Yet another suspension thread, but what the hell...

[Dr Firefly]

I know I should use the search function, but to be honest I just want a simple answer.

Longterm I'm going to convert to M3 hubs etc, so this is just temporary.

If (big if there) I pass my Finals exams in a couple of weeks, as a reward to myself I'm thinking of spending around £200 on suspension to lower my 320i to about the Mtec levels (25mm drop?).

What's my best option? Details would be good - ie the exact name of what I'd order in terms of shocks and springs. Any chance of getting uprated anti-roll bars for that budget aswell or would I just end up buying cheap crap?

Really should be just saving up for the inner and outer rear arches and quarter panels I need at some point, but just fancy a bit of fun to be honest.

[dann-p]

As a cheap option get yourself to GSF and buy a set of lowering springs (35-40mm) and replace the standard shocks with gas shocks. Pointless putting new springs on knackered old shocks, and this option should give you a bit of change to start buying some polybushes for the front to improve your steering response.

Obviously wont be the absolute best handling E30 around but depending on the state of your suspension now will make a drastic improvement and give a good compromise between handling and comfort.

Suspension is a personal thing (of sorts), so different people will have different opinions on whats best, but rest assured whatever you do if you are replacing saggy old parts with shiny new ones you will see an improvement.

[Brianmoooore]

should give you a bit of change to start buying some polybushes for the front to improve your steering response.

You certainly don't want this rubbish on any road going E30!

[Dr Firefly]

Just looked up the prices of panels that I'm going to need - £915!!!! So I think I'm going to hold off on the unnecessary upgrades on second thoughts....

[georob]

Can you not use 2nd hand panels to save costs?

[abelai]

The inner arch panel is about £70 a side from bmw repair panels for arch are £35 for post 87 and £15 pre 87 are you sure you need the whole rear quarter as thats very expensive £250 ish and some people don't recommend replacing the whole quarter unless really needed as it can cause more problems than it solves. As for dampers bilstien b8 are the ones to have for a road car and will swap over to the m3 struts later.