Hartge's Views on Suspension

Post Fri Apr 15, 2005 10:54 pm

bryn_p wrote:
The best I had was my mint 1990 325i Sport on original M-Tech stuff. It handled brilliantly and had a nice ride too. The only thing better I've driven is my M5, but that has EDC which is Ãƒ”šÃ‚£500 a corner

Cheers,
Bryn.

Says it all really! Mtec stuff is actually very very good if its in good nick.

Post Fri Apr 15, 2005 11:04 pm

Yeah it was in the top 3 of my possible choices. How much are Mtech shocks these days and would they suit a car as low as mine?

Post Fri Apr 15, 2005 11:13 pm

Your thinking of shocks only? I think you should change the whole lot to something that works well together.

If your ride height doesnt bother you then you really need to get a H&R Cup kit.

Post Fri Apr 15, 2005 11:14 pm

Adammcf wrote:Yeah it was in the top 3 of my possible choices. How much are Mtech shocks these days and would they suit a car as low as mine?

ure car looks a lot like mine.... get a cup kit,,,, u wont regret it for a second.... if u dont like it i'll buy it of u LOL

Post Sat Apr 16, 2005 11:16 am

M5pilot wrote:Your thinking of shocks only? I think you should change the whole lot to something that works well together.

If your ride height doesnt bother you then you really need to get a H&R Cup kit.

But the cup kit doesnt come with the sport bilstein dampers.

Andrew

Post Sat Apr 16, 2005 11:18 am

What gets me Sal is Alpina's are renowed for their supple ride, but taut handling. They are famous for finding that balance, on all their cars

Post Sat Apr 16, 2005 11:19 am

What dampers dies it exactly come with then?

Post Sat Apr 16, 2005 11:19 am

Demlotcrew wrote:
M5pilot wrote:Your thinking of shocks only? I think you should change the whole lot to something that works well together.

If your ride height doesnt bother you then you really need to get a H&R Cup kit.
But the cup kit doesnt come with the sport bilstein dampers.

Andrew

doesnt matter cos they are matched to the springs anyway as they are specifically revalved to h&r spec!

the billie sports like u have are useful as u can use them with whatever springs u chose

Post Sat Apr 16, 2005 11:20 am

M5pilot wrote:What dampers dies it exactly come with then?

revalved bilstiens painted silver.

springs are black

Post Sat Apr 16, 2005 11:42 am

Karan wrote:
M5pilot wrote:What dampers dies it exactly come with then?
revalved bilstiens painted silver.

springs are black

Half gas, half oil dampers, they are good, but they are not upside down like the sports. But like Karan said they are matched to the springs which is what makes them a good buy.
Andrew

Post Sat Apr 16, 2005 2:29 pm

Well to be different I have King Springs (Australian company) that I think are 1" lower than standard 323i (no idea about spring rates) and Koni adjustable dampers. I also have polyurethane(?) M3 type bushes on the front. I don't have much experience with other E30's but mine seems to handle ok, I can keep up with most cars arounds corners. Mine is probably a bit stiff for some people though (and after reading this thread maybe a bit too stiff for ultimate handling?). My father has a standard Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI and the ride is very similar although I think his has a little better control (probably due to the more sophisticated suspension). My 323i does seem to roll less though, at least from the pictures I have seen of both our cars in corners, which is surprising.

I have just got a pair of front camber and castor plates and rear camber and toe bushes that I will get fitted on Wednesday so I'll see how they go.

UPDATE: I just went out in my fathers Evolution VI again and maybe mine isn't quite that stiff, but it is close. I think they are similar at higher speeds but mine isn't quite as sharp at slower speeds.

Aston

Post Sun Apr 17, 2005 5:34 pm

I've just shelled out Ãƒ”šÃ‚£600.00 for a set of genuine brand new Mtech front and rear springs with standard Boge rear shocks. My car is a cabrio and I found not many places would offer springs for it as the fronts are slightly different to saloon and toruring.

I got the tow pack Mtech springs which I beleive are slightly stiffer again. I'm very pleased with the result but now need some anti roll bar bushes. reading the above I will specify M3 bushes now.

Cheers

Post Sun Apr 17, 2005 11:45 pm

these suspension threads are intrestring, because i am convinced for bilsteins sports but not sure which springs, maybe hr but want a more drop.

to throw another spanner

into the works how well would 9x16 rims all over with

front 215 40 16 tyres
rear 225 40 16 tyres

handle?

will it make the ride/handling better/rubbish or cant say?

any views on this setup?

Post Mon Apr 18, 2005 12:32 am

215/40 on the front might tramline a bit? Can you get prformance tyres in 215? Also I think 7 1/2 to 8 inches is all that is necessary for 225s?

I imagine 215/40s on the front would be fairly stiff if you have modified suspension, I don't know about the handling though.

Aston