Suspension set-up

[Vincent97]

Hi guys I have a 1990 facelift E30 320i and was just wondering if there are any specific differences regarding suspension set-up on the later cars? I am looking to lower the car and want struts and springs.

Thanks.

[tha881]

Being a 320i you need to check the diameter of the front struts before buying shocks. If its a touring, cab or specced with m-tec suspension when new it will have 51mm struts. Otherwise they are most likely 45mm. Bilstein shocks are the usual choice, there are several depending on your budget.

As for springs people usually reccomend h&r or eibach. You will need to check they are the right fitment for your bodystyle and year. How much are you looking to lower it?

[Vincent97]

Great I'll check them out, its a saloon so I guess the 45mm then. Looking to lower 30-40mm all round.

[BHadley]

Visual look at the front strut, if it looks slim it's the 45mm with external coller, if it looks a fair size it's the 51mm with internal coller.

Failing that wrap some string round the strut to measure.

Would be a pain to order the wrong ones and have to pay return postage to get the right ones

[Vincent97]

Cheers for the help!