lowering me 318i - any suggestions.

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muleskinner
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Post Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:15 pm

can anyone advise what shox and springs to use on my beemer and how low would advise going with the intention of fitting 17" replica alpina alloys.

Ive got a budget of a Ԛ£1000.00 so i need to be carful what i buy , but i dont want to buy shite...

cheers mule.
stulane
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Post Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:41 pm

Ive got a budget of a Ԛ£1000.00 so i need to be carful what i buy , but i dont want to buy sh*t...
Nice budget* guess thats a typo

35mm is a nice ride height and it'll handle pretty well. You may need to do some work lowering by 60mm on 17"s.

If your standard shocks are in good condition, you could get away with just changing the springs, get them on ebay or on here as used are just as good as new.
If you need shocks, get new ones. I bought used before and one lasted about a month.
muleskinner
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Post Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:44 pm

cheers for that. me budget is for wheels , suspension , etc etc.

Thanks Mule.
stulane
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Post Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:47 pm

Replicas should set you back about Ԛ£450-Ԛ£550 (dependant on tyre choice)

Shocks and springs
New from about Ԛ£250 full set
Used from about Ԛ£100

Springs
Used ~Ԛ£30

Anyone feel free to comment on those prices.
Hyperion
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Post Tue Aug 23, 2005 2:59 pm

i am also thinking of going the lowering route later. i was thinking 35mm aswell. my brother got his nissan dropped 40mm, but on normal shocks, even if it looks cool it is not that great on ride seems "bouncey" ?!?because it is 40mm springs on standard shocks , gives the the shocks 40mm less travel ..i think?!?! :?

my question is that can the 5mm difference between 40 and 35 spings make a big difference?

or even if i just get 35mm springs should i go and buy 35mm specific shocks aswell..

any ideas?
M5pilot
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Post Tue Aug 23, 2005 3:07 pm

Go for the H&R full suspension kit with 35mm lowering all round.

You can buy this on the zone shop (click zone shop button at top).

Buying 2nd hand suspension is always a risk, you just dont know how long its going to last.
stulane
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Post Tue Aug 23, 2005 9:01 pm

I agree, If you have the money, buy the shocks and springs. If you are on a tight budget, you could keep the standard shocks and then upgrade them later but it wont be as good.

Remember its quite a lot of effort to change the front springs/shocks so its best to do it all at once.