What comes first, the alloys or the suspension?

Post Sat Apr 30, 2005 8:53 am

Hi all,

Just got rid of a tatty 318 for a sweet 325, which is crying out for some 'enhancements'. Had it looked over and it's mechanically sound, so I'm investing in a nice cat 1 Toad alarm... but what next?
I'm looking to get some 17" Alpinas, but also want to lower by 40mm all round - what should I do first? I've been advised to slap the alloys on first and get used to the ride, then do the suspension later. Opinions? Also, what would be the best suspension kit to go for, for a medium budget.

Thanks!
Gav

Post Sat Apr 30, 2005 9:01 am

i always do suspension 1st.. get used to the ride of that

Post Sat Apr 30, 2005 9:33 am

lower it first mate! sticking 17s on with standard suspension will make it look like a monster truck in height

Post Sat Apr 30, 2005 10:17 am

suspension mate, get that lowrider look going

Post Sat Apr 30, 2005 10:26 am

suspention first for sure

get used to the ride and the grip levels it will look better lower on standard rims than hiiiigh up on 17s
and get a good kit not just springs. if you get just springs it basicly a half job and takes its toll on your standard shocks!

wat are your standard rims?

Post Sat Apr 30, 2005 10:35 am

I'd also advise looking at changing all the bushes on the car to tighten it up, then slot on a good susp setup!

IMO-e30's look soooooooo coool dropped 40/40 on 15" BBS

Post Sat Apr 30, 2005 11:22 am

Suspension. Fancy wheels are over rated.

Post Sat Apr 30, 2005 12:09 pm

I guess that's unanimous then, suspension it is. Thanks all. I'm thinking of a Gmax setup for around Ãƒ”šÃ‚£200 - opinions?

Post Sat Apr 30, 2005 12:11 pm

psychochild187 wrote:suspention first for sure
get used to the ride and the grip levels it will look better lower on standard rims than hiiiigh up on 17s
and get a good kit not just springs. if you get just springs it basicly a half job and takes its toll on your standard shocks!

wat are your standard rims?

15" BBS. But the last owner has kerbed the fronts

Post Sat Apr 30, 2005 12:15 pm

If your going to go through the effort of changing the suspension atleast go for something good.

Spend an Extra Ãƒ”šÃ‚£150 and get the H&R Cup Kit. Its the best extra Ãƒ”šÃ‚£150 you'll ever spend.

Post Sat Apr 30, 2005 12:16 pm

Oh, and 17" Alpina reps suck. Serioulsy heavy, and the quailty is poor.

Get some decent wheels.

Post Sat Apr 30, 2005 12:20 pm

M5pilot wrote:Oh, and 17" Alpina reps suck. Serioulsy heavy, and the quailty is poor.

Get some decent wheels.

Such as?

Post Sat Apr 30, 2005 1:03 pm

Keep the set of 15's if you ask me!!Although the BK alpina reps are meant to be better than some.

Post Sat Apr 30, 2005 1:35 pm

Get a pair of E30 M3 Bilstiens for the front. Not cheap but VERY effective

Rear shocks are the same as 325i and get a decent set of springs and you'll be sorted! Oh and don't forget the Poly wishbone bushes! You will have a very effective wepon then of shaming cars that cost silly money

Post Sat Apr 30, 2005 8:43 pm

definetly the suspension first then pick the rims

Post Sat Apr 30, 2005 8:48 pm

Gav wrote: I'm looking to get some 17" Alpinas,

unless uve found some extremely rare alpina rims from a Z1 then i guess u mean reps.

ud be better off finding some real ones m8 in 16"

Post Sat Apr 30, 2005 8:56 pm

Andy325i wrote:Get a pair of E30 M3 Bilstiens for the front. Not cheap but VERY effective

Rear shocks are the same as 325i and get a decent set of springs and you'll be sorted! Oh and don't forget the Poly wishbone bushes! You will have a very effective wepon then of shaming cars that cost silly money

Why not use the specific Bilsteins why go for M3?

Andrew

Post Sun May 01, 2005 12:29 am

Demlotcrew wrote:
Why not use the specific Bilsteins why go for M3?Andrew

Do you mean 325 bilstiens?

The E30 M3 ones are seriously fatter (piston is 40mm wide!) much better than the 325i bilstien to my knowlege?

The rears are the same for M3/325i

Post Sun May 01, 2005 12:33 am

I know you've decided to go for the suspension first, but just in case you were thinking of changing your mind, look at my sig....almost the 4x4 look, especially on the front

Post Sun May 01, 2005 12:42 am

Suspension 1st dude iv just lowered my sport 60/40 on full spax kit i also was goin for alpinas but im not so sure now!

As for cost the spax kit was Ãƒ”šÃ‚£450 good look anyway dude

Post Sun May 01, 2005 6:32 pm

Andy325i wrote:
Demlotcrew wrote:
Why not use the specific Bilsteins why go for M3?Andrew
Do you mean 325 bilstiens?

The E30 M3 ones are seriously fatter (piston is 40mm wide!) much better than the 325i bilstien to my knowlege?

The rears are the same for M3/325i

You can get the same ones for a normal E30. Thats not the piston, its the actual damper cartrage as its upside down.

So do not get M3 bilstiens for a 325i!

Andrew