E30 Touring Suspension Conundrum

Post Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:07 pm

I've just acquired a '91 320i touring that is in serious need of a suspension upgrade.

I have it on good authority that this age 320 touring uses the thicker 51mm strut.

It would seem that not all suspension manufacturers list kits specifically for this application.

This being the case, would a normal 325 saloon suspension kit bolt straight on?

If not, what are the differences? damping rates? Spring rates? Spring lengths?

Any help would be much appreciated

Post Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:52 pm

HI mate,

dont even think of using saloon rear suspension on a Touring. People have done it including me and the result is not good.

A few people including myself have fitted the H&R Cup kit from a Carbiolet on the Touring with brilliant results.

Ive used my car on the track and the balance of the car is so nuetral.

Ride height is very practical, I have no issues with any speed humps even with an iS spoiler fitted. Car still carries alot of weight without arse sitting on the floor.

Hope this helps

Sal
E30Zone Shop

Post Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:46 pm

M5pilot wrote:HI mate,

dont even think of using saloon rear suspension on a Touring. People have done it including me and the result is not good.

A few people including myself have fitted the H&R Cup kit from a Carbiolet on the Touring with brilliant results.

Ive used my car on the track and the balance of the car is so nuetral.

Ride height is very practical, I have no issues with any speed humps even with an iS spoiler fitted. Car still carries alot of weight without arse sitting on the floor.

Hope this helps

Sal
E30Zone Shop

Pilot, any chance you have pics of your car and it's ride height? I heard that you could also use spring pads to raise the height a bit.

Post Sat Mar 11, 2006 9:21 am

This is gcorky's car

This is my car (rubbish pic)

Your idea of springs pads is ok but the spring rates are all wrong and it will be a bounce castle at the back with saloon springs.

Post Sat Mar 11, 2006 9:22 am

I'm getting some better pictures today with 205/55 tyres. The picture above has 205/50's and hence the wheels look a little small.

Post Sat Mar 11, 2006 11:52 am

Oy Sal! Is that you? You never told me we have the same car (in the same color, no less)!

Cheers,

Kamal

Note: If you (M5pilot) are not Sal, my apologies

Post Mon Mar 13, 2006 9:20 am

M5 Pilot, Thanks for the prompt answer - Much appreciated.

Sorry for my slow reply, I've only just got back to my PC.

Am I right in saying that it is not the dampers that are the issue and that it is just to do with the spring rates needing to be stiffer for touring?

If the damping rate is ok, then could any saloon dampers be used with a set of touring rated springs? Has any one tried this?

Post Mon Mar 13, 2006 9:44 am

I am Sal.

Anyway, rear touring suspension uses stiffer springs and shocks which are more uprated.

I have tried saloon shocks and it wasnt good, and ive tried saloon springs and that certainly doesnt do much good.

Post Mon Mar 13, 2006 10:23 am

Ok, cheers for the advice M5pilot.

Will have to have a look see which manufacturers do a kit specifically for a tourer/cabrio. Then see which offers best performance/price compromise.

Thanks again for help.

Post Mon Mar 13, 2006 10:34 am

M5 pilot, whart was the rear saloon shox like?
I have just got some m tech rear shox for a 325 touring which are the same part number as the saloon?
What probs did you have asd i would like to avoid having to change things more than once!