suspension overhaul woes

[ItalianM3]

First off, great site with plenty of reading, I have done plenty of searching already, its a bit of a habit after spending most of my time on S14.net and bmwccuk forum!

First off the car is an E30 320is, as far as I am aware all the suspension parts, bushes etc... are all original items from 1989.

The car will remain my everyday road car with I hope the occasional track day and if I am really lucky some Nurburgring action next year (2006)

First things I need to get done is the gear shifter parts. From other peoples storys I dont think that I really want any of this short shifter nonsense, it seems that the stock setup with all new parts would be fine as I have been driving it like it is for coming on two years and it feels like mashmallows now!

The next important things to do will be the bushes as these are all original and then the shocks and springs.


Starting with the Bushes, I have been reading on here that most people seem to be concerned that when you are lowering your car say 35mm (H&R springs) you are upsetting your camber and your tyres will start lasting around 2000 miles. My concerns are if I go for the eibach and H&R combo will I have these problems if I keep the bushes standard or poly NON Eccentric?
My main goal is to create a good road car I am not to concerned about absolute ride quality, if I wanted that I would get a Rolls Royce.

So thats just a few qestions for starters.

My list so far is:

E46 M3 Cab rear top mounts Ԛ£14.00 each
E30 M3 engine/gearbox mounts (originals still on the car)
New gearstick parts

Any and all opinions much apreciated.
regards

Luke

[Jhonno]

dont think you'll run into any probs -35mm

mine is running lower than that with no camber/wear issues

[kam-325i]

The main problem is with the rear end, As you lower the rear end, it increase's the negative camber, causing accelerated inside tyre wear. The rear suspension design does not allow for the adjust of the camber, so what some people do is the fit camber correction bushes in the training arms.

[ItalianM3]

Thanks guys, I probably wont have any problem going with the H&R springs and Bilstein shocks. With the E46M3 cab top mounts, is it just for the rears or should you use these on the front aswell? I found two part numbers on the online etk I dont know which one is the one.

33504035931

33526754096

[Jhonno]

its just rears you need to use

[GDBN]

Hi there .... as far as the front bushes go get the Polyflex bushes. Having myself just changed the control arm bushes to the Polyfles eccentric I cannot understand why anyone would use the standard concentric bush. As long as they fit and I'm sure thay will - you will notice a HUGE difference in handling with them. I had the steering reset by a mechanic today and the steering feels absolutely fantastic.

G

[ItalianM3]

Well I have gone with the Powerflex eccentric control arm bushes up front,
The H&R 60/40 cupkit and the H&R ARB's,
I will also be doing the front topmounts standard (31331139452) @ Ԛ£68.50 each from BMW,
the Rear topmounts e46 cab (M3?) (33504035931) @ Ԛ£27.80 each from BMW,
M3 engine mounts (11812225598) @ Ԛ£57.50 each from BMW
rear trailing arm bushes (33329061945) @ Ԛ£20.90 each side from BMW
and rear subframe bushes (33311129144) @ Ԛ£19.90 each.

Would anybody be able to tell me if I have the right parts and prices just to be sure, and also if there are any gaskets that I need.

Thanks in advance

Luke

[jpboost]

looks like a reasonable list to me.

you may want to replace the Anti Roll bar links too (they are pretty cheap). although these may come with the H&R kit?

I'm about to do most of the stuff you've listed on my m3, but I've gone for poly trailing arm bushes, instead of the standard ones.

You may also want to check/replace your gearbox mounts. mine were absolutely knackered. one was split and the other was not far behind it!

[Jhonno]

with the drop links.. ive heard of using the e46 ones to create an angle closer to 90 degrees making the roll bar more effective.. as they are longer.

worth replacing them tho i would say, they are a ball joint so will wear

[Jhonno]

they arent inc in the h&r kit btw

[ItalianM3]

Thanks my mistake leaving off the stabiliser links, will be doing them aswell as the tie rod ends maybe.

The gearbox mounts I am still finding out about, apparentley it is better to fit the e24 M635csi mounts as these are stiffer and are much better for the driveline life, all that is needed is do drill the 6mm holes to 8mm on the carrier, I will let you know the outcome.

[Simon13]

i fitted E36 M3 rear roll bar drop links, not too sure of the difference they are supposed to have. but they are very similar and fit perfect like normal E30 ones.

What wheels are u running mate? that cupkit is low. And anything too big and wide on the back will cause rubbing probs with rear passengers etc

[ItalianM3]

I'm on 15" BMW basketweaves with 205/55 R15 eagle F1's. This should be alright I hope.

How Low is LOW, I want it to be usable around town and with passengers, should I have gone for the 35mm springs?
Sal said that the drop on the 60/40 was not to low.

Main thing I want is good compromise for road and track without turning the car into a lowrider.

[GDBN]

I have the H&R 60/40 cup kit on my cab and it is not too low at all.
I have had 3 in the back with no problems at all apart from them not having enough room !!!
You should also buy the gasket for the rear mounts.Be around Ԛ£1 each I presume.

G

[Simon13]

i'm saying about rubbing because with my 16x8 alpina's on the rear as they have offset of et28 they rub at the top of the arch. this is with just me in the car and hardly any weight in the boot!

if u have hartges or bbs i expect u will be fine!

[GDBN]

I have 15" BBS with 205/55 tyres and no issues at all ......
Looks like this ....



G

[Simon13]

yeah look at my car, been on 2 days so have not had time to settle even! and it's on the floor

[GDBN]

That with the 60/40 kit ??? Blimey that's low !!
Actually looks like a 40/60 kit to me !!!!
You happy with it ???

G

[Simon13]

it's the 60/40 cupkit springs on their own with better dampers!

One off deal from the zone shop for the springs.

Am i happy not sure yet. Need to replace a knacked track rod end to really see what it's like!

[ItalianM3]

That with the 60/40 kit ??? Blimey that's low !!
Actually looks like a 40/60 kit to me !!!!
You happy with it ???

G

You see, it's quotes like that making me worried my car is going to be a lowrider with a tendancy to snap the back end out rather than a progressive slide if the situation arises!

[Simon13]

no no H&R springs are progressively wound. U will still no when the back is going.

I can only comment for the h&R 35mm springs as i've had them on for 10,00miles and they are brilliant.

i have had these cupkit springs on for 2 days and about 10miles so need time to play to see what they are really like! Theres less roll for sure. Making me drive toooo fast round some of my favourite bends!

If u are going from tired m-tech to a new cupkit, u will find the threshold of the arse end going will be raised to alot higher speeds than before

[ItalianM3]

Good to hear, I hope to have all parts by after christmas, then a quick installation and most probably a transformed car!

Then work and wait patiently for the summer Nurburgring trip!!

Thanks alot guys for your input, and more pics or comments would be great.

I hope I can be of assistance some time.

Luke

[Simon13]

my car at the ring this summer with the old 35mm h&r's was excellent and a pleasure to drive round there at any speed i could!

[ItalianM3]

One more thing, does anybody have pics of the Powerflex control arm bushes installed, just need something to look at before I install them. Thanks