Which suspension kit for a standard ride height rebuild?

Post Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:39 am

Ok guys,
I'm probably going to sound daft, but I'm considering a total overhaul of my cars suspension.
It's a standard 320i SE 4dr, 1990, 61k
Other than replacing bushes and other bits and bobs, I'm looking to replace the struts and springs.
Now, I'm not interested at all in a lowering kit, as I want the car to remain as OEM as possible.
Does anyone have recommendations as to which kit(s) I should look at to maintain a standard ride height, whether by personal experience or common consensus?
Many thanks
Andy

Post Thu Jul 24, 2014 1:33 pm

Note the round circular badge in the centre of your bonnet. Drive around until you spy a car dealership with a large version of the same badge adorning its premises. Go inside and ask for springs and dampers for your car.

Post Thu Jul 24, 2014 1:55 pm

Why on earth would a 61,000-mile E30 need replacement struts and springs?

Post Fri Jul 25, 2014 10:01 am

Why?
Because I'm contemplating a rebuild back to as near as new condition as I can, without going 'triller queen' concourse.
If you can point me in the direction of someone who can refurbish the originals, I'll gladly go for that.
Perhaps I should clarify, I don't want to grease the palm of the Main Stealers, I was hoping for some collective knowledge with regards to alternatives.
I guess I could have all the springs etc media-blasted and powder coated, but is there someone that could be recommended for strut refurbishment?

Post Fri Jul 25, 2014 10:09 am

24 years and 61k miles puts them past their best by quite a bit, I replaced leaky rear dampers an a 40k mile E30 only the other week

Refurbing the dampers is a waste of money, a set of new Bilstein B4's is as good/slightly stiffer than the original factory fitted stuff

Post Fri Jul 25, 2014 10:10 am

Cant you just get standard springs etc from ecp?

Post Fri Jul 25, 2014 10:27 am

Thanks for the ECP heads up, forgot about them!
Sachs springs are circa £30, struts £30-60 depending
Were SACHS OE on the E30?

Post Fri Jul 25, 2014 11:39 am

Sachs/Boge are the original OEM supplier of struts and shocks to BMW I believe.

ECP stock them, I saw some in a local branch literally 15 mins ago!

Post Fri Jul 25, 2014 11:55 am

Thank you my friend, I'll ring my local branch, much appreciated !

Post Fri Jul 25, 2014 1:19 pm

Car parts for less - same stuff as ecp, sometimes cheaper

Post Fri Jul 25, 2014 7:15 pm

Pisstaking and sarcasm aside, BMW stuff is too dear. I would opt for OE springs from your local factors such as KYB and fit new Boge Sach dampers. New standard springs will give a Giraffe ride height so perhaps a set of new IS springs. I imagine 4 new BMW springs would be around 200-250.

Post Fri Jul 25, 2014 8:21 pm

Thanks guys, taking this all in;
Not been able to make any calls as my mums been rushed into hospital...

Post Fri Jul 25, 2014 9:46 pm

Nothing too serious, I hope.

I had a 1987 320iSE with cheapo lowering springs fitted, which failed an MOT because the springs had sagged to a point where they were loose in the front struts when it was jacked up. Fortunately, I had a spare set of OEM springs from my first 1984 320i stashed in the back of the garage (from when I had it lowered!), and fitted them, which restored it to its former glory.

I would imagine that refurbing your original springs would be the best bet; you could do it yourself with a wire brush and a lick of black paint.

Post Fri Jul 25, 2014 11:19 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:Note the round circular badge in the centre of your bonnet. Drive around until you spy a car dealership with a large version of the same badge adorning its premises. Go inside and ask for springs and dampers for your car.

Must be the first time i lol'd at one of your posts!

Post Sat Jul 26, 2014 2:08 am

bss325i wrote:
Brianmoooore wrote:Note the round circular badge in the centre of your bonnet. Drive around until you spy a car dealership with a large version of the same badge adorning its premises. Go inside and ask for springs and dampers for your car.
Must be the first time i lol'd at one of your posts!

Brian has got a funny side to him. It's not the first time I've laughed at his posts

As for the springs, they should still be in good working order. It may be an idea to get them tested to see if they still are all at the correct spring rate

Faulkners can make springs to order if required to any spec you'd like