E30 Zone

morning.
Looking at my car side on today it does seem to be sitting rather high. I'm wondering if it has the right springs/shocks.

I know that the cabriolet and the touring are heavier cars and require different springs. However, I know that the Baur is lighter than the full cabriolet and i guess it requires standard 320 springs.

I'm wondering if this height is normal or if someone has fitted cabriolet springs in error

any ideas how I can tell which springs are fitted?

Without pictures, no-one's going to have any idea how high your car is sitting

You're right about the springs though; Baurs will just have regular saloon springs for that model.

sorry -

here:


there's a set of these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E30-Touri ... 500wt_1203

at bridge motor works...might be a cheap solution?

Sure it's not got something to do with you parking on a massive slope?

For that eBay set; the front springs are interchangeable but Touring and genuine cabriolets have different rear springs. They'll physically fit, but they're much sturdier so they may make your back end sit higher due to their stiffness, oddly.

nope - car has the same gap when parked on level...

I'll give those springs a miss - thanks for the advice

When these cars were built,the 'my car has got collapsed' suspension look was not fashionable,so they rode at a hieght that gave a decent compromise between ride comfort and handling.
Suspension kits were available from BMW as an extra to lower and/or stiffen the suspension,and the aftermarket is full of 'lowering kits' to give that 'desirable' 'my suspension has collapsed' look.

One of my cars is fitted with BMW Mtec springs and dampers,these do just what they say,they lower(-15mm)and stiffen.
My other E30 rides at stock hieght with just the stiffer Mtec spec dampers.

yes, I'm not looking to lower it and want to keep it stock but it does appear to be riding slightly high hence my question. FYI it is one of the newest cars I own, I am used to driving cars which have some clearance!


I had this issue with a 1978 Daimler Sovereign where someone in error had fitted V12 springs to a 6 cyl car- this gave the car a 'basking shark' look and did cause handling issues.

I mention it because the car is less than sharp on the road.

Before I start bvggering around with the springs and shocks I've come to the conclusion that replacing the bushes will be a good indicator of any further work required and wouldn't hurt as they are original.

thanks again