lowering advise

[sp82]

hi all,
just been to look at a 318i tourer as 325s are few and far between,
1991
139k fhs
17" alloys, not to my likings but brand new,
£900 ono asking price

only thing is its been lowered excesively on the rear,
what stresses does this cause on what parts, what will i need to replace, its only been like this for around 3 months?
id like to raise it a little so what price will i be looking at for rear struts/springs -40?

quick replies if pos, im going back tomorrow in the dry to take a better look!!

cheers

[toby]

If it's too low at the back it may have been lowered with saloon springs (sounds likely in your case) - which aren't so sturdy on the rear - or the rear subframe bushes may have collapsed.

New spring kits (lowered 35/40mm) can be bought from GSF or Eurocarparts for around £80 and rear shocks about £60 for both.

My touring is lowered 35mm and I have few problems.

[sp82]

it was like riding on a trampoline, i banged my head twice while taking a ride in it, it was that stiff, so would i be looking for bushes?
what price would i be looking at for a full poly bush kit?

[toby]

Forget poly bushes unless you won't less grip and noise vibrating into the cabin.

Rear subframe bushes are a £250 garage job. Use genuine BMW bushes.

From what you say it's hard to tell what the problem is with the car. On the one hand you say it's like a trampoline, which would suggest it's soft but you say it's hard on the other hand. Maybe it's been lowered too much and you'll have to change springs and dampers.

[sp82]

sorry mate, its stiff as fook, every little pebble on the road makes the car jump.
it that low you cant see the top 1 1/2" of the alloy, its up inside the arch.

[toby]

It will be new springs and possibly shocks then.

[snoops]

check the tire pressures, mine was like this when I picked it up then when I checked the tire pressures which where 50psi!!? I lowered the psi and it was better even though mines lowered around 80+mm

[sp82]

also, where do i get some factory looking side skirts?
new boot carpet?

cheers