318is standard or uprated suspension

[E30smith]

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum, so looking forward to hearing your advice and recommendations for my project.

I have a 1990 318is that I've had for a while now and plan to slowly restore / rebuild over the next few years. It's totally standard which I like and want to remain as much as possible.

My first question is regarding suspension kits. I want to replace the complete suspension as its still the original and has become very tired. Do I replace with genuine BMW / Mtec or go with an uprated aftermarket system? I want to keep the ride height close to the original spec, but happy to drop a little to improve performance. Any advice welcome as I'm pretty green with this sort of stuff.

Thanks in advance.

Jason

[flybynite]

Welcome to the mad house There will soon be an onslaught for requests of photographs It's the price of advice here

As for suspension it really comes down to your preference and what you use the car for.

IMHO having an 'i.s.' the choice is between standard mtech springs with either OE or B4 shock absorbers or

The Bilstein B12 kit (eibach springs and B8 shocks) in which case I would add the eibach ARBs

Depends if you are using it a lot for daily cruising or a bit of spirited driving. I daily drove mine for nearly 10 years on the Koni equivalent to the B12 with no issue, (but roads had fewer pot holes then)

[E30smith]

Thanks for the reply. Looking forward to the fun and game.

Just looking at the B12 kit - it say 40mm lower. Its probably that now after 31 years on the same springs? Food for thought.

I just tried to add a pic, can you just cut and paste?

[onthames]

Thanks for the reply. Looking forward to the fun and game.

Just looking at the B12 kit - it say 40mm lower. Its probably that now after 31 years on the same springs? Food for thought.

I just tried to add a pic, can you just cut and paste?

To add a pic add it to attachments then press the inline thingy

I think its up to 40mm, 318is is pretty light. Might be higher. Either way the b12 pro kit is the way to go apparently. I'm looking at one myself.
Keep us updated

[E30smith]

Hopefully that picture works. This was taken a while back now, so not quite as neat.

As mentioned before, i wan to keep the car looking as standard as possible, but uprate where possible without changing the overall look. I think 30 -40mm drop of B12 set up wouldn't look too back at all.

[flybynite]

Yep that works, but when you attach the photo you can then "place inline" and it puts it where you want . Other wise it just adds it to the bottom of the post as an attachment.

Tidy 318is there, good thing not to mess too much.

Just remember the drop figures quoted are from standard, the 318is was already a bit lower. The B12 is not vastly lower than the mtech springs so you would only be lowering 15-20mm from standard, which sould suit what you are doing.

Sometimes facelifts look a bit better with the thicker spring pads at the back as the arch is lower

[E30smith]

Thanks for the advice on the pic..

Just reading a bit more and see people are recommending the Bilstein B4 with Eibach pro kit springs. Same ride height at the B8's but slightly softer. The roads around here are pretty bad, so am wondering if this would be a better option?

[flybynite]

Just reading a bit more and see people are recommending the Bilstein B4 with Eibach pro kit springs. Same ride height at the B8's but slightly softer. The roads around here are pretty bad, so am wondering if this would be a better option?

B4 is similar to standard and made for standard ride height springs. B6 is slightly stiffer but still made for standard height springs.

B8 is same stiffness as B6 but slightly shorter to cope with lowered springs (like the Eibach pro).

You can use whatever combination you like but personally I use the stuff as it is designed to be used together. If you are worried about pot holes then B4/mtech springs are the way to go

[rix313]

I have lost count of the customers I have supploed the B4 damper and Eibach spring combination to. I run it on my road car 318iS and its a great set up on sensible stance, performance and comfort. The iS was lower as standard so the stated -30mm of the prioline spring is actually only 15mm lower on an iS so is barely noticable anyway. I also have the B12 kit on another car, the ride isn't a great deal harsher to be honest but it is a track car so the better valving is apparent in that environmeny.

[martauto]

Welcome to the mad house There will soon be an onslaught for requests of photographs It's the price of advice here

And we all need to see more of this fine car please .

Mart.