Optimum suspension setup

[satty]

Hi all,

Im gonna be buyin a 318iS or 325i sport soon and was gona change the suspension as soon as i get 1. I've heard a good setup is:

>Fully adjustable Koni shocks all round &
>Eibach 30MM lowering springs all round..

Then change the front bushes for E30 M3 ones and they are fixed and more tough, then possibly change the suspension mounts (rear) for E46 M3 Convertible types, for the best tight setup.

is this a good setup? bcoz, i really wanted to lower the new car by 40MM on 15" BBS's, but heard that it will cause too much negative camber? and wear the tyres out quicker?

can any help??

[M5pilot]

Glad you started this thread.

Before choosing a suspension kit you have to decide what the car is going to be used for. Is it track or road use or a bit of both?

You've clearly stated that you want 40mm lowering. Going this low will not have too much of a detremental effect on -ve camber so dont worry.

If the car is to be used on road you do NOT want anything too hard. Koni's are not required as anything over minimum setting gives quite a hard ride and over our UK bumpy roads all that's going to be achieved is loss of grip. Koni's also have a bit of a reputation of not lasting as long as other well known dampers.

For road use Eibach, H&R or KW 35-40mm springs are ideal. Both KW and H&R do 40mm lowering kits with reduced stroke dampers which are ideal for road use. Both of these options are not that expensive.

If you have a bigger budget then you should go for Bilstein B8 sprint dampers with any of the above mentioned springs. The Eibach's are the most expensive and also the softest. KW's and H&R's are a little harder but still ideal for road use.

My personal suggestion would be to use H&R Anti Roll bars with either:

1) Small budget - KW or H&R 40mm kits - £325
2) Bigger budget - Bilstein B8's with H&R springs. - £450+

All of these high quality suspension parts are available through the E30ZoneShop.

If your car is going to see track work then just go for H&R or KW Coilovers.

Thanks
Sal

[oze30]

So sal, in a touring, with the billies I have, eibach or H&R springs? Mainly road use, and it will have a heavier engine in the front?

[m-dtech]

im tempted to go for the coil-overs.

if you want a smooth ride buy a bently.

mmm bone shaker !

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Mine has a 35mm drop, does wear tyres out on the inside quicker. Wouldn't change it for the world though!!

[M5pilot]

So sal, in a touring, with the billies I have, eibach or H&R springs? Mainly road use, and it will have a heavier engine in the front?

Your engine - is it heavier than an S50 engine? If it's there about then use H&R 30mm springs. Ian Haynes uses 35mm springs on his sport with his S50 and the ride height is spot on. He also has Bilsteins.

Sal

[M5pilot]

im tempted to go for the coil-overs.

if you want a smooth ride buy a bently.

mmm bone shaker !

You'll be surprised at how good the ride is with H&R Coilovers. Ask Miniblob and Nadeem (E30 M3). No crashiness, quite firm but very comfortable.

Sal