suspension replacement

[Ade]

Im looking to replace and upgrade the stock (worn out) shocks on a 320 and want to know what people would recommend for a set of budget shocks and possibly springs?

I dont really want to lower the car (well not by much) as i'll then start getting aditional insurance charges which i dont want...

But anything that will look quite "stock" but give a good firm ride would be a good starting point to get the handling back!

cheers,
Ade

[Adammcf]

GMAX is a pretty decent budget brand. Half the price of Bilsteins and Koni's but I had them on a 1.6 16v Corsa (no laughing) years ago and it wasnt too bad actually.

My Sport needs shocks too and Im just trying to decide what to go for as well.

[Andy325i]

Remeber boys, you only get what you pay for. Is it worth saving 200 pounds or so when your car is worth XXXXPounds?

[Adammcf]

I agree fully. I had fully adjustable koni's on the GSI Astra and they totally transformed the car. They were fantastic.

[Bharat]

Sachs Boge shocks (which are OEM quality, and have been used by BMW on E30s).

You can go for genuine BMW springs, or get them from German & Swedish.

Koni are not all that great for BMWs - remember the weight factor makes a difference, and hence more respectable names like Eibach, Bilstein and H&R are common on beemers.

[Andy325i]

The E30 M3 Bilstiens work very well in the 325i legs with a decent set of springs

[Andy325i]

The E36 M3 comes with Boge as standard I think, lots of people change for the F A T Bilstiens and highly rate them

[Ade]

so what sort sort of cost am i looking at, assuming i do the labour?

a) for a good set of replacemnt shocks only?

b) for replacement shocks and springs - sporty but with adjustable ride height ?

c) convert to M3 spec suspension?

Is a roll-bar swap going to help ? - if so which ones ?
(new or second hand)

-also Ive got to bear in mind that the car isnt worth M3 or (good) 325 money and so I want a decent compromise til i can buy the 325iS etc