Suspension overhaul. I need to make some decisions.

[tomstickland]

My 318iS is long overdue for suspension rebuild. I've messed around with suspension kits in the past. However, I have no real desire to lower this car any more than the standard MTech kit.

I asked at the local dealership and it was over £1K for MTech replacement parts!

I've been looking on the net tonight and for around £300, 400, 500 area there's loads of off the shelf lowering kits,.
F K
H&R Cup
Koni
Bilstein
Avo
etc

I've just been looking on Euro car parts and they list genuine MTech dampers for £100 fronts and £80 rear. So that'd be £360 on shocks and then I can source springs for around £70. So that's over £400 on standard parts. That's a lot of money, and I'm not in a spending mood really.

Otherwise I can just stick Boge dampers in for around £160.

Too many options. I don't need to lower or stiffen. I've been very entertained on knackered old shite, so new will be twice as good I reckon. I'm going to replace all bushes at the same time, so it'll be a new car once I've finished.

So, what are opinions on Boge dampers on std 318iS springs versus H&R vs Koni?

[Simon13]

H&R is my vote on bilsteins, will be a touch lower, but the ride quality will remain as standard and the limits are raised alot higher

[andyborris]

I went with Boge sport spec and a set of 35mm lower springs from GSF and very pleased with them, firmer yet still rides comfortably. No problems with sped bumps and they cost £311.39 for 4 springs, Boge sport shocks F&R and top mounts.

Andy

[tomstickland]

Thanks for the info.
I'm going to do some buying this week. I've had a quick look round the internet via google. I'm prepared to spend £300-£450 on the springs+damper kit.

Best prices I've found so far from about 30 minutes of browsing are:
Koni SSK kit £332 at Autotint Design
Bilstein Streetline £207 at Europerformance
Bilstein B12 £460 at Europerformance

I'm looking into H&R cup kit prices. The zone shop page isn't working at the moment which is a pity. I've looked at the cached copy on Google and it looks like the cup kit is £350 at the zone shop.

What are opinions on the FK Hi Tec range? Europerformance have a kit on offer at £232.

I've also had a look at the Eurocarparts site.
Boge/Sachs dampers are £58 front & £32 rear, so £180 for all 4.
Bilstein dampers are £106 front & £80 rear, so £372 for all 4.
They sell Ventura springs for £27, so around £108 for springs, though I've no idea what Ventura are like.

GSF
SHOCK STRUT GAS BQ FR LH/RH are £52 each and rears for £30. So £164 for a set of four. Any idea what BQ means?


I've just been looking in the Haynes manual and can find no reference to rear subframe bush replacement. Am I missing something?

[M5pilot]

Zone Shop is down isnt it! Not good.

Do your research on the cheapest prices and exactly what you want then give us a call and we will beat the prices.

[tomstickland]

What are opinons on the Bilstein B12 kits?

[M5pilot]

Very very good.

Bilstein Sprint B8 Dampers with Venturi springs sprung to bilsteins spec.

Probably one of the best all round packages available but also one of the most expensive (very good reason).

[bigmattpowell]

BQ at gsf means "best quality". Usually a standard part then a BQ part for mo money.

[Templ8e30]

I've put Koni adjustable shocks on the Touring and while I love them they are quite hard. The adjustments range from firm to 'so fookin hard the tyre sidewalls absorb the bumps', so probably not for you.

I like Eibach springs as they retain the m-tech ride quality.

I'd go for Eibach or H+R springs with Bilstein or Sachs/Boge gas shocks from GSF or ECP

Cheers,

Iain T

[zinderz]

I was under the impression Ventura springs are used in the Bilstein sprint/streetline lowering kits, I guess they must be doing something right. I've just ordered a set for my cab, will be fitting this weekend.

[pnd]

I will repeat the advice that was given to me h+r cup kit new bushes and if you have any cash left h+r anti roll bars this is a step up from mtec in my opinion.

[tomstickland]

It's a 318iS though, so no H&R kit for it, from what I understand.

[Cava]

I've got a full set of mtech shocks and springs only six months old on my car that is being scrapped if your interested. And yes, you are right about the cost new

[Simon13]

tom the 318iS used a 325i sport suspension setup so a cupkit fits straight on, but it looks like Cava has saved the day for you!

[tomstickland]

The 325 will use different spring rates from the 318iS though.