you back roughly £240 and hear only good things about them.

you only hear good things about G max ?

I'd rather cut some OEM Sport springs and weld up the coils on the original pigtails springs on the back than run G Max. The car would probably ride better as well

[Mechagran]

The 51mm or 45mm is the diameter of the strut insert that fits down inside the suspension leg where you have tried to measure, hence the confusion measuring the outside dia of the suspension leg. I suspect it will be 45mm on your car, as per the info above. If you put the last 7 of your chassis number into: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do and look under front axle you will see this front shock insert and the parts list should confirm the diameter of insert.
As per my reply on the new members section I would recommend upgrading to 51mm legs anyway if you are fitting an E34 engine in the future, to cope with the extra weight and power. Hope this helps.

Extremely helpful thank you for your reply!

[Brianmoooore]

The 51mm or 45mm is the diameter of the strut insert that fits down inside the suspension leg where you have tried to measure, hence the confusion measuring the outside dia of the suspension leg.

Extremely helpful thank you for your reply!

Would be, if not for the fact that it's totally incorrect!
45mm and 51mm are the OUTSIDE diameters of the strut tubes, all the way from the spring perch to the hub.