I have a 1989 318i with standard suspension. I am interested in improving the handling but don't really want to lower by as much as 40mm and I understand that just using 40mm lowering springs really messes up the ride.
I have driven a 318is and really like the suspension setup. What do I need to put the same setup on my car? (I'm hoping to get the parts from a 318is or 325i Sport) Does it require changing to rear discs? If I want to buy new gas shocks for this setup, which are the best?
Thanks
M-TECH Suspension Conversion
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orangecurry
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M-tech is 15mm drop only I believe (the German engineers knew what they were doing when it comes to handling), but up to 25mm doesn't do much harm
ask Motormec.co.uk what they recommend for springs - Boge gas turbo shocks are allegedly the best
ask Motormec.co.uk what they recommend for springs - Boge gas turbo shocks are allegedly the best
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orangecurry
- E30 Zone Addict
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- Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2005 11:00 pm
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...shocks, but ask Motormec about a good combination.
I've dropped my 325 with AVO/chassis dynamics spring set just 25mm, though the effect looks like a Hartge setup - almost the same at the back as it was, but lower at the front, (and have kept the original shocks for now)
Handling is better, but the ride is still acceptable on real roads. The only downside is that it's difficult to get my jack under the front of the car for swopping wheels over!
I've dropped my 325 with AVO/chassis dynamics spring set just 25mm, though the effect looks like a Hartge setup - almost the same at the back as it was, but lower at the front, (and have kept the original shocks for now)
Handling is better, but the ride is still acceptable on real roads. The only downside is that it's difficult to get my jack under the front of the car for swopping wheels over!
Ive done this to my 320, for the same reasons as you.
you need front struts off a 318is or 325sport. You can use your original calipers and disks as theyre the same. if you dont have ABS you can remove the wheel speed sensors. Assuming the struts are in good condition and dont have lowering springs in them, then you can just swap them for your old struts. and they give you about 15mm to 25mm drop - depending on how high your original ones made the car sit.
Beware of fcuking up the ball joints threads when trying to get the struts on/off.
Also helps if you read the manual first and undo the ARB links...
As for the rear:
the shocks are firmer gas Bilsteins I think and are slightly shorter (on full extension) than stock ones. They just bolt on
Ive yet to get round to swapping over the rear springs due to limited time, but the car feels nice and firm, without being a go-kart. The rear of mine is already pretty compressed as it was used for towing, so I doubt the sport springs will make any difference to height.
Also worth doing at the same time is getting a 19.5mm sport ARB (front) and fitting a rear ARB too.
Hope this helps.
you need front struts off a 318is or 325sport. You can use your original calipers and disks as theyre the same. if you dont have ABS you can remove the wheel speed sensors. Assuming the struts are in good condition and dont have lowering springs in them, then you can just swap them for your old struts. and they give you about 15mm to 25mm drop - depending on how high your original ones made the car sit.
Beware of fcuking up the ball joints threads when trying to get the struts on/off.
Also helps if you read the manual first and undo the ARB links...
As for the rear:
the shocks are firmer gas Bilsteins I think and are slightly shorter (on full extension) than stock ones. They just bolt on
Ive yet to get round to swapping over the rear springs due to limited time, but the car feels nice and firm, without being a go-kart. The rear of mine is already pretty compressed as it was used for towing, so I doubt the sport springs will make any difference to height.
Also worth doing at the same time is getting a 19.5mm sport ARB (front) and fitting a rear ARB too.
Hope this helps.