E36 suspension (coilovers) onto an E30

[MarkF]

Hi guys,

For a while i have been thinking of ways to have a true coilover setup on an E30. As many of you know the E30 kits available have an adjustable height spring on the rear with a seperate shock.

I have been told/have read? that E36 front legs bolt onto an E30... Can anyone confirm this to be true? Also am i correct in thinking that E36's run a coilover setup on the rear, as opposed to seperate shock/spring.

If so this could be an option for the E30. I know the rear suspension turrets would require modifying/strengthening but i think this could be doable.

Any help would be great

cheers, Mark

[325iconv]

e36 front shocks wont go on as the shocks on the E30 have the hubs attached its like a sleeve that the shocker slides into,maybe if you could put a hub on from the e36 you might be able to do it but never really thought about it to look into it,I think the rears will probably work though

[Black_Potato]

There are several retail options out there...
http://www.larkspeed.com/index.pl?a=i&p=GAZGGA300A

Just to show one common choice for racers

[MarkF]

Thanks for the help folks. If E36 gear were to be used then it would have to be hubs also. As for the link posted, the setup is awesome but probably worth twice my cars value lol

[Elecblondie]

Also am i correct in thinking that E36's run a coilover setup on the rear, as opposed to seperate shock/spring.

E36s as standard have separate coil and damper at the rear.

[MarkF]

Also am i correct in thinking that E36's run a coilover setup on the rear, as opposed to seperate shock/spring.

E36s as standard have separate coil and damper at the rear.

Thats ruined my idea then lol! Do E46's run seperate shock and spring also?

[Elecblondie]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=33&fg=45

That would suggest so.

[MarkF]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=33&fg=45

That would suggest so.

I'll get my coat!!!

[kam-325i]

e36 front shocks wont go on as the shocks on the E30 have the hubs attached its like a sleeve that the shocker slides into,maybe if you could put a hub on from the e36 you might be able to do it but never really thought about it to look into it,I think the rears will probably work though

He is referring to the whole E36 front leg.

[maxfield]

What would you be wanting to achieve from E36 front struts as I can only see converting to 5 stud being an advantage?

[MarkF]

What would you be wanting to achieve from E36 front struts as I can only see converting to 5 stud being an advantage?

I thought E36's ran coilover rear setup as standard so was looking at that as a cheaper coilover option for a kit on the E30 but have given up on the idea now lol!

[maxfield]

Nope.

Although I would guess there is a way to make your own coil overs for the rear.

The same way as you do the front.

OR look here:

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... 21&start=0

[steerfromtherear]

Gaz sell proper rear coilovers for e30s as do a few other firms afaik.
As the e30 (or 36 for that matter) was never designed to have all of the forces put through the rear turret it is a weak area when fitting proper coilovers. Most the track e30s with full coilys have cages tied into this area and use uprated top mounts and/or strengthening plates.

Basically there are plenty of options just be aware youre not going to get a £200 hot tuning coilover kit for an e30 with proper coilover rears. You need to put some money/thought/effort in.