Suspension upgrades - Definitive answer required.

[pikanibbles]

I know this topic has been done to death, but I can't find a definitive answer despite using the search function. All I come across are opinions from people who have tried one package but no others or whos priorities are different than mine.

The dampers on my 325i are getting a little tired and I'm bored of the car looking like it's on stilts so it's the perfect time for an upgrade. My car is daily driven on typical shoddy A and B roads. I like a bit of sensible but spirited driving and my journey to work offers plenty of opportunity on twisty national speed limit sections. I may do a small number of track days in the future (2-3 per year maximum), though I consider the car to be mainly 'fast road' orientated. The car is standard weight and runs the factory option 7x15" BBS 'basket weaves' with 205/55/15 tyres. I've recently replaced the front control arms and fitted OEM M3 eccentric control arm bushes. I'm a mature, responsible driver and cornering attitude and feel are what I'm interested in, not drifting or other unsociable activities. Cost will not be the deciding factor between the kits listed, only performance. Uprated ARBs, quickrack and camber will come at a later date. For now I'm only interested in the springs and dampers.

My question is in four parts;

1. Given the above usage priorities can somebody who's got genuine experience of both the H&R Cup kit and the Bilstein B12 kit (with Eibach springs) comment on what they liked and disliked about each setup. How did the handling differ between them in terms of turn-in, understeer/oversteer, attitude response to mid-corner input adjustments, response to rough or uneven surfaces while cornering, ride quality, noise, etc?

2. Just how badly does a 60/40 drop (which I prefer for aesthetic reasons) compare to a 40 or 30mm drop in terms of comfort and the above situations from question 1.

3. Has anyone tried the H&R springs with Bilstein B6/B8 dampers?

4. It seems Alpina still list suspension kits for the E30. How do these compare to the above kits?

Finally, just to reiterate, I'm looking for objective findings from people with genuine experience of the kits listed, not what you've read on the internet. I'm only considering the brands I've listed due to quality and reputation reasons (not because I'm a brand snob... honest). I've discounted Konis for the moment as they are adjustable which just adds an extra complication to setting them up in my opinion. I ran old Minis for years and was never able to optimize adjustable set-ups to my satisfaction as I couldn't leave them alone!

All help greatly appreciated.

[pikanibbles]

H&R Cup v Bilstein B12; Nobody tried both setups?

[steve_k]

I've tried both set up's & I'm now on koni dampers & eibach springs,

Didn't find much difference between the h&r & the b12,

The h&r was firm but supple, used it on track once or twice & had no complaints,

A lot of it comes down to budget.

[pikanibbles]

Ok, thanks. Surprised to hear there's little difference.

[Duke137]

No.3 for road use mate and replace all the bushes instead, honestly anything else will compromise comfort on daily use. Here are some instagram shots of mine. You would be hard pushed to get a better road handling E30 with the above IMO.

[samuraibaz]

i run b8s with eibach springs with eibach adjustable arbs & its awesome & u only need 60/40 drop on convertibles

[DanThe]

If you want handling go for H&R with B8 dampers, it will be harsh on our crap roads if your car is used a lot, but thats the compromise you make.
The shorter B6 dampers (aka mtech-1) are softer and there is a considerable difference between them and the B8

Eibach springs are softer, H&R are stiffer, as you have 55 profile tyres they will be a bit more forgiving for your road going duties

[pikanibbles]

If you want handling go for H&R with B8 dampers, it will be harsh on our crap roads if your car is used a lot, but thats the compromise you make.
The shorter B6 dampers (aka mtech-1) are softer and there is a considerable difference between them and the B8

Eibach springs are softer, H&R are stiffer, as you have 55 profile tyres they will be a bit more forgiving for your road going duties

When you say harsh, would you say it could become unsettled on our rough roads? I'm not overly concerned about comfort, but I think with the condition of the roads these days I feel a certain amount of suppleness is required to maintain composure, rather than becoming unsettled or Skittish.

Everybody seems to be in favour of the bilsteins. Nobody rate the H&R dampers.

[DanThe]

If your driving quick and go over a series of potholes/broken tarmac then yes it will be unsettled, on a decent piece of road you wont have a problem, it all depends on road condition

H&R dampers are made by Bilstein AFAIK, the H&R coilovers I had certainly had Bilstein made dampers

[heathy325]

What are the h&r sport suspension kits like? Again just fast road use really also what drop is best is 60mm on the front too low with an m52 swap as the sump dose hang low in the car

[steve_k]

If your worried about the sump being to low then I would advise against a 60mm drop.

But if that's what you want then also go for a sump guard,

Can't comment on the h&r sports kit, but as dan says if you want a decent ride then go for the B8's & eibach's.

There's so many combinations of springs/dampers it gets confusing.

Just because one set up works for one person might mean it'll work for someone else,

It all comes down to personal choice & what type of "ride" you want.

[pnd]

ride quality on the h+r springs is excellent but I would go for the 35mm drop it will be at least that. Also h+r arb's transform these cars.

[heathy325]

B12 pro kits are listing two variations depending on front axle weight!! Either 825kg or 865kg would I be right in thinking the 825kg kit would be for the 4cylinder cars ie the 45mm strut ones and the 865kg one would be for the 6cylimder cars ie 51mm strut, have emailed deamontweeks but they just say check the car weight tag, my car also has the m52 in so would that alter what kit I need?

[Duke137]

ride quality on the h+r springs is excellent but I would go for the 35mm drop it will be at least that. Also h+r arb's transform these cars.

Truth.

[rich318i]

If you want handling go for H&R with B8 dampers, it will be harsh on our crap roads if your car is used a lot, but thats the compromise you make.
The shorter B6 dampers (aka mtech-1) are softer and there is a considerable difference between them and the B8

Eibach springs are softer, H&R are stiffer, as you have 55 profile tyres they will be a bit more forgiving for your road going duties

+1

[Carmo13]

I have been running the H & R 60 - 40mm Cup Kit on my Tech 1 for 6 months now and I would have no complaints. There are a fair amount of bumpy neglected roads here in Norfolk and never would I say the car has felt skittish at speed. The difference between the 30 year old standard sport suspension and the Cup Kit is that it has almost eradicated the wallow/lean under cornering and pitching/diving under acceleration/braking, the turn in is definitely more direct and the car sits/looks great in my opinion.
Also don't worry about these scare stories of sumps being smashed off. There is plenty of ground clearance.

[pikanibbles]

After much indecision I finally went for the H&R Cup kit in 60/40 flavor, with genuine BMW offset top mounts. Standard ARBs at the moment, but I may upgrade these later. Fitted the suspension today but I've only had time for a quick test drive so far.

Initial impressions are good. Ride is noticeably firmer than standard but certainly not uncomfortable, quite civilized in fact. My brother used to have a Mk1 Audi TT 225 and I would say the ride is better than that. Ground clearance at the sump still looks good, so I'm not sure what all of the fuss is about there. Very pleased so far. I plan to run it for a couple of weeks to let it settle before I get the alignment done. I've got an E46 Clubsport steering rack to fit in the meantime, probably next weekend. I'll report back on the handling after the alignment.