Achieving a improved quality ride in a cabby..?

Tue Mar 30, 2010 9:32 pm

Does anyone know if replacing certain bushes on a cabby would improve ride quality and provide that extra comfort and control?

Or what would improve ride quality, as i've changed my shocks and springs to bilstens as standard from BMW on my 325 cabby..

thanks.

Wed Mar 31, 2010 12:02 pm

Just check all the bushes, especially the rear subframe ones. Renewing if worn does help with the ride a bit

Wed Mar 31, 2010 1:29 pm

And having done all that, fit the lightest wheels you can find

Wed Mar 31, 2010 2:12 pm

The fitting of Bilsteins will affect ride quality,they do wonders for roadholding no doubt,but for ride quality you cannot better BMW M-tec springs/gas dampers.
All bushes will need to be first class as well,my MoT place uses a special lift that shakes the car,this is facinating to watch as you can see the suspension working and worn bushes stand out.
Genuine BMW rubber bushes will give the best ride,I have fitted polybushes throughout project cabbie,except for the rear axle carrier,these are rubber.Polybushes work fine,but they transmit road noise up into the cabin,but the ride is fine.

Wed Mar 31, 2010 2:31 pm

Front lower bushes (lollipops) also tend to go, some guys have replaced with solid M3 eccentric bushes - I just replaced them with normal ones, got the tracking done and the car feels more responsive on the road.

Wed Mar 31, 2010 2:32 pm

Thanks, i'll take a look at my rear subframe ones.

Is there any thing else i may need to do..?

Wed Mar 31, 2010 7:14 pm

I fitted a front strut brace on mine and it stopped the front flexing and stiffend it up a bit.Combine that with some nice Mtec suspension and it should feal good.
I`ve also fitted a genuine E30 detachable tow bar which helped stiffening the back up as well.
Poly bushes all round feals better as well.

Wed Mar 31, 2010 8:06 pm

Is it possible to still buy new e30 m-tech springs/dampers, are they lower than standard?

Thu Apr 01, 2010 2:43 pm

^^^ I'm pretty sure you can, i think daimlerman bought some new for his cabby. They are 15mm lower IIRC

Thu Apr 01, 2010 5:22 pm

NomNomNom wrote:Is it possible to still buy new e30 m-tech springs/dampers, are they lower than standard?

Yes,at a price!
Springs are the problem,BMW only and about £120 a pair.
Dampers are available via GSF at about £30 each,or there abouts.
Ride and body control are first class,well worth the money.
I have a pair of M-tec saloon rears going spare,no use for a cabbie or touring,though!