E30 Zone

Hi all, I currently have s50b32 in my e30 but need advice on suspension as I'm currently running standard shocks with lowered springs. I have 16 inch borbet a wheels with stretched tyres and the car sits a bit too low. What would you guys suggest. Thanks

bc coilovers

Changing to coilovers is a little extreme. I ran 325i Sport suspension with my S50 and although the car sat a little lower than standard (as the S50 is heavier) I had no issues. I also ran E30 M3 springs (from an aircon car) without issues.

With the bc coilovers don't you have to modify the front shocks?

you will have to cut the shock tubes and weld on the coilovers.
i would recommend using 45mm struts for this for a number of reasons;
1. the 45mm struts are cheaper and you can sell your 51mm ones to recoup some of the cost.
2. the 51 and 45mm coilovers are actually the same, only the thickness of the weld on sleeve is different so in essence the 45mm coilover is stronger.

if you using abs you will have to keep the 51mm struts

What weight of spring do you recommend baring in mind iam running an s50 motor. I have looked up bc coilovers and they do look very good for the money and also the reviews.

i've had a few sets on different e30's and rate them very highy.

depends on what kind of driving you would be doing tbh

BC coilovers are good, but not needed on a road car just because it's got an S50 fitted. If its a track car then yes, coilovers will be worth it.

If your car is on 51mm struts and lowered springs but is too low for your liking, then change the front springs for some that don't lower so much.

At the moment it doesn't and hasn't seen any track use but that's not to say It won't. Although I do like to drive it hard I am very sympathetic I.e I only drive it in the summer. I don't want to spend money if not needed but i do like having the option of adjusting the ride hight as the roads in and around somerset are awful. I also need advice on my manifold and exhaust at the moment I have a modified m3 manifold which has been crudely butchered and welded by my friend so that needs to be sorted also what performance exhausts are with looking in to? Any pictures or advice would be great.

jamesvp wrote: i do like having the option of adjusting the ride hight as the roads in and around somerset are awful.

You don't have to tell me about the roads down here! lol

Height adjustable suspension sounds great because of our shite roads, but you'll soon find yourself bored of adjusting it and it will get set at one height and left there.

I used a BTB exhaust manifold on mine (pics in the link below my sig pic) and I made my own exhaust. The BTB manifold was great but fucking expensive... it was the only choice when I did my conversion
There is the Predator manifold and system which is a good bit of kit. I think its around £1200-£1300 for manifold and system (the BTB is around £1500 just for the manifold!).

Where abouts in Somerset are you? As there are not many people with hands on experience local to me. Did you run standard suspension on your e30? I've heard about the btb manifold don't you have to provide them with a s50 manifold to modify?

jamesvp wrote:Did you run standard suspension on your e30? I've heard about the btb manifold don't you have to provide them with a s50 manifold to modify?

Yes, I ran standard 325i Sport Mtech suspension for a while. I say standard, but it had -15mm springs so was the same as a -30mm drop on non Mtech suspension. With the weight of the S50, it was about a 35-40mm drop on the front.

I then changed to E30 M3 suspension with a -40mm drop (so it was closer to -50mm) and it was fine - I would advise getting a sump guard though!

I sent you a PM by the way