Page 1 of 1
Why are 318 cabriolet lowering springs only for years 82-91
Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 6:43 pm
by kangman
what about my baby its a 1993 318i cab, will these springs fit?? do i need special springs or e36 ones?

Re: Why are 318 cabriolet lowering springs only for years 82
Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 6:50 pm
by Brianmoooore
Nothing relevant changed on the car between '91 and '93. I've no idea why they're advertised as 82 - 91, but if they fit cars of this age, they will fit yours as well.
Re: Why are 318 cabriolet lowering springs only for years 82
Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 6:55 pm
by kangman
Maybe be a sillys ques but are my struts 45 or 51mm, if i have to measure it myself to find out what exactly am i measuring..

im new to all this e30 malarkey so please forgive me
Re: Why are 318 cabriolet lowering springs only for years 82
Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 7:08 pm
by mrLEE30
They did not even make cabs until about 1996/7!
Re: Why are 318 cabriolet lowering springs only for years 82
Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 7:10 pm
by mrLEE30
Yours will likely be 45, and it is the diameter of the lower part of the shock that runs from the spring seat to the stub axle. Use a ruler and measure its "width"
Re: Why are 318 cabriolet lowering springs only for years 82
Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 7:19 pm
by daimlerman
mrLEE30 wrote:They did not even make cabs until about 1996/7!
Really?
Mine's a '91!
Re: Why are 318 cabriolet lowering springs only for years 82
Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 7:25 pm
by Tom_Maverick
daimlerman wrote:mrLEE30 wrote:They did not even make cabs until about 1996/7!
Really?
Mine's a '91!
86/87
Re: Why are 318 cabriolet lowering springs only for years 82
Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 7:31 pm
by Brianmoooore
A few wires getting crossed here, I think!
I presume we're talking about a late E30 cab. here, although these weren't made 'til '85.
AFAIK, all cabs. had 51mm front struts, but this isn't relevant to the springs, anyway.
Are you sure you aren't being quoted for saloon springs?
Re: Why are 318 cabriolet lowering springs only for years 82
Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 8:31 pm
by Alex
Most company's think all e30s stopped being produced in 1991 and cabs being in production from the start
Re: Why are 318 cabriolet lowering springs only for years 82
Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 8:36 pm
by Barx325i
AFAIK, all cabs are 51mm as Brian says, I'm guessing with the exception of baur conversions, which could be easily construed as cabs in retailers eyes.. Either way you want 51's
Re: Why are 318 cabriolet lowering springs only for years 82
Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 9:10 pm
by kangman
cheers guys this has helped me out big time, the reason why i asked about my strut size is because when i was test fitting me wheels, i had to jack the front up alot so the front wheel was lifted just enough for me to take the wheel off and on. as if it was sagging im assuming that the strut is on its last leg
Re: Why are 318 cabriolet lowering springs only for years 82
Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 9:11 pm
by Ziggy
Alex wrote:Most company's think all e30s stopped being produced in 1991 and cabs being in production from the start
This. & 51mm.
Re: Why are 318 cabriolet lowering springs only for years 82
Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 9:17 pm
by Barx325i
kangman wrote:cheers guys this has helped me out big time, the reason why i asked about my strut size is because when i was test fitting me wheels, i had to jack the front up alot so the front wheel was lifted just enough for me to take the wheel off and on. as if it was sagging im assuming that the strut is on its last leg
the strut will only sag as much as the damper insert will allow, and what you describe is pretty normal by the sounds, don't panic
Re: Why are 318 cabriolet lowering springs only for years 82
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 4:25 am
by mrLEE30
Well spotted Malc! 86/87 or 1985 as it turns out (same time they launched the 325 IIRC)
My 1992 320 cab i was surprised to find had 45mm struts, but it was Jap spec so perhaps different there. Perhaps the 51mm rule is only true for tourings?